Sewing Machines

Mechanical sewing machines

The least expensive sewing machines are mechanical machines. These are the simplest type of sewing machine in terms of build, and if your mother had a sewing machine, it was a mechanical machine. These have knobs and dials to adjust the stitch length and width; other adjustments, such as presser-foot pressure and thread tension, are also made manually.

Until recently, sewing machine manufacturers have concentrated on making feature-laden computerized machines, adding bells and whistles to not only make sewing easier but to cater to the quilting and embroidery markets, which need special features (see our Quilting section below for more information). While reviews on the whole favor these fancier, electronic machines, a new crop of mechanical machines is emerging, capitalizing on affordability and portability, and catering to those who mainly want a machine for the basics. Interestingly, some owners praise the simple sewing machines for what they can’t do; many people don't want something fancy or expensive, and many don't need hundreds of stitch types or 15 types of buttonholes. Mainly what you're looking for in a basic sewing machine is good build quality -- in reviews, that translates to brand reputation. While the name "Singer" may spring to mind, reviewers say that inexpensive Singer sewing machines are now made in Asia, just like most other inexpensive Kenmore, Baby Lock and White sewing machines, so Singer machines are no better than others in this respect.

The most thorough tests of sewing machines say mechanical models aren't as easy to use as pricier electronic machines, and note they may take a lot of trial and error to get the thread tension right. They are missing helpful features now found on electronic machines, such as a needle up/down feature, which allows you to raise or lower the needle with the push of a button instead of cranking a fly wheel. Electronic machines can also create dozens of identical buttonholes and allow you to make quick alterations to the length and width of decorative stitches. The also offer dozens or even hundreds of stitches compared to the fourteen or sixteen stitches you'll find on a mechanical machine.

Even so, the basic features on mechanical sewing machines are enough for students, casual users or anyone else not wanting to spend $400 or more for an entry-level electronic sewing machine. In fact, reviews say some expensive "basic" machines are over-rated. The Bernina 1008 (*est. $850) and Elna 3007 (*est. $550) are two of the best-known mechanical machines, and they are staples in classrooms. But they are no longer particular favorites in reviews.

In reviews, the Bernina 1008 is said to sew well, but it's heavy and noisy compared to others, and it has a tendency to vibrate when stitching at faster speeds. The Bernina 1008 has about 21 stitches, including a straight stitch, zig, a couple of stretch stitches, a blind hem and several decorative stitches. But buttonholes are a six-step process, a feature criticized in reviews. Most machines -- even inexpensive mechanical machines -- now have a one-step buttonhole, which alleviates most of the guesswork and makes it more likely you'll be able to create consistent buttonholes.

The Elna 1010 (*est. $450) is another classic mechanical machine, but it too is behind the times, with a four-step buttonhole. Elna has now upgraded this model, and it's now the Elna 2110 (*est. $450), but it still has a four-step buttonhole. We didn't see this model in tests.

Another Elna machine, the Elna 2005 (*est. $300), does have a one-step buttonhole but is criticized for vibrating too much at faster speeds. In our earlier report, we pointed out that testers also reported that its stretch stitch was "temperamental," occasionally skipping stitches. Higher-end electronic and computerized Bernina and Elna sewing machines -- like the Elna 6003Q (*est. $1,250) get better reviews than entry-level mechanical machines.

The Brother Pacesetter PS 3700 series (*est. $325) performs well in comparison tests. This machine has 20 stitches and a one-step buttonhole attachment. This model is pricey compared to some others, but since it's only sold by Brother dealers, you'll likely get a lesson or two on using it -- part of the bonus of buying from a sewing machine dealer as opposed to online or in a chain store.

