I do plan to do the same video for different price points. Let me know if you would like to see them? I had planned to do £350-£1000 and £1000+, would you like this? Aneka x
Yes please Aneka I’m after an upgrade & the next price range is what budget I have. I’d like to know what are gimmicks I should avoid and needle height positions and feed dog systems. I don’t do quilting but I do sew lots of things such as bags, cushions and crafts along with clothing & I’ve found I have to use my vintage singer 201K to sew leather and thicker fabric layers simply because they don’t fit under the presser foot. Plus the button hole finish and triple zig zag are what I’m after. My basic manual machine 1 step buttonhole has a really poor inconsistent finish. It drives me nuts 🥜😤 when I’ve taken time & care to get a nice finish on something for it to look rubbish on the buttonholes. Hopefully you’ll have time to cover those points. Great video as always ❤️ xx
This video was so helpful! I went to a local sewing machine dealer and got a nice one for under $500. And because I got it at the shop, they included unlimited instructions :)
Thank you - good insights here! After a hiatus from sewing , I this week got out my old Toyota machine - trusted friend since the early 1990s. Well, the light went on but there was nobody home. Nothing happened. I took it to the service shop but as expected, not repairable. I do have a cheap Lidl Singer to take to classes and it is OK-ish, but, the limitations of a cheap machine are very noticeable. So I am grateful for the pointers offered here.
Thank you. Yes, this is my local dealer who is very knowledgeable with machine maintenance. He doesn’t sell all the brands; but he does sell most brands, some of the brands he does sell didn’t feature because they weren’t in the price range. The only brand that he doesn’t sell that might have made this price range is Brother. Sorry! Aneka
Hi Angela thanks so much for all of your videos. I am a new sewer and I use my 11 YO daughters John Lewis JL10 @ €99 I ' m her dad and I have found it really easy to use and you have really helped me gain confidence. It has a metal front loading bobbin like the better Janome s and it's made by them. I bought a set of the Chinese feet and it has transformed whatI I can do. True it won't compete with or perhaps last as long as the great machine you have reviewed but as an intro machine I could not be happier with it.
Hi Tony, the John Lewis machines are great! They are made by Janome as you suggest here. The only reason I didn't cover them is because they are only stocked and sold by John Lewis. They are, I believe similar to the Janome J3 I show in this video, or the model below (the £99 model) that we didn't show. Really pleased you are happy with your choice and thank you for sharing. Aneka
well done! i'd love to recommend Juki's sturdy machines. i own an HZL-353Z, and i can say it is a wonderful work-horse. i love the simplicity of this non-computerized machine (less things to break or go wrong), and it is quite similar in functionality to the lower price-range machines you feature here, at about the same prices. add to that Juki's immense experience in the professional field, and its implementation in recent years into the household machines. thanks again for all your videos!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with Juki, I really appreciate it. Unfortunately Steve doesn't stock Juki which is the reason why we couldn't show them (not sure why). I haven't used a Juki myself, my industrial machine is a Brother but I have heard good things about Juki from my customers that have them. Thank you for sharing your story. Aneka x
Hello, i am interested in the Husqvarna 118 and at this price point i am surprised that there aren't 3 needle postions, as in, positioning the needle towards the right of the machine. If you need to get close towards the right for sewing on your fabric, will this be a problem?
Hi there! I am not sure if the Husqvarna 118 is still being sold? But it looks like you have found it. I totally agree that it is very frustrating that it doesn’t have a right needle position. It was one of my frustrations with the machine. However I still really like them as a machine. I ended up having 4 of them for my workshop studio. They are happy to sew every material, and sew it well. Their buttonholes aren’t amazing though, but you probably have to pay about double the price for some good buttonholes. The other option would be a Janome? One of the last two in the video (computerised), I have students using both of those and they work well. So the needle position is annoying but I was always able to make it work. Hope that helps! Aneka x
@@MadetoSew thank you, if you could make it work, then i think i could too 😊. Yes the Husqvarna 118 is still available to purchase for £399.00. I was told by the retailer that they are popular at schools as they are very hardwearing and last for a long time. As well as this, i love that you can control the speed (i will be teaching myself to sew, hopefully on this machine) with the help of your youtube lessons. Thank you for your reply.
