Sewing Machines: Reviews

The Kenmore 15358 uses knobs and levers to change and adjust stitches. Experts say such mechanical machines aren't as precise or predictable as pricier electronic sewing machines. But in user reviews and professional… tests, the Kenmore 15358 is shown to be an excellent choice if you mainly want a reliable sewing machine for mending, home-deco projects and simple sewing projects. Reviews say the Kenmore is a solid performer on all functions, with an easy-to-use, one-step buttonhole. Owners say the Kenmore is a great starter machine. It's quiet and sews well through most fabric types (although we did read complaints that it doesn't do well on heavy jeans hems). Owners say that the owner's manual is particularly clear and easy to understand, making this a good beginner sewing machine.

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If you can spend a bit more, reviewers say a basic electronic sewing machine is a better choice than a mechanical machine. Electronic machines sew more consistent stitches, and take away guesswork when adjusting settings.… The Brother CS6000i has a one-step buttonhole function, and you can choose from seven different buttonhole styles such as a keyhole or eyelet. Settings are displayed on a small LCD screen. You get 60 basic and decorative stitches. Another nice feature is a basic walking foot attachment -- helpful for feeding several layers of different fabrics through the machine (such as when quilting). We found more than 400 glowing user reviews for this sewing machine.

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On up the price ladder, computerized machines add an even larger variety of practical and decorative stitches. The Singer Confidence 7470 has 173 built-in stitches, and you can adjust the width to 7 mm wide -- helpful if… you like to create decorate borders on ruffles, placemats or other projects. One big extra is an included alphabet, so you can create simple block-letter labels and monograms on your work. Owners say that bobbin loading is particularly simple, but some complain the machine itself is a bit heavy.

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Reviews of the Swiss-made Activa reinforce Bernina's reputation for quality sewing machines that produce consistent stitches and are easy to use. The price, however, is the obvious downside. In reviews, experts prefer… electronic machines to mechanical sewing machines; changing stitches or adjusting stitch length and width involves pressing a button rather than turning a less precise knob or lever. The Bernina Activa has an electronic display that shows settings. Included in the machine's memory is an automatic buttonhole setting and an embroidery alphabet for adding monograms. Bernina fans say this machine is worth the price for its outstanding reliability and build quality.

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In reviews, Pfaff sewing machines are popular among quilters for their built-in walking foot (Pfaff calls this feature IDT), which feeds layers of fabric evenly through the machine. A color touch screen makes it easy to… change and adjust stitches. The Pfaff sewing machine has 241 computerized stitches and four different alphabets for monograms, plus a very wide maximum stitch width of 9 mm. This sewing machine also has adjustable foot pressure, another good feature for quilters or others who work with different types of thicknesses of fabric.

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