There are several less expensive Brother mechanical machines that receive good owner ratings. These are sold in chain stores, and while you won't get free sewing lessons with them, they cost less. The Brother XL-2600i (*est. $115) has 25 stitches and a one-step buttonhole -- an improvement over machines that make you perform all four buttonhole steps on your own. With the Brother's buttonhole attachment, you pop the button you want to use into the attachment, and the calculations are done for you -- you don't have to do any measuring or try to manually gauge the right buttonhole length. There's also a thread cutter, automatic needle threader and drop-in bobbin, along with six snap-on presser feet. Owner say the Brother is a great starter machine, but we did find two owners who received lemons -- both machines were stuck in reverse the first time they used them.

If you don't need much more than a straight stitch and a zigzag stitch, we found mainly good owner reviews for the inexpensive Brother LS-2125i (*est. $80) . This machine has a four-step buttonhole function, so you will need to carefully mark and watch your stitches to make sure your buttonholes are uniform. In addition, it has a vertical bobbin placement. Experts prefer drop-in bobbins like the one on the Brother XL-2600i. With a vertical bobbin, it's harder to see what you’re doing since the machine’s lamp won't shed much light in this area. Most user reviews are positive, but we did see consistent reports about tension problems and trouble understanding the manual.

Kenmore makes a large selection of mechanical machines (all made in Asia), but reviews are harder to come by because the brand is sold only through Sears. One now-discontinued Kenmore machine performed well in older testing at Consumer Reports. The very cheapest Kenmore sewing machines, like the Kenmore Mini (*est. $100) stick with a four-step buttonhole. The Mini has six stitch options. The more expensive Kenmore 16231 (*est. $200) has a one-step buttonhole function similar to that of the Brother XL-2600i. The Kenmore sewing machine has a drop-in bobbin and unique sliders to set stitch length and width. There are 90 stitches and a speed control. We only found one review for this machine, but the owner appears to be happy with it. One downside to both Kenmore sewing machines is a short 90-day warranty.

Electronic and computerized sewing machines

More modern electronic sewing machines are preferred in reviews over mechanical machines. Like mechanical models, electronic sewing machines still use a single motor along with cams and levers to power the needle, but electronic features make it easier to precisely control settings. Stitches are more consistent, and adjustments are easier since they require pushing buttons instead of fiddling with knobs. These sewing machines have many more convenience features than mechanical machines. Prices for entry-level electronic machines have dropped so much that they are often less expensive than some mechanical machines. Higher-end computerized machines have built-in embroidery patterns, alphabets for adding monograms and several styles of buttonholes.

One of the least expensive electronic machine we found reviewed is the White Quilter's Machine 1740 (*est. $200). This compact machine weighs 13 pounds and has a smaller harp (the curved space under the machine head) than other machines. There's an uncommonly large number of accessories included, such as a quarter-inch foot (for piecing quilts) and a walking foot; a walking foot is helpful for stitching several layers together, and ensuring that all of the layers feed through the machine at the same rate. Sharon Darling of QuiltersReview.com writes that the White stitches well, and is a good second machine, or compact machine you can take to quilting classes or workshops. Unfortunately, it has a four-step buttonhole, which isn't ideal for garment sewing. The White has 16 stitches.

While the White sounds like a nice portable machine for small jobs, its size and multi-step buttonholes are drawbacks for garment stitchers. We found good reviews for the full-sized Janome Décor Excel 5124 (*est. $360).The Janome is quiet and stable, with 24 stitches, including a one-step buttonhole. It comes with seven presser feet (but no included walking foot) and a one-year warranty, an improvement over Kenmore's paltry 90 days. A display shows the correct tension, width and length for a given stitch, but you can override those settings.

The Singer 7442 (*est. $200) doesn't have a display, but does have electronically controlled stitches. The Singer machine gets good reviews at Amazon.com, and it has a one-step buttonhole in two styles (wider for heavier buttons or narrow for lighter buttons), plus a free-arm table helpful for stitching narrow sleeves. There are about 30 stitches, including a bunch of decorative stitches for adding borders, and a drop-in bobbin. It comes with five presser feet, and sliders for selecting stitch width and needle position. The Singer has a 25-year parts warranty on the head, with five years on the motor and electronics and one year on all other parts. The labor warranty coverage is for one year on all parts.