@@kazkazzie3906 Such a pleasure. So glad to hear that it is still available. I can agree that they last well; my original machine is like 14 years old or something ridiculous. I haven't used it for the past couple of years; as I got stuck in Australia with covid and my machines are in the UK. But, that machine was joined by others I used in my classes and some students hammered them! Would recommend. Good luck on your journey. Aneka x
Very useful. Best guide for sewing machines I've come across, telling me exactly what I needed to know.... pressure foot adjustment, lowering feed dogs, quality, stitch length and width override. I'm looking at getting the Emerald 118 as my next sewing machine, since I've now outgrown my Brother LS14S. I wonder if you can tell me if the more expensive machines such as these have better penetration into thick fabrics? Sometimes my Brother struggles with more than 2 layers of leather. Thanks!
So pleased I could help. I find the Emerald 118 is great at penetrating thicker fabrics. I have taught my leather jacket class with the Emerald 116 and 118 machines and they sew it with no problem. Obviously my expensive Bernina is better, but for the price of the Emerald machines you really can't do wrong. I have taught bag making classes on them too, with calf suede. I promise it will be a step up from your brother. Aneka :-))
@@MadetoSew Thanks for the reassurance. I've read the odd bad review, but amid a sea of glowing reviews and I take your recommendations seriously having watched a good deal of your videos. And the fact that you personally used one and taught with it speaks volumes. I look forward to it arriving this Saturday and testing on thicker fabrics that my Brother struggles with. :-)
I wonder if He recommend front loading bobbins machine's for all brand of sewing machine's or just these particular models ? Because I have both style machine's front loading bobbin and the top-loading bobbin, But I do prefer the front loading bobbin machine's.
Hello! Sorry if I wasn't clear in the tutorial Steve doesn't recommend having a top loading bobbin BELOW a certain price point; any brand. The cheapest machines he recommended were all front loading bobbin. I believe very cheap top loading bobbins can be problematic. So top loading bobbin are great, he just recommends very cheap machines you buy front loading. Does that make sense? After the Janome J3 series, the next 3 models are all top loading bobbins, because at that price point they are great! Different makes are models are also different, some are better than others, whether they are front loading or top loading. Aneka x
Thanks to you and Steve for sharing such a thorough review of basic sewing machines. This should be very helpful for those who are new to sewing. Will you be continuing the series to include machines at higher price points with more features? x
Thank you Laura, I really hope people find it useful. YES we do plan to continue the series if there was interest? Originally I filmed a £350 - £1000 and £1000+ video back in April. I wasn't happy with these videos, but probably a good thing because Pfaff, Bernina and Husqvarna have changed their offering. So we are waiting for them to all launch :-)). Aneka x
I've always had Singer machines as that is what I grew up using. I have just bought a Singer Quantum 9960. My only gripe with it is the markings for 3/8 and 5/8 are not at the front only next to the needle. What do you think of Singer
Hi Nicola, Lovely to hear that you have invested in a new machine, how exciting! I used to use my Mum's really old Singer machines too, we have a couple of old motorised ones, as well as a treadle. I personally don't rate the newer Singer products, simply from what I see in my classes. My students with Singer's often have more problems with multiple layers of fabric or thicker fabric, and I don't think the stitch quality is as good as some of the other brands. BUT, this is my (honest) opinion and if they are a brand that you love and you feel comfortable with, because you have grown up using them, then I am sure you have chosen the right machine for you. I will always be happy to share my honest opinion, but I also realise there not every machine is right for every person. The same goes for every teacher :-)). Wishing you all the best on your sewing journey. Aneka xx
Hi could u please recommend which should I get 😢 so I am college fashion student and I used College machine but I want one for my self at home. I buy one cheapest from eBay but it didn’t work the fabric was keep getting stuck inside the machine so I was always afraid to buy one but now I want to buy which it good and I can use at home. my budget is around £270 and I don’t want to have to much of those stitch , no computer machine that would just confuses me and yup so am confused which one to get
Hi Ekata, I really rate the Husqvarna Emerald machines (either 118 or 116). I think they are still sold new in the UK. I actually bought my first one when I was at fashion uni. They are simple and great. And that was 10 years ago so it’s lasted well! I had lots of them in UK for running classes they always worked well. I recently got a Bernette which is also v good and quite similar to the Husqvarna machines. Another option is to look for a good second hand machine. Like a Bernina. On eBay or maybe Facebook Marketplace? Hope this helps? Aneka
which one would you recommend- Janome 725s, dc230 or dc360? they are almost close with current offer price but 725s is not digital! does it mean it is long lasting, hence the price is closer to digital?
