This is the place to find recommendations, referrals and other great sewing info.
(this page is a work in progress..adding new info daily—stay tuned!)
Sewing Machine Recommendations
In general, this is not the golden age of well-built, reliable machines and electronics. But there are still some new machines that are high quality, affordable and built to last. I have absolutely nothing to gain financially from recommending certain models or steering you away from others. This advice is based on my (and my colleagues) experience with countless models of sewing machines, test driving new models and drying the tears of students stuck with "bargain" machines.
A lower-end $90 new machine is always trouble. I wish that wasn’t true, but it is. It has the absolute cheapest parts that won’t last and it is so clunky that it makes you feel like you’re constantly doing something wrong. It costs $80 to have a machine tuned up/serviced. Now you’re in almost $200 on a machine that is not your friend. Plan to spend at least $200 for a decent new machine. If you have a limited budget, a well-cared-for vintage machine is a great solution!
Whatever model you decide on, you'll want these features:
• A separate control for stitch length and stitch width (not all together on one knob). You’re going to want more options for width and length than the pre-selected stitches on a single knob.
• Ability to move the needle position from center to left AND right. This is helpful for edge-stitching, sewing piping and zippers.
• Stretch stitches for working with knits. A stretch stitch is a straight stitch that is strong and flexible so that you don’t bust the seams on your leggings.
• A free arm. Nearly all modern machines have a removable base to reveal a free arm, which is for sewing tubular things like sleeves, pants and bags.
• A good bright light. A lot of new machines have a bluish LED light. Yes, you’ll rarely have to change the bulb, but it can make it hard to see your seam allowance marks on the seam plate, and make threading more difficult. Of course, you can always bring in a gooseneck lamp to solve this issue.
• A good heavy base. You don’t want a machine that is so light that it’s sliding around your sewing table with larger projects.
Really nice to have:
• One step buttonhole feature. Being able to pop the actual button in the buttonhole foot, pressing a few buttons and having the machine make a perfect buttonhole for you is pretty sweet. Other models may have a 4-step buttonhole, which is just a little more work.
• Speed control. This is essential with kids because it is much safer to go slower. It takes a while to get the hang of controlling speed just with the foot pedal—kinda like when you first learned to drive. Some foot pedals are hair-trigger and clunky to work with. Setting a comfortable speed frees up your brain space to just pay attention to controlling/steering your fabric, especially around tight curves.
• Built-in threader. If you have a hard time seeing the eye of a needle, this is a game changer. Takes a little time to get used to, but it is essential if you have any vision issues or dexterity challenges.
• Built-in thread cutter. Just quick and convenient.
• Needle up/Needle down feature. This means that your machine will complete a stitch sequence when you lift your foot from the pedal. It really helps to prevent jamming, a common issue with mechanical machines. You can set the needle to land down every time you stop to adjust your project, keeping your project from getting yanked out of alignment with the rest of your seam.
• Drop-in bobbin. Having a clear bobbin window lets you peek in to see if you’re about to run out of bobbin thread.
• Snap-on foot system. This is pretty standard now on modern machines—a single foot shank holder stays put and you just snap on different presser feet. A good machine should come with several feet: zipper, buttonhole, zig-zag, straight-stitch, satin-stitch, blind hem.
• Carrying case or dust cover. Keeping your machine safe during travel, and little ones safe from your machine is important. Keeping dust out of your machine will keep your feed dogs and tension discs working properly.
Take online reviews with a grain of salt because often they are from beginners who don’t really know what they’re doing, and blame the machine. You should test drive ANY machine you ever wish to buy, do extensive research and price comparisons on the model before you let a sales person pressure you into a purchase. When you buy a machine from a dealer, just remember that they want to sell you the most expensive machine they can. Don’t be dazzled by a million stitches. 80% of of your sewing time will just involve sewing a straight stitch. Too many features at first may have you feeling overwhelmed. I’m not trying to talk you out of an expensive machine, I just want you think about matching your sewing goals with the features you’ll actually use on a new machine. Dealers will also have refurbished trade-in machines, which can be a good deal.
Here are machines I LOVE, ones I LOATHE, and some workhorse vintage machine brands/models. (this section is currently being updated 1/11/20)
Low Cost—up to $250. Prices vary with sales/etc. SHOP AROUND.
Janome C30 $199, and Mod-30 $209. These are the ideal machine for someone who wants a good basic machine for light to moderate use and PERFECT for kids. All the ideal stitches, accessories and SPEED CONTROL. Threading diagrams printed on the machine, super easy threading, drop-in bobbin, speed control. Perfect for kids, beginners and intermediate sewists alike.
Janome Mod-50 $239. My current student rental model. Takes a lot of abuse and just keeps on tickin’! This is a really great bang for your buck with speed control, threading diagrams printed on the machine, super easy threading, drop-in bobbin, speed control. Perfect for kids, beginners and intermediate sewists alike. Can handle medium to heavier fabrics, but it’s not ideal if you’re looking to sew through cowhide and super-thick layers of canvas/heavy duty fabrics.