Next up the technology ladder are computerized sewing machines. As explained by Carol Fresia and Judith Neukam in Threads magazine, these models use a series of smaller "step" motors which are coordinated by a computer microprocessor. The great thing about computerized sewing machines is that they need hardly any maintenance. The most basic computerized machines can embroider letters of the alphabet and a few small decorative motifs. More expensive computerized machines have extensive embroidery features, and can interface with a computer to download embroidery designs from the Internet. We'll discuss those machines in the section below on embroidery machines.

A standout in tests of computerized sewing machines is the Bernina Activa. The Swiss-made machines are known for producing consistent stitches and have earned an excellent reputation for quality. "They're like a Volvo, you could run it into a truck,” said one expert interviewed by the Consumers’ Institute, a New Zealand-based organization that recently released a buying guide for sewing machines. There are four models in the Bernina Activa Line. The least expensive Bernina Activa 210 (*est. $600) has 12 stitches and a one-step standard buttonhole. The Bernina Activa 220 (est. $680), has 118 stitches, including a one-step buttonhole in two styles (regular and keyhole). An alphabet is included for simple monograms, and you can save favorite stitch combinations in memory. It includes a holder for a magnifying glass. A knee lifter is optional. This basic electronic sewing machine is sold by dealers, so you're likely to get a sewing lesson or two with it.

The Bernina Activa 230PE (*est. $850) has 240 stitches, including two styles of alphabets and three buttonhole styles. This model also has a memory for saving favorite stitch settings. All Activa models have a removable extension tray so you can use the machine as a free-arm. The Bernina Activa 240 (*est. $1,100) has nearly 300 stitches, including three alphabet styles and three buttonhole styles. A knee lifter is included (optional on other Activa machines).

Tension adjustment on these Bernina sewing machines is manual, but the computerized screen on the front of the machines lets you control functions such as speed and needle position at your fingertips. A predecessor of these models, the Bernina Activa 125, scored well in comparison reviews at Choice magazine and other publications. Editors at Choice comment that the bobbin winding and back-tacking are quick and simple, and instructions are easy to follow. The brand has built an especially loyal following. Reviews on sewing forums include many comments from Bernina devotees who swear by their machines. And, Bernina Activa machines are made in Switzerland, not Asia.

Two sewing machines that scored favorably in reviews are the Singer Quantum 9910 (*est. $500) and the Janome Memory Craft 3500 (est. $650). We found more positive reviews of the Memory Craft (Janome is the largest manufacturer of domestic sewing machines). The Memory Craft 3500 has 50 stitches, four types of one-step automatic buttonholes and an LCD so you can see your settings. It doesn't have an alphabet for monograms, but the Memory Craft sewing machine does let you save up to fifty custom stitch settings, which is handy if you want to fine tune stitch length and width. You can instantly recall your settings instead of trying to replicate them from memory. In tests at Choice magazine, reviewers like the Janome's excellent back tacking feature and easy to use controls. The Memory Craft and Singer’s Quantum scored equally well in stateside comparison testing, with both earning high scores for sewing and top scores for ease of use. The Memory Craft sewing machine comes with 10 presser feet, whereas the Quantum has 6.

Reviews say the Singer Quantum 9910 (*est. $500) is also a very good machine. The Singer is just about the least expensive computerized sewing machine, and it includes a single alphabet for quick monograms. You program a word or name into the Singer's LCD screen and press start. There's a one-step buttonhole, and you can choose from four buttonhole styles, include a keyhole buttonhole. There are 169 stitch programs, including the alphabet. Although the Singer's feed dogs can drop for freehand work, we saw some reports of tension problems when trying this.