I have only used the DC360 myself. I have had a number of customers with this machine and it is a good one. I don't think that machines are really that different today between the manual and computerised. Simply because the manual machines aren't built like they were 30 years ago. So I would choose the best machine for you, rather than whether it's manual or not. Aneka x
Hi Aneka love the very professional presentation on your videos and i am glad i found your channel. I am a beginner and would like advice re choosing between Husqvarna Emerald 118 and the Janome 230DC please as i would like to start sewing for a new hobby as i am retired. Many thanks for your hard work.
Thank you so much Stephen, hmmm that is a hard one as both as good machines. I personally owned the Emerald 118 and have had my machine for over 10 years now. It has been used by students in my classes and is still working, so I think this is pretty impressive. I haven't personally owned the Janome 230DC, but I have had many students attend my classes with them and they are nice machines that I rate. It is a hard decision as I would suggest both are good machines. Maybe you can go and try them both and see what you like the feel of best? Thanks, Aneka
Hi Deborah, unfortunately I don't think it is as simple as one or the other. I think it depends on the price of the machine (possibly brand too). For example my Bernina machines are all front loading bobbins and I love them. BUT I don't rate some of the cheaper machines that use front loading bobbins. If I had to choose one or the other at this price point I would probably say drop in - from my personal experience of owning some of these machines and working with customers in classes. I hope this helps? Aneka
Ok, we will plan to make more of these at the end of the year. A couple of the brands brought out new models this year so we have been waiting for them to be released. Aneka :-))
Very timely. I am hoping to buy a machine this week. I've only used Singer mechanical machines. Do you prefer mechanical or computerized machines? Thank you for this video
Hi Carmen, I hope you bought a sewing machine? Personally I don't mind and have used either. According to Steve (the owner of the shop in this video), he says that computerised are usually better machines. People think there is more to go wrong and that the computer will break first, but he says there are fewer moving parts and they will last longer than mechanical nowadays (because none of the machines will last as long as those people bought 30 years ago). Hope this helps! Aneka x
@@cliffjones7868 Lovely to hear Cliff. I too have many of the Husqvarna Emerald machines, they are what I originally used in my studio for teaching classes. Great machines, happy to sew through a good amount of bulk, I have taught my leather jacket and bag classes on these machines. Thanks for your help. Aneka
Hi Aneka! About computerized machines, are they more expensive in maintenance or repairing? Or are they just more costly when you buy them? I have my eyes between a Janome 1030mx and a Janome 423s, since those are the models available in my country that I like and can afford. Thank you!
Hi Carla, computerised sewing machines can be more expensive when you buy them, but this really depends on the brand. Bernina (the machine's that I have), have manual machines that are more expensive than these computerised ones. In terms of repairing it shouldn't cost you any more for a service, only my very fancy big Bernina sewing machine costs me more. I wouldn't expect anyone to charge you extra for a service (between manual and computerised) at this price point. At this price you often get more features with a computerised sewing machine, yes computerised machines may seem that they won't last as long, but I don't think any of the machines we buy today (at this price), will last as long as they used to (the 30+ years of my mother's old machine). Anyway, I hope this helps? Aneka
Hi Deborah, I am sorry to say that I haven't tried the Janome HD3000, I am not sure if is available in the UK market. I have had a lot of customers use the two Janome machines at the end of this tutorial (Janome CXL301 and Janome 230DC), and I really rate them. I hope this helps? Aneka x
Ha ha! This is all Steve’s option really. 😁 I actually had to re-film the video. Originally we were chatting together about the machines, but the noise in his shop made the video audio rubbish. I didn’t want to waste anymore of his time so said I would re-film it in the back of the shop, showing close ups of the machines. So that’s what you see here.
I think most of these machines would work well for shirtmaking. My preference would be the Husqvarna Emerald 116 or 118 (as I owned these for years). Or the Janome CXL301 or Janome 230DC and I really rate them. Hope this helps, Aneka
It would be nice if there was a spread sheet showing the features of different brands and models. For example if a knee lift is important to you, the chart would show all the machines that feature that. Then if needle up down was your next priority, you cold look for those machines out of that group. Then if a thread cutter is important etc. It is also difficult to find how powerful different models are. Some people may only work with thin materials, others only with thick. Maybe a rating system from 1 to 10 or something could be made. Some machines handle thicker thread easier than others. What max size thread does the manufacturer recommend? I very much enjoyed your beginner series.
