I appreciate your point of view and thoughful approach to this comparison. Love the reminder that we are the creative source and not limited by the features of our tools. ❤🎉
Hi Alisa. I love how you kept your “stay humble, be kind, work hard” placard and put your silver RUclips plaque below that. That says a lot about your character; in a very good way.❤️
I have a Bernina Activa 130 from 1998 that is in perfect working condition and has made lots of wearables for myself and my husband and even a quilted sofa slipcover (quite a heavy project) over the years. I am currently making skirts and dresses for myself on it. It's never quit working or gone wonky. It's a first generation of electronic sewing machine. So has a few built in stitches but not many and does do buttonholes, but it is difficult to make nice ones. My late husband bought a Singer heavy duty machine that has two feed dogs and does perfect buttonholes so I use it for that task.
Mom taught all of us girls on her Singer in the early to mid 60s. Don't know how long she had that machine but it sewed very well. Bought my first Singer in early 70s & used it until our home burned in 2008. Bought a Brother & sewed on it for several years. Traded up to a Brother Dreamweaver machine & love it. Also have a Janome Platinum Gem (lightweight for taking to classes & sew alongs). Also have a Janome serger & it's very well used!😊
@@nalisajackson547 I had a friend who wanted to learn to sew she has a singer that thing was confusing I just don’t remember them being that hard to learn on 😳
i love your enthusiasm when talking about your machines. i wish you all the luck for the 28th. may i sagest you let all this be known in your local aria and ask if any one has sewing machines they no longer want, and may consider donating to you new program.
I love your comment early in the video about sewing by hand vs machine. It’s a good reminder that sewing is an act, not a tool. That being said, enjoy your new machine! I find having two machines in my studio to be useful as I can set them up for different tasks.
I sew with a 1950's Necchi and a 1927 Singer that I bought for $185 and $0 respectively and can't think of a really good reason to spend a lot to get something fancier. Sure an industrial Juki with auto thread cutter etc would be great but I don't need it to make nice garments. I love your message that we are the creative force in our sewing.
I had a Kenmore for years (purchased in 1987!) which was great, and at the time a pretty advanced machine to start sewing on. I upgraded to a Janome 6600P about 15 years ago and I love it. I sent the Kenmore in for a tune up and gave it to my daughter, and she loves it just as much. I also have a Husquvarna Viking Designer II that embroiders as well as sews, and it is a wonderful machine. I find I use the additional features offered on both a lot. My daughter in law has taken an interest in sewing, and I bought her a Brother computerized machine, maybe in the $300 range for Christmas a few years ago, and she lis very happy with it. There are so many options out there, it is worth doing the research to find what you are looking for.
My husband encouraged me to buy the Singer Heavy Duty 4411 this past January, after I researched online what features I wanted and reviews of those features. I love it! I love especially that I can “work” every feature with or without electricity, whereas, these computerized machines cannot; making fewer things to break down over time, also.
My first sewing machine was a singer because my grandmother had a singer since I remember unfortunately my singer was a headache from day one that made my sewing journey a pain, I have to add it is a very cheap entry level machine, entry level should be something that encourages and have fun with it. Anyway recently I bought a Bernette b77 for me and Bernette b05 for my daughter, I love all my Bernette features it is so nice to have all those features that I never new I want it 😂 Great job with the videos 😊
Thank you so much for joining in the tag! I have added your video to the playlist. I'm getting such wonderful ideas from all of you 😊. I especially love how you distinguished that the creativity lies within US and the sewing machine is just a tool. Definitely something to keep in mind!!
I can agree with all you have said in this Video. The Bernette B38 is, compared to my Singer Confidence 7463 very quiet when sewing. I love the many decorative stitches, but when it comes down to it, I only really use the straight stitch, zick zack stitch and overlock stitch. And yes, the feet are very expensive compared to the Singer ones. I got the quilt edition feet as a present from my hubby and they were £ 150 for 3 feet, 1 embroidery foot and the walking foot. I appreciate the Auto cut function very much and the needle-down option. My Singer machine now lives with my MIL who really appreciates it. I learned to love the Bernette B38 but just giving it a go. I also have the extension table for the Bernette B38 which is really lovely to have. I am learning so much from you in regard to sewing. You make it fun, but I have not yet made a Garment, I will try soon so :)
I love your idea of sewing workshop! We did something similar here with knitting and crochet. I made many like minded friends. We live in a military area and it turned into a much needed outlet for people on base. Don't know if you realize it but most sewing machines are manufactured in the same plants now. They tend to even share across brands. Your story about the noise difference brought back a memory of a conversation between my parents. Mom used to sew in their bedroom after everyone else went to bed. She too got another machine that was quieter than the first machine!
