Darlene’s Thread: Which Sewing Machine is Right For You?
Hello Super Sewers,
It’s National Sewing Month! Sew What you say? Sew this! Sew papers, exotic fabrics, light weight metals, flexible plastics, leathers and suede to name just a few! If you have ever embarked on a sewing adventure then you can appreciate the skill and time required to make an item. You can also relate to the tremendous sense of satisfaction that comes from completing your first masterpiece–every three dimensional inch of it! Let’s try to determine which machine is right for you!
Sew Easy Mini Portable Sewing Machine with Accessories Item: 353-17
If you’re new to the world of fabric arts, there’s a machine for every sewing need. You may want to get your feet wet without breaking the budget with a single straight-stitch battery operated portable. A good “try-me” piece for young sewers and students of all ages: Sew Easy Mini Portable Sewing Machine with Accessories.
Singer® Heavy Duty Professional Sewing Machine Item: 450-083
If you love to decorate or do alterations we offer a selection of Heavy Duty mechanical “dial-a -titch” machines that are strong, easy, fast and no nonsense. Throw them in the back of your car and you can be on your way to a sewing adventure with a friend. Here are a couple to consider: the Singer® Heavy Duty Professional Sewing Machine and the Brother 35 Stitch Function Sewing Machine.
Maybe you’re trading in your old clunker. Then be sure to check out the electronic machines with dozens of push button stitch patterns, a variety of presser feet and an extension table. These machines offer a comparatively low learning curve to give you a quick start with polished results. A perfect fit for fashion sewing and some quilting are these two: Brother 100+ Stitch Function Sewing Machine or Singer® Fully Electronic 80 Stitch Function Sewing Machine.
All of you proficient sewers have stitched your way to the higher-end computerized models with built-in memory, auto-thread cutting and hundreds of stitches, lettering, icons, feet, bells and whistles. Computerized machines are a class act, and possibly the favorite machine of a lifetime. Take a look at these: the Singer® Quantum Stylist Computerized Sewing Machine, the Brother 294 Stitch Limited Edition Computerized Sewing Machine, and the Singer® Quantum L-500 Premium Sewing Machine with Value Package.
Brother 294 Stitch Limited Edition Computerized Sewing Machine Item: 543-742
The best news of the day is that ANYONE at ANY level, even a NON-SEWER, can jump into the exciting world of sewing machine embroidery! These amazing machines do all the work with pinpoint accuracy and computerized precision.
If you’re reading this article, chances are that you have the ‘techno’ skills required to use an embroidery machine. Some models are embroidery only and others convert back and forth from sewing to embroidery but either way, it spells fun, fun, fun for the entire family! I recommend the Brother Embroidery and Sewing Machine with USB Port or Singer® Futura CE-250 Embroidery and Sewing Machine,Stock Designs CD and Software.
Singer® Futura CE-250 Embroidery and Sewing Machine, Stock Designs CD and Software
Here’s the bright side of buying a new machine, your old broken dinosaur can be repurposed as a gloriously poignant garden ornament! Sewing is my life love, and I invite you today to meet the new love of your life on hsn.com, tailored for your complete sewing experience! Shop: ALL sewing machines on hsn.com.
Tune in these dates and times for the September shows:
- Thu 9/2 @ 9 A.M. and 3 P.M. featuring Brother
- Sat 9/2 @ 10 A.M. and 4 P.M. featuring Singer
- Thu 9/9 @ 6 A.M. and 2 P.M. featuring Singer
- Mon 9/13 @ 10 A.M. featuring Singer Iron
- Tue 9/14 @ 1 P.M., 3 P.M. and 8 P.M. featuring Singer
- Sat 9/25 @ 2 P.M. and 7 P.M. featuring Singer
- Mon 9/27 @ 10 A.M. feat. Brother and 2 P.M. feat. Singer
Shop more Sewing and Crafts:
» Sewing supplies for all enthusiasts
» Get organized with crafty storage tools
» Shop all items in Crafts and Sewing
I purchased the Futura Quartet 4-in-1 as the TS before Christmas. I have always done lots of mending (hubby’s torn jeans, workshirts, etc) in the past, and I like the numerous stitches this machine offers. It sews pretty well, but I have not tried the embroidery features yet.
