Inside CR Test Labs: Sewing machines
One of the busiest spots these days in our Yonkers, New York, headquarters is a lab in which you'll find four people sitting among hundreds of swatches of cotton and bolts of chiffon, corduroy, and denim. They're not reviewing washing machines or laundry detergents but are diligently testing sewing machines for our upcoming report (see photo, right).
In early September—which happens to be National Sewing Month—the testers were making straight and zigzag stitches and buttonholes on cotton swatches to gauge ease of use for the machines. One tester repeatedly had to refer to the owner's manual, scratching her head as she tried to figure out how to use one of the machines. (Just like our readers, who have been clamoring for a report on sewing machines, our testers have varying levels of sewing experience.)
We're testing 18 different models, including some from brands your grandmother knew and one that's familiar to project-oriented fashionistas who keep an eye on the runway.
We're checking out mechanical and electronic machines, some with a foot pedal, others without. Some machines have automatic threaders, eliminating the tedious job of having to thread the needle. My vision's still pretty good, but an automatic threader seems a worthwhile feature.
One electronic model even has an LED screen that displays videos with step-by-step instructions. It's a lot quicker than reading a manual or calling your mom. Note that we conceal the brand and model information from testers so that they remain objective.
Our full report on sewing machines is scheduled for the March 2009 issue of Consumer Reports, on sale and online in February. Until then we'll keep you updated on our testing. To tell us what you're looking for in a sewing machine, post a comment below.—Kimberly Janeway
February 2009 update: Our report on sewing machines is now available online. Find the best sewing machines in this report.
Essential information: Read our free buying advice for sewing machines.
Posted by: Annie | Sep 9, 2008 8:09:28 AM
What about repair history on sewing machines- especially some of the top of the line electronic sewing embroidery machines?? The price on some of these is getting close to the price of a small car especially when the "accessories" (necessary for the machine to embroider) are purchased. But do they work reliably and over time? So many currently available consumer comments on machines are shortly after they were purchased and not based on serious user experience or any substantial period of time for wear and tear. Also we can get repair histories on much less pricey items such as appliances, etc.
Would love to buy one of the new top of the line sewing embroidery machines, but have had such difficulty with the one I have, don't have the confidence to buy another...
Posted by: kari mccloskey | Sep 9, 2008 2:29:48 PM
haven't tests been done on which pellet stove would be the best to buy?
Posted by: Erin | Sep 10, 2008 7:39:31 PM
I love to sew, but what I'm looking for is a workhorse. My grandmother's 1940s (all-metal) Featherweight is still going strong (but doesn't zigzag), but the Swiss (all-metal) machine I've been using for most things and was given second hand has seized up for the second time and I'm planning to get a new machine for the first time in my life. I want one that will do basic stitches for clothes construction (straight, zigzag, buttonhole) well with plenty of power and speed control and one that I can quilt with if I'd like. I'd rather not have a computer and embroidery features only because I'd love a machine that will not be obsolete in 10 years. What I'm looking for is the best possible ease of use, control and stitch capabilities balanced with a machine that is built to last. I'm only sorry that the report isn't due out until March!!! It is so easy to get confused about machine features and brand reliability!!
If you review sergers I'd love to know your "simple serger" recommend too!
Posted by: Carol Ann | Sep 10, 2008 8:52:17 PM
I would like to see a report on quilting sewing machines. I have a 43 year old Singer Touch and Sew machine and I would like to update it but when I look at quilting machines there is just so many features that it can be confusing. My notebook is full of notes and I still have not made any decision
Posted by: JW | Sep 10, 2008 9:13:08 PM
I've been hoping for years and years for sewing machines to be tested so am thrilled to see this being done. The price range on machines is enormous, and some are very serious investments. If you are including the embroidery capability of many machines, then please address how to best acquire embroidery designs. Buying designs? From where? Buying software that allows you to create your own? What about just doing lettering? Etc.
The machine alone isn't enough - then you need something to embroider, and this is another potentially costly area to understand. There are lots of different options available, and no impartial source to evaluate them.
Posted by: Donna | Sep 10, 2008 9:43:27 PM
I hope there will be reviews for basic machines. My 18 year old granddaughter wants to learn to sew. I think a basic machine is
a great choice to learn on and will try to hold off buying her one
until I have your test results. My husband and I are long time
subscribers. We value your reviews and recommendations and seldom
make a purchase without consulting them. Thanks for the great job
you do for consumers.
Posted by: Ann | Sep 11, 2008 7:36:37 AM
We are looking for a reliable, inexpensive sewing machine model for a new sewing club at our high school. Need to purchase several so that the girls can get started. Any suggestions as far as heavy duty, reliable but relatively inexpensive makes/models?
Posted by: Rebecca | Sep 11, 2008 2:45:53 PM
Thank you!! I look forward to that review! I may just have to re-subscribe to read it. :) Thanks again!
Posted by: Renee | Sep 11, 2008 5:55:59 PM
I would love to see a review of the lower priced sewing/embroidery combination's. ($1,000.00 and under) A reliable and easy to use machine capable of the odd embellishment or monogram.