I have the Singer 237 from the 1960s that I learned to sew on. It's a great machine. Around 2010, I purchased a Singer. Terrible machine due to being made of mostly plastic. So, I did my research and now own 3 Janomes that I love. One is travel and classes, another is for piecing, and the other has a wide area for quilting. Love my Janomes!!! I'm doing Project Dress a Girl too. I met Mari at my LQS when she taught the class on making the dress. SEW fun!
Thank you for this green video. I have a Singer heavy 4423, and it does what I need, but the button hole gives me grief sometimes 🙁, so I use my daughter’s new Singer C9920. I really love my Heavy Duty Singer 😊😊😊
Good video, thank you. I just got a new Bernette b38 this year. I like it so far. I do mostly sewing of vintage style garments and patterns, plus lots of hemming and mending as I am very short.I had a Husqvarna from about 2005 and really liked it. Never had any issues with it. But last year the LCD screen went out, and the company said there was no way to replace it/no part for it. I was super disappointed. It still works, I just can't see anything on the LCD panel so can't see any of my settings. I like a simple machine overall that can still do a few extras like buttonholes. So far, the b38 has been a good fit.
My first machine in 1968 was a JC Penny model which had ‘it all’….even buttonholes! It was great! Then I went to college in 1976 and bought a Sears Kenmore model….also good, never had a problem with either of them. Continued to sew with not even one service until 1999. I loaned it to a friend who used it, returned it broken!!!! It was cheaper to buy a ‘singer’ than repair….and since then, I have had to replace every 8-10 years….cheaper to buy a new one……..sad.
I have a bernette, love the feature of not needing a pedal, I can regulate the speed on the sewing machine, especially when my daughter is using it. I have a variety of feet. It's super quiet, I'm up sewing at 3am😅
The auto thread cut-off is the main reason I would upgrade my old mechanical sewing machine if I had the budget😂 I Started doing quilts and I'm in love but piecing a million little pieces, I could definitely appreciate a backstitch button and Auto cut-off😂
Have to say it is kind of refreshing seeing a experienced sewist saying she doesn't need a fancy sewing maching. But I have to say I myself started with a cheaper Singer and traded it in after 1 year. It did sew ordinary thinner clothing fabric well and is a great starting point, especially if it ends up being stored most of the time anyway. But as soon as I moved up to denim, faux leather and furniture fabric my Singer almost had an heart attack every time and literally scared me multiple times because it did so many strange things. And lastly, If you buy a cheaper machine the machines bought at a sewing machine dealer are better produced than the machines found in supermarkets. And If you can find an OLD treasure like the on your grandmother had, jump on it because they're great. Seen a couple sew through wood 😮
In 1973 I got a singer machine, and made so many clothes for me and my children on it. Then in 1983 I got the Pfaff 1222, which was their top of the line. Then in around 2003 when I took it in for service, the dealer said he couldn’t find parts for it and talked me into getting a Pfaff limited edition model, which I hated. In 2014 I got my first Babylock machine, the Ellure plus, embroidery and sewing. I love Babylocks and Brothers. I got the very basic Babylock for teaching my niece to sew, and regretted it. I got my granddaughter a bottom-of-the-line Janome, and it was terrible, would not even hold the tension you set. I heard bad things about Brother, but when I moved to Scotland, Babylocks were not available so I got a mid-range Brother and liked it a lot. I think the take-away lesson is that any brand lowest-end machine is going to have problems, and it’s better to get a mid-range machine from almost any company you prefer. And keeping the machine clean will help it sew better and last longer, no matter which company makes your machine. Right before I retired, I got a Babylock Crescendo half price and an Ovation serger. I love these machines, and now that I am back in he US I totally enjoy sewing on them.
Finally someone do comparison between bernette and singer. I’m in between what to choose Singer 6805c, Bernetter 38 and Janome 5270qdc. I’m not looking how many stitches coz honestly we don’t use that at all. I was looking for a review that will show the capability of the machine and features.. ❤
Thank you for this overview. I have been thinking of purchasing an overlock or serger machine and would like to know what to look for as I have never worked with one before.
