Sewing Machine Upgrade
April 6, 2019 9:06 PM Subscribe
I have a fairly old basic machine and it lacks what I think are some basic features and making my already rusty skills even worse. What’s a good upgrade without going overboard?
I have the basic Brother LX2500 and lacks some features I need now that I’m wanting to do more sewing.
In addition to basic features (length, zigzag, buttonhole etc.) I’m looking for at least:
- Preferably Brother brand
- About $200
- Works with the brother snap on foot attachments
- Adjustable needle (left/right)
- Overlock stitch
- Blind Hem Stitch
- Stretch stitches
- Smooth and responsive petal/speed
- Not overly difficult to learn/operate
- Small/light enough to store in a closet
I think the Brother DZ2400 seems to tick those boxes with many extras that interest me. Is that a decent model? Or is there something around that price range with what I need included?
I have the basic Brother LX2500 and lacks some features I need now that I’m wanting to do more sewing.
In addition to basic features (length, zigzag, buttonhole etc.) I’m looking for at least:
- Preferably Brother brand
- About $200
- Works with the brother snap on foot attachments
- Adjustable needle (left/right)
- Overlock stitch
- Blind Hem Stitch
- Stretch stitches
- Smooth and responsive petal/speed
- Not overly difficult to learn/operate
- Small/light enough to store in a closet
I think the Brother DZ2400 seems to tick those boxes with many extras that interest me. Is that a decent model? Or is there something around that price range with what I need included?
Best answer: If you are specifically asking about Brother machines, I don't think you will notice a huge difference between the DZ2400 and the CS6000i. I actually prefer the CS rather than the DZ. The CS is the machine I use for my classroom machine (I am not associated in any way with Brother as a rep or ambassador) as it hits the perfect point for beginner/intermediate sewing - it is robust enough to be a machine you can grow with a bit without being so simple that you are always frustrated. And the price is right for people who are still feeling their way around the world of sewing machines.
Either of them will do the overlock, blind hem, and stretch stitches, but the overlock stitch I find just a little clumsy on both models, even with the overlock foot. It is fine, but just fine - not great.
As far as wear and tear goes, I usually get about three years of hard wear (like 100+ different students on any given machine) before things start to conk out on the CS600i. It is a little workhorse, especially for the money.
I don't know that the extra decorative stitches are worth it on the DZ unless you are into using them all the time. I don't use them except when I'm asked what they are for, so they aren't important to me and I think that they aren't executed particular well on either model anyway.
Both machines do a good buttonhole, have a good range for the needle position left/right, and are able to be used without the foot pedal if you like. I am seeing more and more people training themselves to use the button on the front of the machine rather than the pedal lately.
Now, if you were asking: "Which machine should I buy so that I can sew on it for the next 25 years with the fewest issues?" my answer would hands-down be the Pfaff Passport 3.0. It is a lot more than your budget, but the machine itself is just a joy to sew on.
Either of these machines will be fine for what you are asking and both of them will perform better than that LX. I think it is just asking whether you will use the extra decorative stitches on the DZ and which one you like the aesthetics of better.
posted by Tchad at 5:18 AM on April 7, 2019 [6 favorites]
Either of them will do the overlock, blind hem, and stretch stitches, but the overlock stitch I find just a little clumsy on both models, even with the overlock foot. It is fine, but just fine - not great.
As far as wear and tear goes, I usually get about three years of hard wear (like 100+ different students on any given machine) before things start to conk out on the CS600i. It is a little workhorse, especially for the money.
I don't know that the extra decorative stitches are worth it on the DZ unless you are into using them all the time. I don't use them except when I'm asked what they are for, so they aren't important to me and I think that they aren't executed particular well on either model anyway.
Both machines do a good buttonhole, have a good range for the needle position left/right, and are able to be used without the foot pedal if you like. I am seeing more and more people training themselves to use the button on the front of the machine rather than the pedal lately.
Now, if you were asking: "Which machine should I buy so that I can sew on it for the next 25 years with the fewest issues?" my answer would hands-down be the Pfaff Passport 3.0. It is a lot more than your budget, but the machine itself is just a joy to sew on.
Either of these machines will be fine for what you are asking and both of them will perform better than that LX. I think it is just asking whether you will use the extra decorative stitches on the DZ and which one you like the aesthetics of better.
posted by Tchad at 5:18 AM on April 7, 2019 [6 favorites]
If you can find refurbished model it may knock down the cost too... That's what I did.
posted by PistachioRoux at 5:20 AM on April 7, 2019
posted by PistachioRoux at 5:20 AM on April 7, 2019
Best answer: I also have and enjoy the CS6000i. It is very lightweight; I take it from my home to a friend’s place about once a month and it goes easily into the closet when I’m not using it. It comes with a cover, which is nice for keeping the dust off. I’ve never gone beyond the second row of stitches in 5 years of owning it, but it does buttonholes, straight, and zig-zag reliably and smoothly.
posted by assenav at 9:18 AM on April 7, 2019
posted by assenav at 9:18 AM on April 7, 2019
Response by poster: Well that seemed like enough of a consensus. I think I missed that model when I was looking. It’s now ordered!
posted by Crystalinne at 12:06 PM on April 7, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by Crystalinne at 12:06 PM on April 7, 2019 [1 favorite]
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