Posted by: mike deflavia | Sep 11, 2008 9:18:11 PM
Can you let us know anything NOW? I'm going to a sewing expo October 4, 2008 specifically to buy a sewing machine and have NO CLUE which one to get. Help!!!!!! Thanks.
Posted by: Helen K. Reitan | Sep 12, 2008 12:42:28 AM
First and foremost, I want a sewing machine that is easy to use. The automatic threader is an excellent idea - I am 66 and my eyesight is not what it used to be. I cannot thread the needle without some type of aid.
I have a really old Singer. When I take it in to be repaired and serviced, they always remark that the old Singers are the best. The new Singers don't last or cannot be repaired. I want a machine that is dependable, that can be repaired if necessary. So many of the machines are made of plastic that I wonder just how long they will last.
Button holes have always abeen a challenge for me. I have ruined more than one project because of the button holes. I am making bandana bibs for my grandson who has cerebral palsy. I would love to have a machine that allows me to put something fancy on the bandana.
Posted by: Kay | Sep 12, 2008 5:36:35 PM
I hope you're including a lot of different brands ... like Bernina, Viking, Janome, etc. I'm also interested in the embroidery units, as well as the sewing machines.
Posted by: Libra | Sep 12, 2008 6:06:38 PM
It will be interesting to see if brands/models that are price-fixed (ie: won't be discounted) are rated better than the rest. My 30 yr old serger (with a 10 yr warranty) was unrepairable. The new ones with the features I wanted were not sold at a discount unless you bought gray market (out of the country w/no warranty). I refused to play their game and bought the model I wanted used at a 60% discount. $2400 for a serger made in China with a 1 yr warranty was outrageous. Recently, I got an ad for a home embroidery machine machine that costs $10k without accessories! That's one expensive hobby. I can pay to have hundreds of items professionally embroidered for that price.
Posted by: Priscilla Huston | Sep 12, 2008 10:49:00 PM
I am looking for comparisons of sewing machines that are good for quilters, portable, and durable. I would like to see some pros and cons regarding the new computerized functions and information about features that may increase or reduce the useful lifetime of a machine. Information on locating and evaluating reliable maintenance would also be pertinent and appears to vary by brand.
Posted by: zanna knight | Sep 15, 2008 12:39:21 AM
I am interested in an intermediate machine for quilting and other household purposes. Automatic needle threader, thread cutter, up-down are essential, and some of the new featurss sound very useful. must have quilting foot, do button holes, basic embrodiery
(I'm thinking of names on quilts), some decent stitches. It must feed three layers of cloth thorugh and good stitching. I don't require tht it do thousands of stitches per minute. I good space between needle and right arm so it can hold a rolled queen sized quilt is also useful.
Posted by: Janet Ma'ly | Sep 15, 2008 3:49:55 PM
Since I posted a complaint about no sewing machine reviews, I just want to thank you for finally realizing this is a huge market and we really need your expert suggestions. Thank you so much!
Posted by: Sally | Sep 15, 2008 7:00:33 PM
Please give me any test results,brand reliability,etc for Baby Lock(BLQC2) and JANOME(MC6500P)I would greatly appreciate the help, I have to buy soon! Thank you.
Posted by: Diane Haase | Sep 16, 2008 4:37:30 PM
Finally--a review on sewing machines! Being a sewing machine fanatic--seamstress/collector I have 23 machines ranging from Viking 1+ to 222K to commercial Juki LU563, & many old gear-driven Singers I bought on eBay. I use most of them. What troubles me is how often manufacturers change designs and parts become obsolete and are not interchangeable even with similar models. Viking does this with their embroidery machines to the point that I will never buy another Viking embroidery machine. They become obsolete too fast. Is there a way you can incorporate some info on interchangeability on parts/embroidery cards, etc. among different model machines by same manufacturer? Also, some info on how well generic parts/attachments/cards perform compared to the originals?
Thanks!
Posted by: Glenda | Sep 17, 2008 3:58:15 PM
I would like to have a rating on how well sewing machines can sew through multiple layers of fabric. I would like to know how well machines perform as they travel over thick (multiple layers of fabric) seams.
Posted by: Karla Kizer | Sep 18, 2008 10:28:09 PM
I'm addicted to several online sewing websites, and beginners and intermediates (who plan to upgrade their machines) frequently ask for advice. Advanced sewers (not the plumbing-related variety) have often developed brand-loyalty and are better able to evaluate top of the line machines for themselves, and should probably get less of your time and attention. To help those who are new to the art and science of sewing, I'd recommend evaluating a machine based on reliably smooth straight-stitching (no puckered seams) on a variety of fabrics, decent-looking buttonholes (nothing is more discouraging than completing your garment with ugly, poor quality buttonholes), and the all-important ability of a machine to start stitching without creating a bunched-up bird's nest of thread. I hope you are testing the machines using different brands of thread with varying fiber content, too. Cotton, polyester, and combinations of the two produce differing results on different machines.
I'll look forward to reading the published results of your research.