@@angiemenapa I have been shopping for a new machine and my priorities were knee lift, needle up/down, strong motor for thicker fabric, more than straight stitch, and thread cutter. It would have been nice to just see machines that had these features. I ended up buying a Juki DX7. Maybe there is a better machine, but I got tired of shopping and comparing.
Hi Sandra, the maximum priced machine is about $600 ish (without discount) I think. On purpose we haven't put the price of each of the machines because this can vary on the country, as well as the place you buy it (online, in store, offers etc.). I hope this helps? Aneka x
Thank you Jayne, and great question. This price range does mean that we can't include some of the brands. For example the brand of sewing machines that I use: Bernina, don't fall in this price range. Steve's shop only sells these two brands at this price point, so that does limit us. BUT Steve chooses to only stock these brands at this price point so I think that probably gives us the answer. Steve's business Bredons is a family run business and they have been running since 1950 (I think), so he is very knowledgable and I truly trust his opinion and expertise! Hope this helps! If I had to pick based on what I see my students bring to classes I would suggest the Janome! Or Husqvarna Emerald (I use this in my older videos)! :-))
Hi Ann, no we were delayed because a number of the manufacturers were bringing out new models (this was the start of this year & end of last). Now I need to re arrange time with the dealer to do the filming. I will do something :-))
@@MadetoSew Thanks Aneka, I shall look forward to it. Also thanks for a fast turnaround of my first order for your products, including your Copen pattern (my first PDF one). Ann x
Hi Lena, we actually filmed the video this way to start with (back in April 2018). We both sat in front of the camera and I asked questions and he showed the machines. However I didn't feel that it was very interesting, and to get us both in the camera view and the machine I felt that the watcher couldn't really see the machine or what we were talking about. We also had to film this at the front of the shop, and there was so much background noise (his shop is near a police station)! Anyway we decided to re-film and I wanted to show the machines close up so people could see what we were talking about, and I felt that I couldn't use up his time for another full day, I also did this in the back of his shop. So that is why it is me talking about what he said in the original video. Hope that explains the process, we are filming some other price points so I could always go back to the original plan? Aneka x
English is my first language, but I guess English and the use of words change across the world. I am British (and even in Britain from place to place as accents and dialects are so varied). Sometimes I say things on camera that I might not say normally! Just from the pressure of filming and thinking of the word. But I would still use amend the pressure or change the pressure. That seems normal to me. However I imagine it’s different in other places. I currently live in Australia and some things I say the Australia’s don’t get! And I have started picking up their phrases! 🤷♀️
I do plan to do the same video for different price points. Let me know if you would like to see them? I had planned to do £350-£1000 and £1000+, would you like this? Aneka x
Yes please, I would find this very helpful when deciding on a new machine x
Yes, that would be great, it would be a good comparison with the lower price bracket. I would like to see Bernina machines included as well. :)
Yes please
Yes I would love a comparison between the Janome atelier 3 & 5 and the brother innovis 1300. Thank you for such an informative video.
Yes please Aneka
I’m after an upgrade & the next price range is what budget I have. I’d like to know what are gimmicks I should avoid and needle height positions and feed dog systems. I don’t do quilting but I do sew lots of things such as bags, cushions and crafts along with clothing & I’ve found I have to use my vintage singer 201K to sew leather and thicker fabric layers simply because they don’t fit under the presser foot. Plus the button hole finish and triple zig zag are what I’m after. My basic manual machine 1 step buttonhole has a really poor inconsistent finish. It drives me nuts 🥜😤 when I’ve taken time & care to get a nice finish on something for it to look rubbish on the buttonholes. Hopefully you’ll have time to cover those points. Great video as always ❤️ xx
I adore your videos! You are an excellent instructor and such a beautiful breath of fresh air!
Thank you so much!
This video was so helpful! I went to a local sewing machine dealer and got a nice one for under $500. And because I got it at the shop, they included unlimited instructions :)
Amazing Jill, so pleased I could help. x
Thank you - good insights here!
