Burda Style For people who sew

Hi,
I am an experienced sewing machine operator and have been using Singers all my life. Its time to get a new one. My requirements are:
- heavy duty stitching
- dont require computer patterns or embroidery etc
- stitch speed should be fast as opposed to my previous singer(it was so slow i could yawn while stitching)

I have done a basic overview of options on amazon. Can real users help me with their personal recommendations? Much appreciated.

Dec 27, 2011, 06.01 PM by momo orkon

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  Dec 27, 2011, 06.50 PMby patti-r

  Go to a local established dealer in your area test them out, I love Bernina’s but the shops have moved too many places and the dealers are terrible where I live. Buy the best you can afford, check out the floor models or even used. The other features I like are Setting for Speed, Auto Needle threading and Needles that have the stop up or down features. Good Luck let us know what you decide on. I am sure you will get much more input.
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  Dec 27, 2011, 07.57 PMby katexxxxxx

  You need to have a read of my sewing machine buying essay: http://www.diceyhome.free-online.co.uk/On%20the%20care%20&%20Feeding%20of%20sewing%20machines/on_the_choosing.htm
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  Dec 28, 2011, 12.56 AMby deChez

  I too would suggest going to a dealer to explore your options. Many brands don’t allow for on-line sales. I’m a fan of the Baby Lock machines. Before I bought my latest machine, I also checked out the Janome, and I was impressed with that too. I’ve seen some very nice Viking, and Bernina machines as well. It may come down to what brand your local dealer carries. Auto needle threading, needle up and down, thread cutter, and the ability to set the speed with a switch on the front (slow, medium, fast) are all features I like on my machine. One other thing to look at when you’re choosing a machine is cost and availability of add-on’s, and accessories such as specialty presser feet.
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  Dec 28, 2011, 06.01 PMby fosteretalk

  I would suggest when testing a sewing machine that you see how many layers of heavy denim it can sew through.
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  Dec 29, 2011, 06.57 PMby momo orkon

  thanks for your feedback. I have never heard of Bernina machines…..is that a brand available in the US?

  heavy denim layer test is a brilliant idea. will do that.

  anyone in the tristate area…..can you suggest any good dealer in tristate area?
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  Dec 29, 2011, 08.02 PMby ggexpansive

  I am going to say something wild here but if you do not need a lot of stuff on the machine and if your singer can do button holes I say get a older 50’s machine. The stiches are nicer, and they go about as fast as any of the newer models from what I have seen. Older machines also have metal parts that are strong to get through thick fabric.
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  Dec 29, 2011, 09.14 PMby patti-r

  Just google different brands of machines separately, E.G. Baby Lock, Brother, etc. Bernina has a stores in most states, the issue is how long has the dealer been in business, do they sell accessories and service the machine at dealer if needed. As Kate said the Bernette machines are not the same quality. Some Dealers maybe listed as Sew and Vac Dealers.. Mine is 8 miles from me been in business 50 years, (my Uncle worked for them for 49 years, still works a few days a week.) They have handled few different brands over the years, most repairs are what they consider “User Errors” using a Home type machine to do 6 layers of heavy fabric knocking it out of time, jamming the machines, not using proper needles or cleaning the machines or oiling if manual suggests. Do not know what your actually sewing know that you want to test denim, you may need a small industrial type of machine more horse power in motor. Consew, Juki, Reliable?

  Hoping others have more suggestions.

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    Dec 30, 2011, 09.32 AMby Sherri Voebel

    Here are some suggestions based on your requirements, speed and simplicity. Sounds like you are doing commercial sewing. I own a Janome 11000 and an older Pfaff 1222.mechanical machine. Both are smooth and fast.

    Juki manufactures a home machine line, a semi commercial line and a commercial line of machines. If you want speed and smoothness, Here are some video demos.

    Juki Exceed 600 Home Machine (demo)
    http://www.jukihome.com/downloads
    /Exceed_ULfix.wmv

    All Brands: Owner: John Douhtat
    http://www.allbrands.com/products/abp24229-0101.html
    List $2795.00 Sale $999.00

    Juki Semi-Professional Mechanical Machines
    http://www.jukihome.com/products/sewingmechanical.

    Single needle Juki LU563 with walking foot
    http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=20474
    Private owner advertising – $650.00

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IwOunNunSA
    Juki LH515 Atlas Levy Machine Company

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfbYPCaPD74&feature=related

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3iDSG1FRQg

    Sherri