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Best sewing machine for no problem with tension

Posted: Apr 16, 2011

I want to buy a sewing machine. My problem with sewing is managing the bobbin thread tension on most sewing machine. I thought I'd ask for information from anyone who sews a lot their recommendation for a sewing machine with problem-free tension. I don't need one that does everything, just a simple machine with a good straight stitch but a good one that I do not have to worry about the tension. It's caused me to just totally quit even trying anymore. I have heard that one of the Bernina is supposed to be the best but that was years ago. I don't mind paying top dollar for quality.

;

no personal experience, but - here's some info

[ In Reply To ..]
This link might be helpful to you. It has consumer reviews, too.

http://www.consumersearch.com/sewing-machines

I found it by googling: "best sewing machine"

Good luck!

I have many years experience sewing (sm) - Yochana

[ In Reply To ..]
Some of the more expensive machines have "self-adjusting" tension. My mom bought a Janome several years ago which has this feature and it is really nice. Bernina is a good machine also. I'd stay away from Sears, Penney's, and Singer, and any machine sold by Walmart or K-mart. My current machine is a Sears, it is over 20 years old, still going strong, and sews just as well as the top brands. However, I'd never buy another Sears (or Penney's) because the work goes to the cheapest manufacturer bidder and they are junk.

Just a note about tension - do not use cheap thread - always use a name brand thread. A sewing machine repair guy told me that cheap threads are very inconsistent in the thread "thickness" and can mess up the tension like nothing else will.

Have fun on your next project! Sewing is my first love.

I second the comment about cheap thread - Seamstress

[ In Reply To ..]
Cheap thread just turns into frayed lumps when it goes through a machine.

Bernina and Pfaff - Seamstress

[ In Reply To ..]
I sew a lot... as in, many, many of my own clothes and all of the home dec items in my house. Bernina still makes a very decent machine. I helped teach a friend of mine how to use her Bernina not long ago, and I liked the machine. The machine that I use at home most often is my Pfaff. Very well made... like a tank. It's a basic model from their "Classic Style" line. Like you, I'm not interested in bells and whistles on my machine, though you can certainly buy a Pfaff that does nearly everything you can imagine. I also own a serger, so I use my sewing machine for finishings like top stitching, setting piping, buttonholes, and zippers. Most of my seaming is done on the serger.

I would tell you to stay away from Singer. They used to make decent machines, but about 30 years ago they turned into complete, plastic junk. Tensioning is a nightmare on those things.

Some features that I like on a machine are simple-to-use buttonhole functions, easy-to-use bobbin winding, and variable speed stitching.

Do a little research online and compare brands. I look for metal moving parts. Check to see what sort of recommended maintenance is required for the particular machine you want to buy. Know how your machine works, and by that, I mean how it does its job, not just how to use it. If you buy a good machine, it should last you a lifetime. Also, if you have a good machine, you will find that sewing is easier and more rewarding. You may end up sewing more!

Great advice....Janome was also ... - MT44

[ In Reply To ..]
also recommended by the local sewing machine company that I called after I posted. He said same negative things about Singer and praised Janome. But, I saw a Singer on HSN for $329 that was a very small model and I ordered it. I want one that is small and easy to store. I figure I can send it back if I\'m not pleased. I would have ordered the small model of Janome but can\'t find a place to order if from...seems like you have to get it from a local dealer. Thanks for the advice on machine, threads and tension. It is much appreciated and I know where to come now for good advice about sewing.

Place to find good deals... - 4vrtpng

[ In Reply To ..]
I sew a lot, not as much as I want to, due to having to type almost 24/7. I have am on my second Singer in 25 years and have had no trouble with it. I just look for basic stitches and a good button-holer. I also just bought a serger at a place call Allbrands on line. They have great prices on all the different brands of sewing machines and sometimes you can get a really good deal on a really expensive machine that has to be resold due to box damage or even a refurbished machine. I got my serger for half of what it would normally cost, just because the box had been damaged and they had to sell it as "refurbished" all because they had to put it in a new box. Got everything that was supposed to come with it, still in the originally packaging. Good luck in your search. Love to sew and make my own clothes, just don't have the time anymore due to typing all the time.

Bernina - wileo

[ In Reply To ..]
I very much agree with Seamstress in the above post that Bernina is a great machine. I had 2 Singers in about 5 years, then got a Bernina which I have had about 22 years with no problems. I really don't anticipate that I will ever need to buy another sewing machine.

Do not buy a machine that is made with plastic parts. It causes friction and skipped stitches. - Jus me

[ In Reply To ..]
Actually the absolute best with nothing fancy is the old, old black singer straight stitch if you can find one. They will outlive you and still be going strong, but there is nothing fancy about them.

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