After a hiatus from sewing , I this week got out my old Toyota machine - trusted friend since the early 1990s. Well, the light went on but there was nobody home. Nothing happened. I took it to the service shop but as expected, not repairable. I do have a cheap Lidl Singer to take to classes and it is OK-ish, but, the limitations of a cheap machine are very noticeable. So I am grateful for the pointers offered here.
Yes, I would like to see a video on the higher price machines. Thanks.
Thank you.
good quality video, very interesting as far as it goes, but rather limited and skewed chosen range of manufacturers from a single dealer.
Thank you. Yes, this is my local dealer who is very knowledgeable with machine maintenance. He doesn’t sell all the brands; but he does sell most brands, some of the brands he does sell didn’t feature because they weren’t in the price range. The only brand that he doesn’t sell that might have made this price range is Brother. Sorry! Aneka
Hi Angela thanks so much for all of your videos. I am a new sewer and I use my 11 YO daughters John Lewis JL10 @ €99 I ' m her dad and I have found it really easy to use and you have really helped me gain confidence. It has a metal front loading bobbin like the better Janome s and it's made by them. I bought a set of the Chinese feet and it has transformed whatI I can do. True it won't compete with or perhaps last as long as the great machine you have reviewed but as an intro machine I could not be happier with it.
Hi Tony, the John Lewis machines are great! They are made by Janome as you suggest here. The only reason I didn't cover them is because they are only stocked and sold by John Lewis. They are, I believe similar to the Janome J3 I show in this video, or the model below (the £99 model) that we didn't show. Really pleased you are happy with your choice and thank you for sharing. Aneka
Yes and a video including Brother sewing machines and the ones you’d recommend in the computerized machines and different price points.
Hi Abbie, Yes of course. I couldn't cover Brother in this video as the dealer I used didn't stock them. I will cover them. Aneka 😀
Poor Steve, reduced to eye candy for the ladies. He's been kept from speaking. Aneka, you know I'm teasing.
Ha Ha! In the first video we made in April he had a big talking roll, but I felt I couldn't take time out of his day again when we re-filmed.
well done! i'd love to recommend Juki's sturdy machines. i own an HZL-353Z, and i can say it is a wonderful work-horse. i love the simplicity of this non-computerized machine (less things to break or go wrong), and it is quite similar in functionality to the lower price-range machines you feature here, at about the same prices. add to that Juki's immense experience in the professional field, and its implementation in recent years into the household machines. thanks again for all your videos!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with Juki, I really appreciate it. Unfortunately Steve doesn't stock Juki which is the reason why we couldn't show them (not sure why). I haven't used a Juki myself, my industrial machine is a Brother but I have heard good things about Juki from my customers that have them. Thank you for sharing your story. Aneka x
Hello, i am interested in the Husqvarna 118 and at this price point i am surprised that there aren't 3 needle postions, as in, positioning the needle towards the right of the machine.
If you need to get close towards the right for sewing on your fabric, will this be a problem?
Hi there! I am not sure if the Husqvarna 118 is still being sold? But it looks like you have found it.
I totally agree that it is very frustrating that it doesn’t have a right needle position. It was one of my frustrations with the machine.
However I still really like them as a machine. I ended up having 4 of them for my workshop studio. They are happy to sew every material, and sew it well. Their buttonholes aren’t amazing though, but you probably have to pay about double the price for some good buttonholes.
The other option would be a Janome? One of the last two in the video (computerised), I have students using both of those and they work well.
So the needle position is annoying but I was always able to make it work.
Hope that helps!
Aneka x
@@MadetoSew thank you, if you could make it work, then i think i could too 😊.
Yes the Husqvarna 118 is still available to purchase for £399.00. I was told by the retailer that they are popular at schools as they are very hardwearing and last for a long time.
As well as this, i love that you can control the speed (i will be teaching myself to sew, hopefully on this machine) with the help of your youtube lessons. Thank you for your reply.
@@kazkazzie3906 Such a pleasure. So glad to hear that it is still available. I can agree that they last well; my original machine is like 14 years old or something ridiculous. I haven't used it for the past couple of years; as I got stuck in Australia with covid and my machines are in the UK. But, that machine was joined by others I used in my classes and some students hammered them! Would recommend. Good luck on your journey. Aneka x
Thank you . That was so useful
Thank you.