I am also considering purchasing a serger but not sure what to look for. I am swayed toward the Brother the same as Alisa uses but wondering what the difference would be against the Janome as my sewing machine is a Janome 5000HD which I love.
Lovely video Alisa. I am so glad you love your new machine. I know people are not recommending Singer anymore. However, I have heavy duty one, and I love it. I also love my new Janome.
I received a Janome 740dc for a gift. Janome is so proprietary. I’m on a low budget, and accessories eg: extra feet are expensive for me. I really do like the machine. I’ve sewn a lot but new feet would really help me. A brother would have suited me fine financially.
Sewing machines have so much personality. I have a little IKEA machine that actually needs oil every ten minutes, and when that little blue and yellow machine and I are sewing long seams, we are both smiling and whirling. I should ditch it but it makes me happy.
I gave away my Singer and my Kenmore and I bought a Bernina machine and a Bernette serger about 37 years ago. The sewing machine has never been to the shop. I had one small problem and called the dealer to explain. She told me how to fix it and I have never had another problem, but in that model the buttonhole function was a disappointment. I sewed for four children, myself, and sometimes for my husband. One year I made 200 t-shirts and t-shirt dresses for a church charity. My machines get a workout. I have since bought another serger (Bernina) and two Babylock embroidery machines. I believe you have been very lucky that your Singer has lasted this long, but that Bernette will probably be part of your daughters inheritance.
I had bad results with a singer, but it was not the singer that was the problem it was due to old age, never been cleaned and taken care of. I started sewing on a Husqvarna, my mom had a beast that could do everything but by the time she was old and I got it it was already 30 years old! Still it was complete with all the feet, accessoires and every bit an bob you could think of. I was so sad that after some small reparations it was beyond repair. I got the old singer of my mother in law, but mind you that was a simple model and even older than my moms workinghorse, close to 40 years old even. The very first time I used it broke, so again to repair man who also fixed my Husqy and he said he could repair what was broken now but there would be many more to come in de following weeks, so his opinion it would not be wise to put money in it. At that point we did not have much to spend and I could get a refurbished model but had doubts, hubby wanted me to get a new singer (but hey spoiled by the Husqy) I wanted one that could both handle sheer fabrics and sturdy ones and not dance all over the place (like the singer did). Had been giving years of care to my mother in law and she felt bad, she said I could pick out any sewing machine I wanted and it was her gift to me. I have my trustworthy Viking over 10 years now, what a joy! All my moms feet and bobs fit, accept one or 2 things. Got some more extra feet and have been enjoying many wonderful moments with my big friend. Compared to the oldfashioned ones it is amazing that it gives a lot of information for what feet and how tight you want to stitch and the thinnest sheers and even 2-3 layers of leather is no problem. The only thing is, it is a bit picky in what type of coil it is on, some coils it refuses to use... And the new bobbins are plastic, my moms old metal ones do not fit. And only 10 bobbins with the sewing machine, halve of them broke as soon as you filled them with yarn... I got a new set of Husqvarna own brand, again plastics and somehow they do not fit the best either but are workable.
Ive mostly had singers my favorite, you slid back the plate, pushed a button, and could fill the bobbin, once bobbin filled went back to sewing. I didnt have to rethread the top, pull out the bobbin, fill the bobbin and re-thread the top. And loved the buttonhole feature. I think i found 1 like it on ebay Singer 756 touch and see zig zag. I dont remember what happened to it... my mom was always upgrading machined so she must have given me her old 1. My last singer broke during the pandemic and i got a brother, because of price, basic function and availability at the time. I like well enough and happy with it.
I own a Singer sewing machine that I purchased in 1994, and I love it. I purchased a Brother sewing machine in 2013, and I love it, too. I also have a Brother serger, and I'm considering purchasing a Brother cover stitch machine in the future. Thanks for all your informative videos!
Some great tips Alisa Also check this lady out. Jan at Pins & Needles . Tells you what functions are necessary in a sewing machine and what are not. So informative
From a machine technician, in order: 1. Remove the stitch plate and clean out the collected lint (and threads, and pins, and broken needles). 2. Change your needle often. A new needle is less expensive than a repair. 3. If you are confident, oil your machine. Wherever metal moves against metal, put a drop of oil. Sewing machine oil! Not all purpose oil. Not WD-40. This is a start. Do this and you will have a working sewing machine for many years.