Posted by: Jean | Sep 18, 2008 10:31:58 PM
I have been sewing for over 40 years. I introduce grade schoolers to sewing in volunteer programs and teach beginning and intermediate sewing to private students, mostly young women who've either seen their mothers sew or have had some sewing classes in school. Most of them have recently purchased a new or used sewing machine based on price (new machines) or name brand and price (used). And most of the machines are junk.
So, here's what I think sewers should look for when purchasing a machine:
1. Stitch quality. Consumer Reports has a good start on this. Basic straight stitch, zig-zag and buttonhole. CR tested these steps on cotton swatches. How do they work of slippery silkies, knits, heavy coat fabrics? The buttonhole stitch in particular should be tested on all of these fabric types.
2. How well do the feeddogs work? How does the machine handle different weights and types of fabrics? Does heavy fabric fit under the presser foot and will the feeddogs be able to move it evenly? Does lightweight fabric feed well or does it get drawn down into the machine causing jams?
3. What maintenance does the machine require? Mechanical machines must be oiled regularly according to the manual instructions. How easy is that to do? Can the user access oil points without using a set of screwdrivers to remove and re-attach faceplates and other machine parts?
4. What is the manufacturers warranty against defects? Does the buyer have confidence that they local retailer is knowledgeable about warranties?
Posted by: cidell | Sep 19, 2008 3:23:16 AM
I think you might want to consider categories for occasional sewing and for regular sewists. Yes, you can get a $100 machine from a big box store, but is it meant to be sewn on everyday.
Also, if Janome is making machines for Sears, you should tell us that so we can explore different price points.
Posted by: cide | Sep 19, 2008 3:25:00 AM
1. noise
2. number of stitches
3. automatic vs. 4 step buttonhole
4. Threading
5. feed dogs can drop?
6. Free arm?
7. Mechanical vs electronic vs computerized
8. Please don't lump in embroidery machines with general sewing machines
Posted by: Nancy K | Sep 19, 2008 7:57:00 AM
I am a garment sewer exclusively, I don't quilt and I don't embroider and I don't plan to. What I am looking for in a machine is ease of use, the ability to sew through many layers of denim or leather. I need a machine that can do great buttonholes repeatedly and do them on all kinds of fabric and do different styles of buttonhole. I want to be able to make them on garments where there may be uneven heights, like a placket or neckband. Even straight stitches no matter the kind of material. I would also like the ease of use features on the high end machines without having to pay for an embroidery unit.
Posted by: Susan M | Sep 19, 2008 9:06:27 AM
There are many issues one should look at when purchasing a machine. The type of sewing and your price point are the top two considerations before you look at brands and how they perform.
1. Will the machine go over 4 to 6 layers of denim (as in a hem at the seam line) as well as sew slippery silk without damage?
2. Do buttonholes have a professional apprearance? Is there a device or way buttonholes can be made on the center front of a garment where the buttonhole won't be distorted by the thick layers on a faced seam?
3. What machines work well for taking to classes or retreats or other travel? Do they suffer from the abuse of being moved about? Will they stay timed and in alignment? Is it small enough and light enough to be carry on luggage on a plane?
4. How is the stitch quality over time? Most machines seem to be fine when you first get them but over time the quality may change and you don't get as perfect of a stitch. Others start out with poor stitch quality. Define what that means and why the connecting of threads by the machine is number one for consumers with no knowledge.
5. Presser feet: What is standard with machines at different price points? Which ones are worth the money you spend on them? (Edge stitch foot, 1/4 inch foot, invisible zipper foot) Talk about the quality of feet and how they will last over tiime. In generic feet which are the performers and which are a waste of money either because of function or the ability to hold up over time.
6. How is the light, buttons/knobs, presser foot lifter, thread cutter, on/off switch quality, ease of use and placement? Are the controls intuitive or do you need to be an expert just to get the machine running?
7. Bobbin winder: Can you control how fast it winds? This can be very important on threads that stretch when you sew knits, fine fabric such as silk etc. A bobbin that is wound too tight might result in the stitches puckering the seams. Many people won't know this and think they have a problem with the machine not being able to handle finer fabrics. On embroidery machines, can you wind the bobbin without removing your work?
8. Embroidery machines: How easy is it to load a design, can it be modified (change stitch density for different weight of fabrics for example) easily. What different formats will the machine take and media type CD, USB, Cards? Perhaps talk a bit about different design houses and which are reliably consistant as well as price points.
9. Maintenance: The yearly suggested maintenance can cost $200 -$300 for a top of the line machine. In our area the mechanicals go for around $70/ year maintenance. Mechanicals can also be serviced by a knowledgeable sewist. Talk about parts cost, will they be available 5 or 10 years from now. When do you need to have a machine serviced by an authorized tech and when can you take it to your local SM mechanic.
10. Talk about different thread quality and how it makes a machine perform. Linty threads and slubby thread won't work well in TOL machines over time. I've found old mechanicals don't really care what thread you put in them, they will sew with anything.
There is plenty more but I am sure others will bring those points up.