Very useful. Best guide for sewing machines I've come across, telling me exactly what I needed to know.... pressure foot adjustment, lowering feed dogs, quality, stitch length and width override. I'm looking at getting the Emerald 118 as my next sewing machine, since I've now outgrown my Brother LS14S. I wonder if you can tell me if the more expensive machines such as these have better penetration into thick fabrics? Sometimes my Brother struggles with more than 2 layers of leather.
Thanks!
So pleased I could help. I find the Emerald 118 is great at penetrating thicker fabrics. I have taught my leather jacket class with the Emerald 116 and 118 machines and they sew it with no problem. Obviously my expensive Bernina is better, but for the price of the Emerald machines you really can't do wrong. I have taught bag making classes on them too, with calf suede. I promise it will be a step up from your brother. Aneka :-))
@@MadetoSew Thanks for the reassurance. I've read the odd bad review, but amid a sea of glowing reviews and I take your recommendations seriously having watched a good deal of your videos. And the fact that you personally used one and taught with it speaks volumes. I look forward to it arriving this Saturday and testing on thicker fabrics that my Brother struggles with. :-)
@@ArcanePath360 Great news, I am so pleased for you. Good luck!
Thank you so much for this information. BTW, do you have sewing lamps that you could recommend also?
Thank you Dara. Ooh this could be a good video. I will look into it for you. Thank you, Aneka x
I wonder if He recommend front loading bobbins machine's for all brand of sewing machine's or just these particular models ? Because I have both style machine's front loading bobbin and the top-loading bobbin, But I do prefer the front loading bobbin machine's.
Hello! Sorry if I wasn't clear in the tutorial Steve doesn't recommend having a top loading bobbin BELOW a certain price point; any brand. The cheapest machines he recommended were all front loading bobbin. I believe very cheap top loading bobbins can be problematic. So top loading bobbin are great, he just recommends very cheap machines you buy front loading. Does that make sense? After the Janome J3 series, the next 3 models are all top loading bobbins, because at that price point they are great! Different makes are models are also different, some are better than others, whether they are front loading or top loading. Aneka x
Thanks to you and Steve for sharing such a thorough review of basic sewing machines. This should be very helpful for those who are new to sewing. Will you be continuing the series to include machines at higher price points with more features? x
Thank you Laura, I really hope people find it useful. YES we do plan to continue the series if there was interest? Originally I filmed a £350 - £1000 and £1000+ video back in April. I wasn't happy with these videos, but probably a good thing because Pfaff, Bernina and Husqvarna have changed their offering. So we are waiting for them to all launch :-)). Aneka x
I've always had Singer machines as that is what I grew up using. I have just bought a Singer Quantum 9960. My only gripe with it is the markings for 3/8 and 5/8 are not at the front only next to the needle. What do you think of Singer
Hi Nicola, Lovely to hear that you have invested in a new machine, how exciting! I used to use my Mum's really old Singer machines too, we have a couple of old motorised ones, as well as a treadle. I personally don't rate the newer Singer products, simply from what I see in my classes. My students with Singer's often have more problems with multiple layers of fabric or thicker fabric, and I don't think the stitch quality is as good as some of the other brands. BUT, this is my (honest) opinion and if they are a brand that you love and you feel comfortable with, because you have grown up using them, then I am sure you have chosen the right machine for you. I will always be happy to share my honest opinion, but I also realise there not every machine is right for every person. The same goes for every teacher :-)). Wishing you all the best on your sewing journey. Aneka xx
Hi could u please recommend which should I get 😢 so I am college fashion student and I used College machine but I want one for my self at home. I buy one cheapest from eBay but it didn’t work the fabric was keep getting stuck inside the machine so I was always afraid to buy one but now I want to buy which it good and I can use at home. my budget is around £270 and I don’t want to have to much of those stitch , no computer machine that would just confuses me and yup so am confused which one to get
Hi Ekata,
I really rate the Husqvarna Emerald machines (either 118 or 116). I think they are still sold new in the UK.
I actually bought my first one when I was at fashion uni. They are simple and great. And that was 10 years ago so it’s lasted well! I had lots of them in UK for running classes they always worked well.
I recently got a Bernette which is also v good and quite similar to the Husqvarna machines.
Another option is to look for a good second hand machine. Like a Bernina. On eBay or maybe Facebook Marketplace?
Hope this helps? Aneka
So that thing is a needle threader? Who knew? Thank you!