Which machine should I buy? Singer 4423 or Bernette sew & go 8? My requirements are embroidery & jeans stitching for home purpose. Can Bernette sew & go 8 stitch jeans material also?
I wanted a Bernina for some features you described years ago but bought a Singer Quantum stylist because of the price; I enjoy my Singer but cannot sew comfortable jeans fabric. Ca your benrnette sew jeans?
I used to be a tailor, and I like to keep my machines when I upgrade. I have a Juki , a Janome , a Elna, a 130 year old wertheim treadle and a Janome serger. I find you don’t need the super expensive machines for good results. Companies come out with all kind of ridiculously expensive machines with over 10 different buttonhole options and things you will never use. Buy what you need. I used to be a singer person, that’s what I apprenticed on a long time ago and I loved them. For home machines I find they are loud and lately not as good anymore. It’s like with everything, try some out and buy the one you like and feel good about using.
The "brand snobbery" I experience from other sewists bothers me. It's laughable. I have had two Singers (one gifted away, still have the other), one Viking (still have and works), and a Janome 8200. The Janome 8200 is by far my favorite, but my other machines served me well for decades. I have a Burnette Serger/coverstitch combo that I love more than my White serger and Brother coverstitch machines. I was warned to steer clear of these machines except the Janome by people who are younger than some of my machines.
That Bernette is manufactured by Janome. As a former machine salesperson for all the major machine companies I can tell a Janome product. Bernina's high end machines are not.
I love my old Singer sewing machines. However, my Bernina is another thing. I don't use it very often; because, it takes too long to get it back from the shop and the cost of cleaning and repairs are too high for my budget. If the dealer had been truthful to me, I would have never bought it from her.
Sadly, repair shops tend to charge a premium to service Berninas-- more than other premium machines. There is no justification for this as Berninas are easy to service. And yes, Bernina accessories are pricey. Still, I have three Berninas and love them.
My husband found that there are free manuals online that can be downloaded. So he found one for my Bernina and it showed how to clean and maintain it. For repairs, you should probably take it in. But if you keep up the maintenance, it may keep it from needing repairs.
I bought my first Singer4975N in the late 70's. It is a manual Singer that had many great decorative stitches and the A1 best one step buttonhole maker. I made thousands of garment and crafty items with this machine but it was getting old and I wanted to have more. I could have bought a Bernina computerized machine back then but I wasn't comfortable with them. About 1997 I bought 2 industrial machines right off the factory floor. I have bought another Singer 100 and I love it. It has many of the things you mentioned but no thread cutter. I have bought the serger and the cover stitch and now a Janome. I love the Janome because of the quilting foot. The Singer has one also but wants to skip stitches. Each machine is useful for different reasons. I have question for you...did you take designer courses since you have a book full of pattern pieces that you have created? I noticed that is what you mostly use in your garment making.
I got bernette sew & go 5 and it is kind of stiff. I mean it makes lots of noise and when I do back stitching it eats up fabric most of the time. I recently got to use my friend's janome and that machine runs like butter. I really regret buying Bernette.
I have this singer confidence 7470. Warning to all dont get this no matter how cheap you find it. Its a horrible sewing machine. Im about ready to throw mine off the roof. Its worth 💩
I sew with a 1950's Necchi and a 1927 Singer that I bought for $185 and $0 respectively and can't think of a really good reason to spend a lot to get something fancier. Sure an industrial Juki with auto thread cutter etc would be great but I don't need it to make nice garments. I love your message that we are the creative force in our sewing.
I appreciate your point of view and thoughful approach to this comparison. Love the reminder that we are the creative source and not limited by the features of our tools. ❤🎉
Hi Alisa. I love how you kept your “stay humble, be kind, work hard” placard and put your silver RUclips plaque below that. That says a lot about your character; in a very good way.❤️
I have a vintage Bernina 930. I bought it new in 1983. It’s the best mechanical machine!
I have a Bernina Activa 130 from 1998 that is in perfect working condition and has made lots of wearables for myself and my husband and even a quilted sofa slipcover (quite a heavy project) over the years. I am currently making skirts and dresses for myself on it. It's never quit working or gone wonky. It's a first generation of electronic sewing machine. So has a few built in stitches but not many and does do buttonholes, but it is difficult to make nice ones. My late husband bought a Singer heavy duty machine that has two feed dogs and does perfect buttonholes so I use it for that task.