But when I do the zigzag / mending stitch on this machine, I can’t get it to do “reverse” stitching. I’m able to hit the reverse button, but it only does a close-off stitch and then reverses only FOUR stitches! What am I missing here? Only four stitches? Is there a work-around for this? I am accustomed to going back and forth several times to cover my patch. I can’t easily “turn” the item to stitch in a square, for example, because sometimes I’m mending a knee. This is where the open-arm works great, but I need the reverse stitch!!! Any ideas here? Perhaps I should purchase a simpler machine that has the reverse function I am looking for. Pls advise. Thanks so much.
Hi , I just purchased the brother pc420 I mainly sew clothing and other crafty items. I choose this machine due to the font stitches but I am very unsatisfied with them. They are TINY so small that you can not even read them. About 1/4 of an inch. Did I possibly choose the wrong machine? The only embroidery I think I will mostly do would be lettering.
I am New to sewing and am looking for advice . I am looking for something easy to use yet can handle heavy fabric such as patio seat covers.I am looking at the singer Heavy Duty commercial Grade or the Singer Heavy Duty Studio with quilting table .Please would you suggest one of these over the other or is there something else I should be considering.
Thank You
I’d like to get Brother 294, but it’s not available….:)
I have the ses 2000 and haven’t really been able to use it due to health issues. I love the sewing, best ever, I’m afraid of the embroidery and that’s what I really wanted it for. It’s hooked up to my computer and I’m not great with computers. Any tips or is there a dvd that didn’t come with my machine that might help me???
I am having a very difficult time threading the Singer Professional 5.
Are there any videos to help I could view that would help me with this issue.
Would you please send me the sites you mentioned on the air today for the web sites to download embroidery patterns for the singer futura embroidery sewing machine? Thank you
Hi Darlene…my perfect finish duo came today…fantastic!! I just can’t say enough good things about them!
I do have a question…book says sewing machine takes size 15 bobbin…I have a ton of 15J for my futura…are they the same or no? I held them side by side and I can’t tell any difference, but want to be sure first. I like to have a bunch made ahead of time so when I get going I don’t have to stop too long!! Thanks, Donna
Hi Darlene,
I need your help with two very important questions. First of all, what is the difference between the Singer® Quantum Stylist Computerized Sewing Machine and the Singer Quantum L-500 Premium Sewing Machine? I would like to buy a machine to make it easier for me to do alterations and quilts, one of my many hobbies. I have also been looking into the Professional 2010 but I would like to know which was one is the best investment. I really appreciate your help!
Thanks for the help.
Hi Darlene,
I NEED some help….I have purchased the Brother sewing/embroidery machine since April. I have not taken it out of the box even. I have never sewn a day in my life and I am 30. My 2 questions are what do I need other than what came with the machine and can I use that Melrose sewing/embroidery thread that is in the clearance section even though the description for the machine says to use rayon thread?
Thanks,
Tiffany
Tiffany, always use good quality thread and you’ll have less thread breakage and your machine will stay cleaner. For embroidery you’ll also need stabilizer so your projects will stitch out more professionally. I use a variety of thread: rayon for embroidery and some art quilting and polyester for sewing. Read all you can about thread and stabilizers and try them out to see what gives you great results. Sulky Totally Stable stabilizer is a good first choice to try.
i just read your post. i’m just like u, 31 and havent sewn ever, but would really like to learn. i’m interested in purchasing a sewing (or maybe a sewing/embroidery)machine to make pillowcases, curtains, xmas tree skirts and some home designs for myself. i’d like to know how it went with your new machine. is it complicated? at least for a person who hasn’t touch a sewing machine ever? i’ve seen a few basic sewing lessons and i’m now very tempted to take the plunge! thnx!- heidi
Hi Armywife,
You are brave to have plunged into machine embroidery and the payoffs are delicious! You will need two types of thread. Sewing and embroidery. Polyester is stronger and shreds less. It also is less likely to shrink in washing. Both Rayon and Poly are 40 wt. (which is standard for machine embroidery)You will also need stabilizer for embroidery. I suggest a Sulky multi-pack. item #257815. You picked the perfect machine for first time embroidery! Enjoy!
