Which sewing machine should you buy?

[@zoeemiko8149]

For me my all time favorite machine to use is my 1970 White sewing machine. I've been using it since it was given to me by my mum when I graduated middle school. I have it mounted inside an antique sewing cabinet which sets in the same room as my 1950 Singer that's snugly housed in my even older Singer sewing machine cabinet .I inherited both the Singer machine & cabinet from my grandmum. Both still work perfectly however parts are a bear to find but thankfully they were made to last the test of time back then and repairs are incredibly infrequent. I admit I take very good care of them. I also have a Husqvarna & a glorious Bernina I picked up at estate sales for a song. I love love love my sewing machines.

[@qormi1000]

Excellent video Claire. Hope you will do a similar video for Overlockers/Sergers. Thank you. xxx

[@jenifferfoster4312]

I don't know why I just asked you when you're going to post new but the last video I saw from you was from 7 months ago it wasn't showing up I am kind of Internet stupid but now I can see your videos thank you so much for posting God bless I am a larger woman and been so scared to do patterns because they're just don't fit right when you have a little more curves and booty

[@Penguinandpear]

I know that feeling well. Stick with me and we will get there

[@cornbreadfedkirkpatrick9647]

I have an interesting obsession with sewing machines vintage or new, I don't know why as well as other things but I do love to sew either by hand and by machine note w/ the older ones you have to oil them new ones, not at all.

[@cornbreadfedkirkpatrick9647]

:)

[@MorrighanNL]

Singer used to be a top brand, but the last few years the quality has been lacking. It's a bit hit and miss. You're essentials are spot on, I think. I do think you could add the auto threader to essentials. It's such a great feature that potentially saves time and frustration. I used to have a top loading bobbin, and it's nice to see how much thread you have left, but I also found it a bit 'plastic-y'.

[@jacquelinemcgreevey]

I see usedsewing machines on Craigslist in the US anyway often for $25-50.. estate sales and goodwill online auction website also..

[@jennifermaddock4382]

Not essential but really handy is needle up/down feature. I have a basic machine at our cabin and I really miss that feature that is on my main machine.

[@Penguinandpear]

Yes! I remember when I didn’t have it, it was annoying.

[@jeannestark2434]

Claire oh, you look wonderful. That stuff is gorgeous on you and thank you for all the information on what to look for when buying a sewing machine. I've missed you and I'm glad that you're back doing videos. But again you are looking really well I hope your health is up to par and you continue to take care of yourself. Have a good day and see you soon.

[@Penguinandpear]

Thank you very much 😊

[@mrs.knecro7044]

Ok the throat space problem! I don’t feel like I have particularly large hands but man sometimes when I’ve got fabric and I’m trying to lift the presser foot my hand just doesn’t fit so well! My warning about buying used make sure to ask what comes with it and check prices don’t take the sellers word for it! I kind of got taken advantage of when I bought my machine because I didn’t think to check cause they had a screen shot from Amazon in their listing and I didn’t think to ask what came with it. Turned out that it came with nothing basically…so after I bought everything and had it serviced I could have bought a brand new decently high end machine after it was all said and done (+/- $500 US by the end of it) 🙈

[@christinetangeman624]

Great, I wish I had this information when I purchased my machine a few years ago. Thank you for sharing your insight on this subject. Regards Christine 🙋‍♀️🇦🇺👍🏻👌

[@meletiawike3766]

Great video. Very informative.

[@TrillianaEM]

Wow, Claire, you're a cat-fan too! 😍😍Regarding the machine: being an "advanced beginner" I made myself a present by buying a Brother, and I love it. But I still have my mother's old Quelle Electronic, all metal, really heavy. Some sofisticated stitches won't do anymore, but it takles every heavy, thick fabric, leather, simply everything.

[@Penguinandpear]

Ooh yes, well I was until I got my cat 🐈 lol 😂

[@prof.mommyarty]

Very helpful as I'm searching for an upgrade from my basic machine. I think I've found the perfect one on the singer website, I had a singer years ago and loved it. Essential for me is automatic threader and tension! Tension adjustment is a nightmare for me lol. Tfs 💖

[@Penguinandpear]

Ahh yes! I forgot to mention tension good one!

[@prof.mommyarty]

Lol it's been t only thing I have hated about sewing!