I have an old singer, and I found out that it’s the user not the machine. Thanks for the video!
Mom taught all of us girls on her Singer in the early to mid 60s. Don't know how long she had that machine but it sewed very well. Bought my first Singer in early 70s & used it until our home burned in 2008. Bought a Brother & sewed on it for several years. Traded up to a Brother Dreamweaver machine & love it. Also have a Janome Platinum Gem (lightweight for taking to classes & sew alongs). Also have a Janome serger & it's very well used!😊
I’m a brother user. I switched many years ago from singer to brother
I had a brother for 10 years and loved it very much, however I just switched to a singer and tbh I prefer a brother over singer😂
I never use the foot peddle anymore. (Brother)
@@michellecoon6619 so true my niece asked me what the pedal in my drawer was for 🤣🤣
@@nalisajackson547 I had a friend who wanted to learn to sew she has a singer that thing was confusing I just don’t remember them being that hard to learn on 😳
i love your enthusiasm when talking about your machines. i wish you all the luck for the 28th. may i sagest you let all this be known in your local aria and ask if any one has sewing machines they no longer want, and may consider donating to you new program.
I love your comment early in the video about sewing by hand vs machine. It’s a good reminder that sewing is an act, not a tool. That being said, enjoy your new machine! I find having two machines in my studio to be useful as I can set them up for different tasks.
I sew with a 1950's Necchi and a 1927 Singer that I bought for $185 and $0 respectively and can't think of a really good reason to spend a lot to get something fancier. Sure an industrial Juki with auto thread cutter etc would be great but I don't need it to make nice garments. I love your message that we are the creative force in our sewing.
I had a Kenmore for years (purchased in 1987!) which was great, and at the time a pretty advanced machine to start sewing on. I upgraded to a Janome 6600P about 15 years ago and I love it. I sent the Kenmore in for a tune up and gave it to my daughter, and she loves it just as much. I also have a Husquvarna Viking Designer II that embroiders as well as sews, and it is a wonderful machine. I find I use the additional features offered on both a lot. My daughter in law has taken an interest in sewing, and I bought her a Brother computerized machine, maybe in the $300 range for Christmas a few years ago, and she lis very happy with it. There are so many options out there, it is worth doing the research to find what you are looking for.
My husband encouraged me to buy the Singer Heavy Duty 4411 this past January, after I researched online what features I wanted and reviews of those features. I love it! I love especially that I can “work” every feature with or without electricity, whereas, these computerized machines cannot; making fewer things to break down over time, also.
My first sewing machine was a singer because my grandmother had a singer since I remember unfortunately my singer was a headache from day one that made my sewing journey a pain, I have to add it is a very cheap entry level machine, entry level should be something that encourages and have fun with it.
Anyway recently I bought a Bernette b77 for me and Bernette b05 for my daughter, I love all my Bernette features it is so nice to have all those features that I never new I want it 😂
Great job with the videos 😊
Thank you so much for joining in the tag! I have added your video to the playlist. I'm getting such wonderful ideas from all of you 😊. I especially love how you distinguished that the creativity lies within US and the sewing machine is just a tool. Definitely something to keep in mind!!
I can agree with all you have said in this Video. The Bernette B38 is, compared to my Singer Confidence 7463 very quiet when sewing. I love the many decorative stitches, but when it comes down to it, I only really use the straight stitch, zick zack stitch and overlock stitch. And yes, the feet are very expensive compared to the Singer ones. I got the quilt edition feet as a present from my hubby and they were £ 150 for 3 feet, 1 embroidery foot and the walking foot. I appreciate the Auto cut function very much and the needle-down option. My Singer machine now lives with my MIL who really appreciates it. I learned to love the Bernette B38 but just giving it a go. I also have the extension table for the Bernette B38 which is really lovely to have. I am learning so much from you in regard to sewing. You make it fun, but I have not yet made a Garment, I will try soon so :)
I love your idea of sewing workshop! We did something similar here with knitting and crochet. I made many like minded friends. We live in a military area and it turned into a much needed outlet for people on base. Don't know if you realize it but most sewing machines are manufactured in the same plants now. They tend to even share across brands. Your story about the noise difference brought back a memory of a conversation between my parents. Mom used to sew in their bedroom after everyone else went to bed. She too got another machine that was quieter than the first machine!
