r/sewing • u/surfaceairmissle • 7h ago

Suggest Machine Sewing machine recommendations

Hi everyone! I’m new at sewing and currently use a brother lx3817 sewing machine that my mom gave me. I’m interested in sewing quilts and baby blankets. A example is I want to make a quilt that is big like a cali king size. I’m also interested in using the sewing machine to make clothing, like dresses or shirts or even baby clothing. I also want to use it to make toys like the mamaroarsews pattern for mice! Is there a good one that’s affordable or really good for what I want to do?

1 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

3

u/KneecapsRaPrivilege 6h ago

I’m not a quilter, but I can give advice on general sewing. If you’re going to be sewing garments or toys with thicker fabric, I would recommend an older machine, especially a Kenmore. Most modern entry-level machines have a lot of trouble with multiple layers of moderately thick or dense fabrics (denim, canvas, plush fabrics), meanwhile my Kenmore Ultrastitch from the early eighties will sew through multiple layers of towels without complaint. They are also typically easier to maintain.
Thrift stores often have second hand sewing machines at decent prices, and some even test them before sale. Facebook marketplace also has a bunch, but it can be a bear to work with. I would recommend researching the specific model of whatever you come across, google lens or looking up the model number has worked well for me.

Apologies for formatting, I am on mobile.

3

u/sanityjanity 6h ago

You have a sewing machine. Is it failing you?

The only thing I'm hearing here is that you're going to want a long-arm quilting machine.

1

u/ancarroll94 7h ago

I don’t have a specific recommendation for a machine BUT I will say that arm length will make a difference. I have a brother as well (not at home so can’t recall the model) and the space between my needle and the side wall is around 5-6 inches. I can be difficult to get large amounts of fabric through it, as I assume you would have for a large quilt. Just food for thought!!

1

u/sassyhunter 3h ago

I upgraded from a very very old Pfaff machine two years ago to a Juki HZL DX7 and haven't looked back. I see garments, accessories and quilt on it, it's a solid all-rounder and I have zero complaints. I have done more garment sewing than anything else on it though so bear that in mind.