Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: Lean
Date: 12-12-2004, 10:48 AM (1 of 4)
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Hi, I'm new here & I am looking for the sewing machine that will need the least maintenance. Here in Nassau I will not be able to take advantage of any warranties or visit any service centers so I guess I need the most durable/reliable machine out there - within my budget. I don't plan to be doing much sewing but I want to have a sewing machine on had "just in case". My budget is $250.00 I've been looking at the Brother XL-5500, 5600 & 5700, any opinions on these machines? I wonder in the consumer line of sewing machines which brand has the reputation of being the most durable - Which brand has the most metal parts. I invite any and all opinions. |
User: Lean
Member since: 12-11-2004 Total posts: 2 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 12-12-2004, 11:40 AM (2 of 4)
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I used a low end Brother for a long time and had no problems except some limitations on what I could do with it. But I may have just been lucky. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: paroper
Date: 12-12-2004, 02:25 PM (3 of 4)
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Basically, the more you have on your machine the more chances you have for something to go wrong...that's true of not only sewing machines but cars and just about every appliance known to man. If you are wanting a good reliable machine at the low-end buy a name brand: Janome, Brother, etc., but don't try to load it up with goodies. The best machine may not be the absolute bottom of the line, but a machine or two from the bottom. Buy a good soild basic machine with only a few special stitches. I'm sure that there are a lot of people on the Forum who will be glad to suggest reliable brand/machine and maybe a reliable dealer from whom you can order.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 12-12-2004, 04:30 PM (4 of 4)
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You don't have to buy new to get a good machine. Look for HEAVY. Heavy means MORE metal and less to wear out. Buy a 'brand' name. Bernina, Janome, Viking, etc. I'm sure there are good Brother machines out there, but stay away from the ones in Discount stores (ie..Wal Mart) They're cheaper than cheap and are almost all plastic. (I belong to several sewing sites and Brother is the most often broken, repaired, replaced machine I've seen.) Some of the new Bernina machines are made by Janome. Janome is one of the least repaired machines. Mechanical machines are the least repaired..but most of the machines today are computerized...you just need to shop and sew on all the ones you can find to see what you like... Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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