The step-up model, the Singer Quantum 9920 (*est. $700), adds an additional alphabet font and a total of eight types of buttonholes, including an eyelet. You get nine presser feet instead of seven. The third model in the lineup, the Quantum 9940 (*est. $800) has three alphabets, twelve types of buttonholes and eyelets and 13 presser feet, including a walking foot that Singer calls an "even feed" foot. All three Singer sewing machines have a one-year complete warranty, a five-year warranty on the motor and electronics and a 25-year warranty on the head. All three sewing machines have adjustable foot pressure, especially nice if you work with leather, velvet or other specialty materials.

Another basic computerized machine is Brother NX-400 (*est. $900), which gets a great professional review. Features-wise, the Brother is similar to the Singer Quantum 9940, but it has a couple of additional features. The Brother sewing machine has two alphabet fonts and a total of 294 stitch programs. But unlike the Singer, the Brother has adjustable foot pressure, a knee lifter for hands-free raising and lowering of the presser foot, and custom stitch memory, which allows you to save customized stitch settings. Compared to the Singer, one reviewer says the Brother sewing machine performs a bit better overall.

Quilters have special needs when it comes to sewing, and several models have features catering to them.

The Husqvarna Viking Platinum sewing machines have a Mirror Image feature -- this is especially nice if you are stitching an asymmetric decorative border on a large project like a tablecloth or comforter. Instead of jamming the entire project into the space between the needle arm and the machine head, you can Mirror Image the stitch and flip the design, then stitch more comfortably on the other side. The Husqvarna Platinum 770 (*est. $1,600) has two alphabets, 285 decorative stitches and a Sewing Advisor, which suggests settings for different types of fabrics. The Platinum 750Q (*est. $1,400) has one alphabet and extra stitch settings for quilters. These machines are both made in Sweden. We saw hardly any reviews of these models, but Husqvarna Viking machines have a good reputation and are worth a test drive.

Pfaff has an excellent reputation among quilters for its built-in walking foot; Pfaff calls this IDT. This ensures that all three layers of a quilt feed through the machine at the same rate. Without a walking foot, the presser foot and feed dog can push the quilt through at different speeds, resulting in puckers and uneven layers. The Pfaff Performance 2056 (*est. $2,000) is Pfaff's top-of-the-line sewing machine without hoop embroidery features. It has 207 computerized stitches and four different alphabets for monograms. It has adjustable foot pressure, another good feature for quilters or others who work with different types of thicknesses of fabric. Sharon Darling of Quilter's Review likes the free-motion stitching features of the Pfaff.

The large LCD screen on the Pfaff 2056 is a touchscreen. Like the Husqvarna Platinum, the Pfaff has a mirror image feature. The Pfaff is certainly a splurge, but if you quilt and love heirloom sewing, which incorporates lots of decorative motifs and special techniques like smocking and stitches that look like they were made by hand, the Pfaff deserves a test drive.

Embroidery machines

The crème de la crème of sewing machines are those that have hoop embroidery features. Most have a number of pre-programmed embroidery patterns, but offer additional patterns purchased on a memory card. Many allow you to download patterns from the Internet to your machine to memory cards with a special drive. Some let you scan an image into your computer and digitize it for embroidery. Reviews emphasize that machine embroidery can be an expensive and time consuming project. Aside from a pricey embroidery machine, you'll probably want to buy additional memory cards, and you'll need special embroidery thread to make the most of a design.

Checking out a machine in person is more important with embroidery machines than others. It's a good idea to see an in-store demonstration of each model you're considering. These machines entail a learning curve, and it's important to see the embroidery process in action. If you get a model that can take advantage of downloaded designs, you'll need a computer, software and perhaps a scanner.

We didn't find many reviews of embroidery machines but we found a few interesting write-ups at PatternReview.com. Sharon Darling of QuiltersReview.com also covers a handful of high-end models.

We featured the Husqvarna Viking Designer 1 sewing and embroidery machine in earlier reports (*est. $3,500). Designer 1 has multi-directional feed dogs, selectable needle up/down/pivot positions, 15 kinds of buttonholes, a color touch screen, three included hoops and the highly lauded Sewing Advisor. Embroidery designs are stored on cards, and you can get software and a card reader, which makes storing, downloading and retrieving designs very easy. In addition, the Designer 1 is infinitely upgradeable, with free perpetual updates via the Internet from Viking.