I have the Singer 237 from the 1960s that I learned to sew on. It's a great machine. Around 2010, I purchased a Singer. Terrible machine due to being made of mostly plastic. So, I did my research and now own 3 Janomes that I love. One is travel and classes, another is for piecing, and the other has a wide area for quilting. Love my Janomes!!! I'm doing Project Dress a Girl too. I met Mari at my LQS when she taught the class on making the dress. SEW fun!
You have such a lovely giving heart!❤
Thank you for this green video. I have a Singer heavy 4423, and it does what I need, but the button hole gives me grief sometimes 🙁, so I use my daughter’s new Singer C9920. I really love my Heavy Duty Singer 😊😊😊
Great, now I want a new sewing machine...
Good video, thank you. I just got a new Bernette b38 this year. I like it so far. I do mostly sewing of vintage style garments and patterns, plus lots of hemming and mending as I am very short.I had a Husqvarna from about 2005 and really liked it. Never had any issues with it. But last year the LCD screen went out, and the company said there was no way to replace it/no part for it. I was super disappointed. It still works, I just can't see anything on the LCD panel so can't see any of my settings. I like a simple machine overall that can still do a few extras like buttonholes. So far, the b38 has been a good fit.
My first machine in 1968 was a JC Penny model which had ‘it all’….even buttonholes! It was great! Then I went to college in 1976 and bought a Sears Kenmore model….also good, never had a problem with either of them. Continued to sew with not even one service until 1999. I loaned it to a friend who used it, returned it broken!!!! It was cheaper to buy a ‘singer’ than repair….and since then, I have had to replace every 8-10 years….cheaper to buy a new one……..sad.
Thankyou very much. It really helped😊👍🏻
I have a bernette, love the feature of not needing a pedal, I can regulate the speed on the sewing machine, especially when my daughter is using it. I have a variety of feet. It's super quiet, I'm up sewing at 3am😅
Bought the Bernina B38 few months ago.. A beautufl machine.. Sews very well. Expensive but worth the splurge.
The auto thread cut-off is the main reason I would upgrade my old mechanical sewing machine if I had the budget😂 I Started doing quilts and I'm in love but piecing a million little pieces, I could definitely appreciate a backstitch button and Auto cut-off😂
I have two Brother Machines and a Simplicity Creative Sewing machine. For me an important feature is the one step buttonhole.
Have to say it is kind of refreshing seeing a experienced sewist saying she doesn't need a fancy sewing maching. But I have to say I myself started with a cheaper Singer and traded it in after 1 year. It did sew ordinary thinner clothing fabric well and is a great starting point, especially if it ends up being stored most of the time anyway. But as soon as I moved up to denim, faux leather and furniture fabric my Singer almost had an heart attack every time and literally scared me multiple times because it did so many strange things. And lastly, If you buy a cheaper machine the machines bought at a sewing machine dealer are better produced than the machines found in supermarkets.
And If you can find an OLD treasure like the on your grandmother had, jump on it because they're great. Seen a couple sew through wood 😮
In 1973 I got a singer machine, and made so many clothes for me and my children on it. Then in 1983 I got the Pfaff 1222, which was their top of the line. Then in around 2003 when I took it in for service, the dealer said he couldn’t find parts for it and talked me into getting a Pfaff limited edition model, which I hated. In 2014 I got my first Babylock machine, the Ellure plus, embroidery and sewing. I love Babylocks and Brothers. I got the very basic Babylock for teaching my niece to sew, and regretted it. I got my granddaughter a bottom-of-the-line Janome, and it was terrible, would not even hold the tension you set.
I heard bad things about Brother, but when I moved to Scotland, Babylocks were not available so I got a mid-range Brother and liked it a lot. I think the take-away lesson is that any brand lowest-end machine is going to have problems, and it’s better to get a mid-range machine from almost any company you prefer.
And keeping the machine clean will help it sew better and last longer, no matter which company makes your machine.
Right before I retired, I got a Babylock Crescendo half price and an Ovation serger. I love these machines, and now that I am back in he US I totally enjoy sewing on them.
My mom had a Singer and a Montgomery wards. And a Sears and a Bernina. She sewed a lot.
Finally someone do comparison between bernette and singer. I’m in between what to choose Singer 6805c, Bernetter 38 and Janome 5270qdc. I’m not looking how many stitches coz honestly we don’t use that at all. I was looking for a review that will show the capability of the machine and features.. ❤
Industrial machines are worth a look
They do one function but they do it well
And last
Judi lover here!!
