Buying a Sewing Machine

Over the years a lot of friends have asked me for recommendations when buying a new sewing machine.  And if you're asking for a recommendation, I'm going to assume you have a serious interest in sewing and expect your investment to enhance your skills.

• Buy from a dealer.  Not only will they typically price-match and let you test-drive the machines, but they often have great buy-back programs when you're ready for an upgrade and deals on your first tune-up.  My last machine was a close-out of the previous year's model.  When it (very oddly) got stuck in reverse a week later I took it back and was given the newer model in exchange.  You're not going to get that kind of service from CostCo or Wal-mart.
• Buy what you love.  You're not going to get as far on a machine that is a chore to use.  If you don't love your new machine, you certainly won't love sewing.  
• Buy what you can afford.  There are usually great financing options - some as low as $20/month.  If you know you're in it for the long run, it's worth paying more for a nicer machine.  If sewing is just a passing fad then I really wouldn't bother with it at all.
• Old machines are great.  The metal parts are far superior to today's plastic versions, but a lot of the bells and whistles aren't as simple as pushing a button so make sure you know what you're in for.  They may also be harder to get parts and accessories for.

All that being said, I wouldn't expect to get much of a machine for under $400.  If you just want a basic "whatever" to hem some skirts and make place-mats then you may as well get something at Wal-Mart or off Craigslist for $150.  Just don't call me for help 6 months down the line.  I'm just going to remind you "you get what you paid for."  

It's a lot like buying a car.  Sure you could pay cash for a piece of shit that has 4 wheels and an engine, but most people with a regular paycheck would rather use their cash as a down-payment and finance something they're going to enjoy and has a warranty.

I do most of my heavy-sewing on my industrial Consew 2200, but it only has one stitch.  It's designed to do one thing really well.  So I need a domestic for my lighter projects and specialty sewing.  I have a Pfaff Performance 2058.  It's my 2nd Pfaff and I financed it.  Some of the features that were attractive to me were the automatic needle threader, the knee lever, the touch-screen display, the programmable button-hole feature, programmable stitch-sequences, the IDT feed control on the top and bottom, and the ability to drop the feed dogs for free-motion stitching.