I think it would be helpful to the viewers/potential buyers if HSN removed the reviews from machines if they aren’t really reviews. Several of the 5 star reviews for the Singer Quantum Stylist are from people just saying how excited they are to have ordered the machine and that they are anxiously awaiting it. That makes the “Customer Pick” figures inaccurate. Reviews should be left on products after having used the machine for a while and then giving an honest opinion of it’s performance.
Hi Cassie!
Do like I did, I just read all the reviews and I watched all the machine videos! Then I went onto Google and search till my eyes got blury! LOL! Then I made my decision! Out of all the machines, I looked and listened to, including watching Darlene on HSN Singer Shows, I have chosen and just purchased the Singer Quantum Stylist!
For the money, it has all that I need and can also grow into! Have a Great Day!
I agree. It’s silly to see these “excited to have ordered” testimonials as it adds nothing to one’s decision to buy.
Hi Jeff
I certainly hope you enjoy the machine. But if you were under pressure to hurry because “the clocks ticking on this machine and the price won’t last” and depended on the information being accurate that the show host or Darlene gave you stating it’s a customer pick, then you would want the reviews to be based on the actual workings of the machine…not how excited another customer is to have ordered it. I hope this is not a common occurance on the reviews.
Hi Cassie! I understand completely! I just want you to know the machine arrived 2 days ago! And for me, all I can say, is that I love it! it does everything it is supposed to do!
The only thing that I want to say is that someone mentioned in one of the reviews on the item pages that they enjoyed the DVD that came with it. There was not any DVD in my package nor does the item description state that there would be! There is a great instruction book that comes with it. Ask any questions!
Hi Darlene!
I enjoy watching all the videos of the machines! I have a questions please! I am going to be making Austrian Sheer Shades and I would also like to make a quilted fitted fancy king size bed cover!
I have studied all the machines over and over, and I am dizzy from it!
I am tossing between the Athena and the Quantum Stylist. I noticed that the Athena does not offer a Seam Guide with the machine. I like the price better on the Athena. Thanks! Barron
Hi Jeff858,
It’s not easy to decide between two great machines. The Athena is electronic with 30 stitch patterns. From the list of projects you have in store, it sounds as though you’ve been sewing a while. In my opinion I would spring for the Quantum Stylist because its computerized with extensive stitch patterns, stitch elongation (up to 5X)Needle Down, Speed control, memory and the thread cutter will change your life!!!(it has moved to the top of my faves list)Enjoy!
Thank you so much for the advice! I am also leaning towards the Quantum Stylist! I will be watching the show on 9/25 just to make sure there are no special sale prices or more flex pays offered before I order it. I really enjoy sewing a lot!
Thank you!
Hi Darlene!
I just have one more question or advice! I just saw you have another machine called Singer® Top-of-the-Line Computerized Sewing Machine. Would purchase that one or still go with the Quantum Stylist. I notice that only the Singer Quantum Stylist comes with a screw attached Seam Guide-although it is a simple attachment, it is nice to have it. Please feel free to give your advice. Thanks! Jeff (Confused on which one to purchase)
I just rec’d the 4-3-2 Brother Serger 1034D. In the video, a 2-thread option was performed but I can not find details or instructions in the information included that addresses this option. I am a beginner serger student, and want to experience all the thread options this machine offers. Suggestions?
Thanks :)
BABY44, WHEN SHOPPING ON LINE. GO TO THE DIFFERENT MACHINES THAT ARE IN YOUR PRICE RANGE. VIEW THE VIDEOS THAT ARE WITH EACH MACHINE. THEN DECIDE. DEPENDING ON YOUR CREDIT YOU CAN CHECK TO SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR A HSN CARD. THIS WILL HELP WITH MAKING SMALLER PAYMENTS. YOU WOULD NEED A MACHINE THAT HAS THE OPTION OF USING A BUTTON TO START YOUR MACHINE WITH SPEED CONTROL IF YOU ARE NOT BE ABLE TO USE THE FOOT PEDAL. NOT ALL MACHINES HANDLE DENIM THAT EASY ESPECIALLY WITH THE SEAMS.