😀
which one would you recommend- Janome 725s, dc230 or dc360? they are almost close with current offer price but 725s is not digital! does it mean it is long lasting, hence the price is closer to digital?
I have only used the DC360 myself. I have had a number of customers with this machine and it is a good one. I don't think that machines are really that different today between the manual and computerised. Simply because the manual machines aren't built like they were 30 years ago. So I would choose the best machine for you, rather than whether it's manual or not. Aneka x
Hi Aneka love the very professional presentation on your videos and i am glad i found your channel. I am a beginner and would like advice re choosing between Husqvarna Emerald 118 and the Janome 230DC please as i would like to start sewing for a new hobby as i am retired. Many thanks for your hard work.
Thank you so much Stephen, hmmm that is a hard one as both as good machines. I personally owned the Emerald 118 and have had my machine for over 10 years now. It has been used by students in my classes and is still working, so I think this is pretty impressive. I haven't personally owned the Janome 230DC, but I have had many students attend my classes with them and they are nice machines that I rate. It is a hard decision as I would suggest both are good machines. Maybe you can go and try them both and see what you like the feel of best? Thanks, Aneka
Which is better in your opinion, the front loading bobbin, or the drop in?
Hi Deborah, unfortunately I don't think it is as simple as one or the other.
I think it depends on the price of the machine (possibly brand too). For example my Bernina machines are all front loading bobbins and I love them. BUT I don't rate some of the cheaper machines that use front loading bobbins. If I had to choose one or the other at this price point I would probably say drop in - from my personal experience of owning some of these machines and working with customers in classes. I hope this helps? Aneka
That would be very helpful. Thanks.
Ok, we will plan to make more of these at the end of the year. A couple of the brands brought out new models this year so we have been waiting for them to be released. Aneka :-))
Very timely. I am hoping to buy a machine this week. I've only used Singer mechanical machines. Do you prefer mechanical or computerized machines? Thank you for this video
Hi Carmen, I hope you bought a sewing machine? Personally I don't mind and have used either. According to Steve (the owner of the shop in this video), he says that computerised are usually better machines. People think there is more to go wrong and that the computer will break first, but he says there are fewer moving parts and they will last longer than mechanical nowadays (because none of the machines will last as long as those people bought 30 years ago). Hope this helps! Aneka x
Usually by going computerised you get better needle positioning etc. So I would suggest computerised.
@@cliffjones7868 Lovely to hear Cliff. I too have many of the Husqvarna Emerald machines, they are what I originally used in my studio for teaching classes. Great machines, happy to sew through a good amount of bulk, I have taught my leather jacket and bag classes on these machines. Thanks for your help. Aneka
Hi Aneka! About computerized machines, are they more expensive in maintenance or repairing? Or are they just more costly when you buy them?
I have my eyes between a Janome 1030mx and a Janome 423s, since those are the models available in my country that I like and can afford.
Thank you!
Hi Carla, computerised sewing machines can be more expensive when you buy them, but this really depends on the brand. Bernina (the machine's that I have), have manual machines that are more expensive than these computerised ones. In terms of repairing it shouldn't cost you any more for a service, only my very fancy big Bernina sewing machine costs me more. I wouldn't expect anyone to charge you extra for a service (between manual and computerised) at this price point. At this price you often get more features with a computerised sewing machine, yes computerised machines may seem that they won't last as long, but I don't think any of the machines we buy today (at this price), will last as long as they used to (the 30+ years of my mother's old machine). Anyway, I hope this helps? Aneka
Where does the Janome Hd3000 rate in your opinion?
Hi Deborah, I am sorry to say that I haven't tried the Janome HD3000, I am not sure if is available in the UK market. I have had a lot of customers use the two Janome machines at the end of this tutorial (Janome CXL301 and Janome 230DC), and I really rate them. I hope this helps? Aneka x
Are there hood machines that can serve well and last longer, between $ 100 to 350, please.
The machines covered in this video are those recommended in that price range by our local dealer. We would expect them to serve well.
Wwooh
Thanks!
Did Steve give his opinion…?
Ha ha! This is all Steve’s option really. 😁 I actually had to re-film the video. Originally we were chatting together about the machines, but the noise in his shop made the video audio rubbish. I didn’t want to waste anymore of his time so said I would re-film it in the back of the shop, showing close ups of the machines. So that’s what you see here.
