Lots of talk about sewing machines. Some like me stand with the vintage type. While others have new and prefer them. So my question is New or Vintage and why?
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Personally, I prefer a new sewing machine because they look fancy as compared to the old vintage machine. Many modern sewing machines work very smoothly and come with an LCD touchscreen. If you are into monogramming they can handle it too https://www.reviewneeds.com/best-monogramming-sewing-machines/
I have a couple of Brother LCD machines, and a vintage Singer Rocketeer. My preference is the vintage. It sew a lot faster.
I generally prefer vintage to new. I inherited my mother's 60s-era Singer Touch 'n Sew in the mid-80s. I sewed with it on and off for two decades, extremely minimal maintenance and it chugged along. Then when the tension and buttonholer got too unpredictable, I bought a new Babylock, which sews well, but all I wanted to afford was straight and zigzag so it was limited. When my mother stopped being able to sew she gave me her '80s Pfaff and I really like it, though it does have a digital/pushbutton interface for fancy stitches. I don't really like that part. I like the vintage machines for their heaviness (metal) and reliability. I even miss the Singer's stitch-length and reverse lever. But then, I have manual typewriters.
I've sewn on all kinds of machines during my sixty years of sewing and I must say, modern is best; especially if you have a quality machine. My Janome is wonderful, aside from having all the bells and whistles you could ever want like an automatic thread cutter, push button sewing and lots of fancy stitches, it's interior is solid metal and it has the heft and weight to prove it. As a result, it runs smoothly and doesn't shift or shake when sewing. It also has an extra long machine bed for quilters. Although, I don't quilt, I love the extra space, it comes in handy all the time.
Both vintage and modern machines have their advantages. I love my Elna SU, purchased in 1973. I always use it when sewing fine fabrics, but it also stitches beautifully on heavier fabrics. It purrs! I also enjoy my Viking Husqvarna Designer SE. I enjoy some basic features: raising the presser foot to accommodate thick fabrics; reversing at the press of a button, no oil to stain fabric (self-oiling). However, the stitch quality does not match that of my little Elna!
you should look for heavy machine for your project. Here is your guide https://machinescraft.com/best-heavy-duty-sewing-machine/
If you have been sewing for a long time and know the technique, you have your own ideas on how to choose a sewing machine for home use. Tips are designed primarily for beginners - those who are going to buy a home machine for the first time and doubts whether it will be able to choose the right one. For hundreds of aspiring needlewomen, it's them, the old reliable machines, who are the first assistants.
But one day the time comes when you want to buy a new, modern sewing machine for your home, and it is right. But only after working with vintage units it can be difficult to choose the best of modern models.
You come to the store, and your eyes just run out. So many models, one better than the other! And the consultant starts asking questions that you can't answer. Simply because you don't know how to choose a future assistant correctly, what parameters to take into account, which manufacturers are better than others, and so on.
In order not to get confused at the store shelves, it is better to deal with all the tricks in advance. A helpful guide to you: https://sewingtopgear.com
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I sew on antique machines, both treadle and handcrank, plus a few vintage machines. All have their own quirks, and as I service them as necessary, all work well. I've tried modern machines and haven't found them worth the high cost. I make clothing and quite on these machines, and am thrilled when I can bring an old machine back to it's original functionality.
I miss my old machines I used to own. I would vote for vintage
definitely vintage! Vintage machines have something special inside them,that modern machines don't have. But if you wanna buy new sewing machine check https://www.craftyhangouts.com/best-sewing-machine-under-300/
I have both. The Bernina does fancy cool stuff but it is persnickity and will miss stitches for no good reason. Grandma's 1920 back-clamper treadle never complains. It makes such a nice stitch.and it's sound is oh so soothing. I recently used an old Kenmore 12-stitch from around 1980. Sewed my wedding gown on a machine like that. Again, doesn't have the needle lift or tricks of my new 500 series Bernina but don't have to plug into a surge supressor. It just goes.
Personally, I like both new (computerized- not too fancy) and vintage (mechanical only). If you want a machine that can be fixed, get parts, and is heavy duty; stick with a vintage Singer (before 1970's). You can get a simply straight stitch Singer 404 or fancy stitch using cams with a Singer 401. Other favorite of mine is the (1970's) Bernina 830 Record - any 800 series is great- smooth as silk. If longevity is what you desire, buy vintage.
This is what I have done as well. I recently acquired a few vintage Singers; I also have a Husqvarna Viking Topaz 50 (with embroidery Unit) and a Pfaff Passport 2.0. They all have great features, the Topaz can make embroidery include custom designs and laces, the Pfaff is more basic, but great for quilting and has a built in walking foot. But my Singer Featherweight can make the daintiest stitches. I have a bit of a lead foot so the Featherweight helps me slow down and get better precision on my garments.
I have no special recommendations on which machine you "should" buy as it seems that most machines have their own shortcomings. (https://www.craftyhangouts.com/best-heavy-duty-sewing-machine/) I could think of a couple of things that may be helpful and one is "walking foot" and also make sure you get the 3 stitches zigzag.
Most consumer-oriented machines have comparable power(might need some help for many layers of dacron at low speeds.)
Sewing machines are fascinating little machines.
Currently, I have 18 sewing machines. My newest is a Viking Diamond Embrodrieoy machine. It does excellent Embroidery, but I wouldn't sew anything on it.
My favorite is a Davis Vertical Stitch, made in the 1800s. Because of how it feeds material, I use it to sew wool or heavier fabrics. Top and bottom material sew thru evenly when stitching seams. I also have a Singer 99 treadle, a featherweight, and an Elna Grasshopper.
When I got married in the '60s, my parents got me a sewing machine as a wedding present. I fried it and another of the cheaper singers. I then searched for a treadle that I knew would never give out. A former Singer Store owner sold me his 221K. The 221 was the best machine singer ever made! Easy to work on, although some shops don't know how or won't work on them anymore.
The newer machines tend to do several types of stitches. Because of this, they cannot sew a perfect straight stitch. The older straight stitch WILL sew an ideal straight stitch, which is beautiful. If you have an opportunity to compare stitches, you will see the difference. If I want to finish the edges of a garment, I can always make a French Seam.
The man who sold me the 221 told me that Singer ordered all of these old cast iron machines taken in as trade-ins not to be resold. Instead, they were instructed to take them to the back of the store and destroy them with a sledgehammer. Why? They never wear out! New sewing machines are designed to wear out, which means repeat customers. I have been on a mission to rescue, resale, or give away these machines ever since
I prefer new because it's easy to use