The feature to look for in the feature list to sew without a foot pedal is called “Auto-Pilot” or “Auto-Start/Stop” and is on most of the compuetrized models of both Brother and Singer.
DEAR BABY44 – THERE ARE 2 MACHINES THAT HANDLE DENIM QUITE WELL. THEY ARE THE HD SINGER MACHINE WITH BASIC STITCHES LOTS OF FEET AND A SEWING TABLE TO MAKE A FLAT SURFACE,ITEM#450-083 COST 299.95 WITH 4 PYMTS OF 74.95. COMMERCIAL GRADE 21 DIFFERENT STITCHES ITEM# 951-601 COST 199.95 WITH 3 PYMTS OF 66.65. COMES WITH A VARIETY OF FEET AND EXTRAS. MY PICK OF THESE 2 WOULD BE ITEM# 951-601. LOW MONTHLY PAYMENTS, EXTRA STITCHES WITH DECORATIVE STITCHES. PLENTY OF FEET TO HELP WITH OTHER PROJECTS.
Darlene, does the Singer Quantum Stylist have a drop-in bobbin or front-load? The item description does not note this. Could you show how a front-load works? Thank you.
Hi Kahop,
The Singer Quantum Stylist has a top drop-in bobbin. There’s no way to post video here so I’ll make it a point to get a recorded clip of both types of bobbins shot early next week and will post it on my personal FB page so please check back there.
BTW—The Quantum Stylist is a super sweet machine! Hope you can give it a test drive!!!
Thank you, Darlene. I was hoping the Stylist was drop-in due to my dexterity issues — fabulous that it is. I have the Stylist on my wish list if it is offered again at a great sale price. I don’t have a FB account but will figure out a way to get to yours. I always learn something when you are on-air and really enjoy seeing your creations. BTW, the embellished cardigan looks fabulous on you…
Thank you KAHOP,
I’ll post the video by the end of the month (which is in post production now– we shot it last week) on my personal website, that way you can see it without being on facebook. Hope you’ll check back to see it. So glad you liked the cardigan!!!
I’ll look for the video — thank you! Will the Quantum Stylist be featured on the remaining Singer shows? If so, I’d love to see additional flex-pays on it. I just noticed the circular attachment doesn’t come with the Stylist which is disappointing. I’ve checked the Singer website but can’t find this attachment to purchase it separately. Any way to buy this? Thanks again, Darlene.
Kahop,
YES! The Quantum Stylist will be on this Saturday night Sept. 25th at 7pm. The bobbin video is now posted on my facebook wall.Go to facebook and type in my full name Darlene Cary Cahill. I’m sorry that I don’t know how you can purchase a flower foot. Thank you so much for shopping with us!
I JUST GOT MY NEW PROSTETIC LEG,BUT,JEANS DO NOT ACCOMIDATE FOR THE LARGE PROSTETIC KNEE,IM LOSING MY OTHER LEG VERY SOON,SO,IM TRYING TO BUY A MACHINE,THEN I CAN ALTER MYSELF,THE TAILOR SAID IT WOULD COST MORE THAN THE JEANS COST!IM NOT SURE WHAT MACHINE I SHOULD GET,IM TRYING TO GET HELP TO PAY FOR IT,I HAVE EVEN BEEN WRITING TO DR.PHIL,HE HELPS SO MANY PEOPLE,IM PRAYING TO GET 1 ON A LOW MONTHLY PAYMENT,DISABILITY IS TOUGH TO LIVE ON.SHOULD I LOOK FOR A CERTAIN MACH.?THANX,GOD BLESS
Baby44,
You are just the type of person that many of our machines were designed for. Look for one with “AUTO-PILOT”. That means that they will sew without the use of a foot pedal. You can press a button on the front panel and control the speed/some models even cut the thread! Sounds as if you are diligently doing your homework by comparing models specs on dot com and taking notes to find the most appropriate one for you. Blessings!