Under this price, what would you recommend for shirt making? Thanks.
I think most of these machines would work well for shirtmaking. My preference would be the Husqvarna Emerald 116 or 118 (as I owned these for years). Or the Janome CXL301 or Janome 230DC and I really rate them. Hope this helps, Aneka
This nice I need one
Thanks Jannie.
It would be nice if there was a spread sheet showing the features of different brands and models. For example if a knee lift is important to you, the chart would show all the machines that feature that. Then if needle up down was your next priority, you cold look for those machines out of that group. Then if a thread cutter is important etc. It is also difficult to find how powerful different models are. Some people may only work with thin materials, others only with thick. Maybe a rating system from 1 to 10 or something could be made. Some machines handle thicker thread easier than others. What max size thread does the manufacturer recommend?
I very much enjoyed your beginner series.
This is such a good idea Danny, thanks so much I will look into offering something. Aneka :-))
I do that on my own as I search online for machine specs. I do it by hand, not necessarily a spreadsheet.
@@angiemenapa I have been shopping for a new machine and my priorities were knee lift, needle up/down, strong motor for thicker fabric, more than straight stitch, and thread cutter. It would have been nice to just see machines that had these features.
I ended up buying a Juki DX7. Maybe there is a better machine, but I got tired of shopping and comparing.
Nice to hear from Steve there....
Thank you!
11-13-18 To Aneka please give prices in USA dollars also.
Hi Sandra, the maximum priced machine is about $600 ish (without discount) I think. On purpose we haven't put the price of each of the machines because this can vary on the country, as well as the place you buy it (online, in store, offers etc.). I hope this helps? Aneka x
There are online currency conversion websites. Very easy to plug and chug
Thank you Sue. :-))
🙂
Thank you!
Can I use this machine in Pakistan
I presume that some of the models will be the same?
Is there a reason that you only recommend two brands? Are they the best for this range?
Thank you Jayne, and great question. This price range does mean that we can't include some of the brands. For example the brand of sewing machines that I use: Bernina, don't fall in this price range. Steve's shop only sells these two brands at this price point, so that does limit us. BUT Steve chooses to only stock these brands at this price point so I think that probably gives us the answer. Steve's business Bredons is a family run business and they have been running since 1950 (I think), so he is very knowledgable and I truly trust his opinion and expertise! Hope this helps! If I had to pick based on what I see my students bring to classes I would suggest the Janome! Or Husqvarna Emerald (I use this in my older videos)! :-))
Have I missed the more £1K+ video?
Hi Ann, no we were delayed because a number of the manufacturers were bringing out new models (this was the start of this year & end of last). Now I need to re arrange time with the dealer to do the filming. I will do something :-))
@@MadetoSew Thanks Aneka, I shall look forward to it.
Also thanks for a fast turnaround of my first order for your products, including your Copen pattern (my first PDF one). Ann x
Thanks Ann. Aneka x
Why don't you let Jeremy ralk instead of you since he's the dealer and you ask the questions.
Hi Lena, we actually filmed the video this way to start with (back in April 2018). We both sat in front of the camera and I asked questions and he showed the machines. However I didn't feel that it was very interesting, and to get us both in the camera view and the machine I felt that the watcher couldn't really see the machine or what we were talking about. We also had to film this at the front of the shop, and there was so much background noise (his shop is near a police station)! Anyway we decided to re-film and I wanted to show the machines close up so people could see what we were talking about, and I felt that I couldn't use up his time for another full day, I also did this in the back of his shop. So that is why it is me talking about what he said in the original video. Hope that explains the process, we are filming some other price points so I could always go back to the original plan? Aneka x
@@MadetoSew, I see thank you
Why amend the pressure when you can simply edit or even revise it instead? Did you learn English as a second language?
English is my first language, but I guess English and the use of words change across the world. I am British (and even in Britain from place to place as accents and dialects are so varied). Sometimes I say things on camera that I might not say normally! Just from the pressure of filming and thinking of the word. But I would still use amend the pressure or change the pressure. That seems normal to me. However I imagine it’s different in other places. I currently live in Australia and some things I say the Australia’s don’t get! And I have started picking up their phrases! 🤷♀️
How restrained and polite a reply to what, in my opinion , was a very unnecessary question.@@MadetoSew