How did you decide what machine to buy?

[Michelle]

I'm tearing my hair out with mine. I think I may start saving for a new one.

Are there any sites that you found helpful in comparing machines? Where do I begin?

TIA

[homesteadmamma]

The first thing you do is decide how much you want to spend. I always recommend spending as much as you can on the machine you buy. Its an investment that will last a lifetime if you get a good machine.

Go to a number of quilting stores that sell different machines. Most quilting stores will sell either Husqvarna or Pfaff. Try them out. Try different machines in different price ranges. If they won't let you try the machine, leave. Any store that sells a good quality machine will let you try them out.

http://www.husqvarnaviking.com/

http://www.pfaffusa.com/

You also have to decide what your going to use it for. If its only for quilting and a bit of sewing, you don't need all the fancy stitches. If you plan on doing lots of sewing along with quilting, then its worth it to get a machine that has some of the fancy stitches.

Make sure the machine has a good warranty and that it can be fixed at the place you purchased the machine from. Make sure the machine has good instructions and most of the top quality machines will have a video that comes with your machine.

Also check out consumer's magazine to see what they have to say about machines. Also ask at the quilting stores what type of machines they use. Quilting stores will use top of the line machines.

HTH

[simplemom]

I have had a Pfaff sewing machine since 12 years now and it still works wonderfully! I was told that these are one of the bests sewing machines. I had paid mine a little over $ 700 canadian and it's not a fancy one, but it is very good and works very well for the thickest materials, like jeans...I even repair my boys' packsacks for school...

What is your sewing machine?...Good luck Michelle searching for a new machine!

[Michelle]

Thanks for the tips.

I have a White 2037. I bought it when we were really strapped for cash, and I thought I could make sme of the kids' clothes to alleviate some of our cash flow problems.

[SewCrafty]

CJ's advice is good Chelle, the only thing I would add is to make sure the inner workings of the machine are all metal construction. They usually are on a good machine but ask to be sure. They take such a beating, think of it just like what is under the hood of your car. If it isn't metal construction it won't last long.

[Michelle]

Thanks for the tips.

I have a White 2037. I bought it when we were really strapped for cash, and I thought I could make sme of the kids' clothes to alleviate some of our cash flow problems.