Hello! Thanks for your honesty.
How was your library "open door" experience?
Blessings
Quiero una máquina así 😢....bueno algún día por qué así dios lo quiere 🙏
Thank you for this overview. I have been thinking of purchasing an overlock or serger machine and would like to know what to look for as I have never worked with one before.
I am also considering purchasing a serger but not sure what to look for. I am swayed toward the Brother the same as Alisa uses but wondering what the difference would be against the Janome as my sewing machine is a Janome 5000HD which I love.
Lovely video Alisa.
I am so glad you love your new machine.
I know people are not recommending Singer anymore. However, I have heavy duty one, and I love it. I also love my new Janome.
@SewingandSnakes I have mechanical one. 4423
It's brilliant, although zigzag is not great on it.
However, it can sew through almost anything
I received a Janome 740dc for a gift. Janome is so proprietary. I’m on a low budget, and accessories eg: extra feet are expensive for me. I really do like the machine. I’ve sewn a lot but new feet would really help me. A brother would have suited me fine financially.
Sewing machines have so much personality. I have a little IKEA machine that actually needs oil every ten minutes, and when that little blue and yellow machine and I are sewing long seams, we are both smiling and whirling. I should ditch it but it makes me happy.
The next machine i buy will have a thread cutter. I don't have one. I see videos with them and it looks so much easier!
I gave away my Singer and my Kenmore and I bought a Bernina machine and a Bernette serger about 37 years ago. The sewing machine has never been to the shop. I had one small problem and called the dealer to explain. She told me how to fix it and I have never had another problem, but in that model the buttonhole function was a disappointment. I sewed for four children, myself, and sometimes for my husband. One year I made 200 t-shirts and t-shirt dresses for a church charity. My machines get a workout. I have since bought another serger (Bernina) and two Babylock embroidery machines. I believe you have been very lucky that your Singer has lasted this long, but that Bernette will probably be part of your daughters inheritance.
I had bad results with a singer, but it was not the singer that was the problem it was due to old age, never been cleaned and taken care of. I started sewing on a Husqvarna, my mom had a beast that could do everything but by the time she was old and I got it it was already 30 years old! Still it was complete with all the feet, accessoires and every bit an bob you could think of. I was so sad that after some small reparations it was beyond repair. I got the old singer of my mother in law, but mind you that was a simple model and even older than my moms workinghorse, close to 40 years old even. The very first time I used it broke, so again to repair man who also fixed my Husqy and he said he could repair what was broken now but there would be many more to come in de following weeks, so his opinion it would not be wise to put money in it. At that point we did not have much to spend and I could get a refurbished model but had doubts, hubby wanted me to get a new singer (but hey spoiled by the Husqy) I wanted one that could both handle sheer fabrics and sturdy ones and not dance all over the place (like the singer did). Had been giving years of care to my mother in law and she felt bad, she said I could pick out any sewing machine I wanted and it was her gift to me. I have my trustworthy Viking over 10 years now, what a joy! All my moms feet and bobs fit, accept one or 2 things. Got some more extra feet and have been enjoying many wonderful moments with my big friend.
Compared to the oldfashioned ones it is amazing that it gives a lot of information for what feet and how tight you want to stitch and the thinnest sheers and even 2-3 layers of leather is no problem. The only thing is, it is a bit picky in what type of coil it is on, some coils it refuses to use... And the new bobbins are plastic, my moms old metal ones do not fit. And only 10 bobbins with the sewing machine, halve of them broke as soon as you filled them with yarn... I got a new set of Husqvarna own brand, again plastics and somehow they do not fit the best either but are workable.
Ive mostly had singers my favorite, you slid back the plate, pushed a button, and could fill the bobbin, once bobbin filled went back to sewing. I didnt have to rethread the top, pull out the bobbin, fill the bobbin and re-thread the top. And loved the buttonhole feature. I think i found 1 like it on ebay Singer 756 touch and see zig zag. I dont remember what happened to it... my mom was always upgrading machined so she must have given me her old 1. My last singer broke during the pandemic and i got a brother, because of price, basic function and availability at the time. I like well enough and happy with it.
I own a Singer sewing machine that I purchased in 1994, and I love it. I purchased a Brother sewing machine in 2013, and I love it, too. I also have a Brother serger, and I'm considering purchasing a Brother cover stitch machine in the future. Thanks for all your informative videos!