Moderate Cost—up to $500
Janome Mod-100 $299. Gives you all of the things I love about the Mod-50, but has more stitch options. 7 different 1-step button-hole styles,
Janome Magnolia 7330—$449
This was our student rental machine and the absolute best sewing machine for the price. Biggest bang for your buck! Perfect for kids and beginner adults, but with computerized stitch controls, and all the bells and whistles we mention in our criteria lists at the top of this page. When you lift your foot from the pedal, it automatically completes a stitch and ends with the needle and take-up lever in the upright position, reducing potential thread jams. Nice buttonhole and decorative stitch options. Stop by Stitch Lab for a no-pressure test drive!
High End—$500 and up
Custom Sewing
Alterations
Linda Carter, Carter Creations www.cartercreations.net
Jeanelle Scott Felix fallonsfrocks@austin.rr.com, (512) 834-9495
Melissa Jaramillo Quidprosew.com, AustinDenimRepair.com
Rebecca M Skelton, High Dial Stitchery (512) 698-0104 repair, restoration & restyling
Bridal Sewing
Linda Carter, Carter Creations www.cartercreations.net
Cosplay/Costumes
Jeanelle Scott Felix fallonsfrocks@austin.rr.com, (512) 834-9495
Costume Design
Celina Ferencz, Celina Sews celinasews@gmail.com, (917) 547-9464
Emily Jean Gilardi,
Custom Apparel
Kathie Sever, Fort Lonesome, ftlonesome.com Nudie Suit-inspired stage wear, custom clothing, and chain stitch embroidery
Melissa Jaramillo Quidprosew.com, AustinDenimRepair.com
Barbara Humphrey, Elyshe1@gmail.com, (512) 514-4401
Custom Sewing General
Jeanelle Scott Felix fallonsfrocks@austin.rr.com, (512) 834-9495
Robert Rios, Custom Creation Costumes www.cccostumes.com (210)415-6814
Celina Ferencz, Celina Sews celinasews@gmail.com, (917) 547-9464
Melissa Jaramillo Quidprosew.com, AustinDenimRepair.com
Anne Marie Beard, Annemarie_beard@yahoo.com
Barbara Humphrey, Elyshe1@gmail.com, (512) 514-4401
Vanessa Villalva http://www.ronkita.biz (512) 630-2115
Denim Repair
Melissa Jaramillo Quidprosew.com, AustinDenimRepair.com
Diecutting
Jenifer Nakatsu Arntson, jnadesigns@gmail, (512)658-0117
Fabric Dyeing
Linda Carter, Carter Creations www.cartercreations.net
Fashion Technical Drawing & Tech Packs
Amy Hopkins, modecastusa.com Research, design & development
Fashion Design Classes
Hand Embroidery
Leslie Bonnell, elbeestitchlab.com, leslie@elbeestitchlab.com
Hand Sewing
Anne Marie Beard, Annemarie_beard@yahoo.com
Jenifer Nakatsu Arntson, jnadesigns@gmail, (512)658-0117
Home Décor Sewing
Deborah Main, deborahmaindesigns.com custom pillows
Rebecca M Skelton, High Dial Stitchery (512) 698-0104
Vanessa Villalva http://www.ronkita.biz (512) 630-2115
Leather Work
Patrick Ratliff, patrick@revivalcycles.com
Jenifer Nakatsu Arntson, jnadesigns@gmail, (512)658-0117
Machine Embroidery
Kathie Sever, Fort Lonesome, ftlonesome.com Nudie Suit-inspired stage wear, custom clothing, and chain stitch embroidery
Jeanelle Scott Felix fallonsfrocks@austin.rr.com, (512) 834-9495
Millinery and Millinery Classes
Master Couture Milliner, Laura Del Villaggio, millistarr.com
Pattern Making
Barbara Humphrey, Elyshe1@gmail.com, (512) 514-4401
Production Sewing
Celina Ferencz, Celina Sews celinasews@gmail.com, (917) 547-9464
Patrick Ratliff, patrick@revivalcycles.com
Melissa Jaramillo Quidprosew.com, AustinDenimRepair.com
Jenifer Nakatsu Arntson, jnadesigns@gmail, (512)658-0117
Anne Marie Beard, Annemarie_beard@yahoo.com
Vanessa Villalva http://www.ronkita.biz (512) 630-2115
Sample Sewing
Melissa Jaramillo Quidprosew.com, AustinDenimRepair.com
Barbara Humphrey, Elyshe1@gmail.com, (512) 514-4401
Screen Printing
Kong Screen Printing kongscreenprinting.com
Sewing Classes
Linda Carter, Carter Creations www.cartercreations.net
ACC Victoria Taylor
Anne Marie Beard, Annemarie_beard@yahoo.com
Vanessa Villalva http://www.ronkita.biz (512) 630-2115
Sewing Machine Repair
Vanessa Villalva http://www.ronkita.biz (512) 630-2115
Shoemaking
Zoe Rios, zoerios.com
General
Bridal
Linda Carter www.cartercreations.net
Alterations
Monogramming/Machine Embroidery
Production Sewing
Screen Printing
Fabric Dyeing