There are a couple of other Designer models now, including the Designer SE Limited Edition (*est. $6,000) and Quilt Designer II. We couldn't even get price estimates on these models -- pricing is carefully guarded information. Dealers don't actually want you to know what you can expect to pay for these machines, and you can't order them online. No one will give you a price over the phone; it’s all an enticement to come in and see the demonstration. Features of the Designer SE Limited Edition are automatic jump stitch trim and a thread color matching system which lets you keep track of specific shades by numbers. The Quilt Designer II has a sensor system that automatically raises and lowers the presser foot to the proper height depending on the thickness of the fabric.

Another top-of-the line machine is the Singer Quantum XL-6000 (*est. $3,000) . This Singer embroidery machine has completely automatic threading -- you set up the spool, and the machine pulls the thread through the guides. The bobbin is also interesting; there is a space in the bobbin compartment for a spool of thread, and when the bobbin is empty, it refills from that spool. Most embroidery machines embroider one color of a design at a time. Then you change thread colors and start stitching the next color. The Singer XL-6000 can be loaded with three colors of thread, and it will automatically change colors for you. The color screen is easy to read, and the Singer is praised for its clear manual. You can download embroidery designs with the right accessories.

Other examples of top embroidery machines are the Baby Lock Ellageo (*est. $6,000) and Brother ULT-2003D (*est. $4,000). There are many less extensive sewing/embroidery machines out there, with fewer features. Some make only smaller designs, and some can't accept downloaded designs. Again, we haven't seen any comparison reviews of combination sewing and embroidery machines.

Important Features: Sewing machines

The following is a list of features experts say to shoot for in a sewing machine. The models in ConsumerSearch Fast Answers meet most if not all of these considerations.

• Solid construction. The machine should have a good weight, operate quietly and not vibrate off the table. It shouldn't rattle or have pieces that can be easily snapped off. Make sure hinges, levers and buttons feel strong. When stitching, the machine should not vibrate or “walk” across the table.

• Look for a one-step buttonhole. In reviews, experts greatly prefer a one-step buttonhole, and most machines include a special foot that creates correctly sized, uniform buttonholes.

• Warranty and service. The industry average is 20 years mechanical, two years electrical and one year labor. Make sure your dealer answers your questions and is willing to make minor adjustments without a fuss. If you buy your unit from a discounter, find out where the machine needs to go for service and whom you can call with questions. Some inexpensive machines, like those from Kenmore, have only a 90-day warranty. Sewing machines have only limited availability online, and the few stores that do sell machines online may void the manufacturer's warranty by doing so. Be sure to ask about a substitute warranty.

• A clear explanation of hidden costs. Top-of-the-line machines offer a wide variety of options, such as software, embroidery cards and additional attachments. Be certain what is and is not included in the purchase price.

• Other basic features include easy bobbin winding, droppable feed dogs, a variety of needle positions and adjustable stitch width and length. Also, be sure to get enough stitches. A straight stitch, zip, blind hem and buttonhole (or satin stitch) are standard, but you'll also want a stretch stitch and at least a few decorative stitches.

In nearly every review we found, the relationship with your dealer is cited as a more important consideration than price.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Model (With Retailer Links)
2 each	Singer Quantum , Husqvarna Viking, Bernina Activa, Brother Pacesetter PSJanome Memory Craft
1 each	Kenmore, Singer Touch & Sew, Bernina basic, Husqvarna Quilt Designer, Babylock Ellageo

We found very little consensus among reviews for the best sewing machines, and many of the recommended machines have been discontinued. For ConsumerSearch Fast Answers, we chose the most highly rated models in comparative reviews. These models are a good place to start when considering which machine to buy.

Sponsored links