Some great tips Alisa
Also check this lady out.
Jan at Pins & Needles .
Tells you what functions are necessary in a sewing machine and what are not.
So informative
Could you make a video on the regular maintenance of the B38 that we should do regularly ? Thanks 👍😎🐕🦺🐈⬛
Hello there :) I think the sewing machine manual covers that pretty well :)
From a machine technician, in order:
1. Remove the stitch plate and clean out the collected lint (and threads, and pins, and broken needles).
2. Change your needle often. A new needle is less expensive than a repair.
3. If you are confident, oil your machine. Wherever metal moves against metal, put a drop of oil. Sewing machine oil! Not all purpose oil. Not WD-40.
This is a start. Do this and you will have a working sewing machine for many years.
Which machine should I buy? Singer 4423 or Bernette sew & go 8? My requirements are embroidery & jeans stitching for home purpose. Can Bernette sew & go 8 stitch jeans material also?
I wanted a Bernina for some features you described years ago but bought a Singer Quantum stylist because of the price; I enjoy my Singer but cannot sew comfortable jeans fabric. Ca your benrnette sew jeans?
Hi, can both of these machines perform embroidery?
😘👍🏻
I used to be a tailor, and I like to keep my machines when I upgrade. I have a Juki , a Janome , a Elna, a 130 year old wertheim treadle and a Janome serger. I find you don’t need the super expensive machines for good results. Companies come out with all kind of ridiculously expensive machines with over 10 different buttonhole options and things you will never use. Buy what you need. I used to be a singer person, that’s what I apprenticed on a long time ago and I loved them. For home machines I find they are loud and lately not as good anymore. It’s like with everything, try some out and buy the one you like and feel good about using.
I go with which machine is quieter
The "brand snobbery" I experience from other sewists bothers me. It's laughable. I have had two Singers (one gifted away, still have the other), one Viking (still have and works), and a Janome 8200. The Janome 8200 is by far my favorite, but my other machines served me well for decades. I have a Burnette Serger/coverstitch combo that I love more than my White serger and Brother coverstitch machines. I was warned to steer clear of these machines except the Janome by people who are younger than some of my machines.
That Bernette is manufactured by Janome. As a former machine salesperson for all the major machine companies I can tell a Janome product.
Bernina's high end machines are not.
I love my old Singer sewing machines. However, my Bernina is another thing. I don't use it very often; because, it takes too long to get it back from the shop and the cost of cleaning and repairs are too high for my budget. If the dealer had been truthful to me, I would have never bought it from her.
Sadly, repair shops tend to charge a premium to service Berninas-- more than other premium machines. There is no justification for this as Berninas are easy to service. And yes, Bernina accessories are pricey. Still, I have three Berninas and love them.
My husband found that there are free manuals online that can be downloaded. So he found one for my Bernina and it showed how to clean and maintain it. For repairs, you should probably take it in. But if you keep up the maintenance, it may keep it from needing repairs.
I bought my first Singer4975N in the late 70's. It is a manual Singer that had many great decorative stitches and the A1 best one step buttonhole maker. I made thousands of garment and crafty items with this machine but it was getting old and I wanted to have more. I could have bought a Bernina computerized machine back then but I wasn't comfortable with them. About 1997 I bought 2 industrial machines right off the factory floor. I have bought another Singer 100 and I love it. It has many of the things you mentioned but no thread cutter. I have bought the serger and the cover stitch and now a Janome. I love the Janome because of the quilting foot. The Singer has one also but wants to skip stitches. Each machine is useful for different reasons. I have question for you...did you take designer courses since you have a book full of pattern pieces that you have created? I noticed that is what you mostly use in your garment making.
I got bernette sew & go 5 and it is kind of stiff. I mean it makes lots of noise and when I do back stitching it eats up fabric most of the time.
I recently got to use my friend's janome and that machine runs like butter. I really regret buying Bernette.
I have this singer confidence 7470. Warning to all dont get this no matter how cheap you find it. Its a horrible sewing machine. Im about ready to throw mine off the roof. Its worth 💩
I sew with a 1950's Necchi and a 1927 Singer that I bought for $185 and $0 respectively and can't think of a really good reason to spend a lot to get something fancier. Sure an industrial Juki with auto thread cutter etc would be great but I don't need it to make nice garments. I love your message that we are the creative force in our sewing.