[@Penguinandpear]

@@prof.mommyarty my machine has auto tension so I don’t really think about it these days but it can be very frustrating if you don’t have auto

[@prof.mommyarty]

Lol yes I'm definitely having it on my next machine. If you're not having to think about it then it sounds perfect lol

[@sapphirecamui6447]

I wish i had an extended table for my machine(s). I bought obscure brand machines, but the modern one is very similar to a Singer (or maybe even a Janome?) and the vintage one is all metal, and i think they both can be easily be serviced if i find a good mechanic.

[@sherribarrett1490]

I consider needle up/down essential. I don't use needle threaders at all. I sew/teach a lot.

[@Penguinandpear]

I have tremors so a threader is essential for me. I think up down function is very nice and reduces stress but I don’t see it as essential as you can just move the needle into position

[@janicek6399]

Good points, Claire, I write them down for my great niece (11 almost 12). Something funny -- You Tube put an ad for Janome just after your vlog!!! Gave me giggles.

[@Penguinandpear]

Interesting! They clearly were not paying attention I said my favourite brand is brother lol 😂

[@eduardachi2571]

Thank you claire I have my machine but it's great u are starting right at the beginning thank you

[@Penguinandpear]

Thanks Edwarda, it will help the process make sense as we get more into it.

[@clombard7134]

Hi Claire! Your info is helpful to many sewists! Buying a new machine from a local shop will often come with free guide classes which will be beneficial to novices. Also, they will have presser feet and needles specific to your machine.

[@Penguinandpear]

Thanks! They don’t always supply classes, I’ve bought 5 machines from 2 vendors and was never offered a class. That’s why I said to ask about them because perhaps you can access them.

[@newcreations1064]

Very helpfull video,thank you Claire.x

[@dianecrews6130]

Great video very informative

[@Penguinandpear]

Thank you I’m glad you found it informative.

[@mishka_bear]

That's a good informative video. At first I didn't think I needed it, because I already have machines and an idea what to upgrade to when the time comes, but I am glad I clicked play anyway, because I still learned a lot!

[@Penguinandpear]

Thank you! Yes it’s one of those videos we don’t click unless we need it so I’m glad you found it helpful anyway!

[@GracefulAnswers]

Very interesting ! I just upgraded to the brother SE1900 and love it!!

[@Penguinandpear]

Lovely! I do love Brother!

[@michelleknight8291]

Hello. I have a Juki sewing machine that I bought from a specialist shop, was able to try it out, can buy accessories for it etc. I have a few pieces of advice that I found helpful. 1. It is good to consider buying a walking foot for your machine. It will help sew through layers as well as for stretch knits. Also essential if you later decide to try quilting.

[@michelleknight8291]

2. If you get a machine which drops the feed dogs (the teeth) you can try free motion embroidery (which you might want to embellish a garment with.) 3. Sewing is addictive......

[@Penguinandpear]

Thanks! Yes I agree a walking foot is a must have! I didn’t mention that as this was focusing on machines but I will address that later. Thanks for your input!

[@MorrighanNL]

I agree on the walking foot. However, these things can be very pricey.

[@sandraaslanoglu5596]

Great info. Thank you for sharing. 100% agree on the top loading. I have both, my mechanical is a front loader & the computerized a top loader. The top loading bobbin is much better. Love the fabric of your shirt btw 😉

[@Penguinandpear]

Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@ginettelefebvre8817]

Loved your video. Very interesting. Thank you

[@evepaludan7713]

Fantastic information. Thanks!

[@Penguinandpear]

Happy to help!

[@Angela10226]

I can't believe you forgot Bernina probably one of the most expensive machines as well as Baby lock. For quilting we really don't need any stitch other than the straight stitch,. It amazes me how inexpensive the Brother machines that you showed are, in the USA we can't get your machine unless it is coming from the UK costing almost $200 for shipping.

[@Penguinandpear]

I didn’t forget those machines, they’re not the most popular ones due to price but they certainly are well known and used. Interesting fact, my model of brother machine has actually been released in the USA under the baby lock brand. It’s the same one Dana from made every day used in many of her videos.

[@Angela10226]

@@Penguinandpear Will have to check out her channel to see what it looks like. I only wanted one like yours because you like it so much and seems to sew up everything without a problem. I need to sell some of my machines as I just have too many.....9 sewing machines and 2 sergers.

[@Penguinandpear]

@@Angela10226 oh wow that’s quite a collection!

[@Angela10226]

@@Penguinandpear yes it is and rather ridiculous too don't you think? I just realized I have 10 not 9, one is a Treadle machine that's over 100 years old I love it when the power goes out.

[@Penguinandpear]

@@Angela10226 noooo not ridiculous!! It’s understandable if I had the room and the money I’d have more than 10 lol 😂