My Mom made use of her sewing machine and served as our neighborhood tailor while I was growing up. I was lucky in that whenever I, or my kids for that matter, needed anything tailored or hemmed we could count on her to get it done right. Mom is getting older and her eyes get strained and her health doesn’t always allow her the ability to sit comfortably at the sewing machine all day. Now it’s up to me to rejuvenate my sewing skills and I really didn’t want to do that with Mom’s old sewing machine. She loves it, but I’ve heard her curse at it enough times to know that a new one was in order.
I’m an online shopper. Frankly, crowds annoy me, I’m a busy Mom that doesn’t get the luxury of hours outside the house to myself to do my shopping research, and there is just nothing like shopping from the comfort of your own home. It goes without saying that a sewing machine purchase is not one to be taken lightly. That fact alone let me to Amazon. I could’ve shopped through the sites of major sewing machine manufacturers, but I prefer sifting through Amazon reviews. Sometimes some of reviews are just rants but it is pretty easy to weed those out and for the most part people are really looking to just put up on honest review. Many times I can pick up added tips and tricks for a particular item just by reading through the reviews. I can also usually find better deals on Amazon. As of the date of this post, the #1 sewing machine is listed on the Brother website for $499. It is listed on Amazon for $449. That a $50 difference! In fact, this Brother Sewing Machine doesn’t have one review below a 4 star, and almost 90% of them are a 5 star review. That is an extremely good indicator! Also, if you are an Amazon Prime
In my search for a new machine my choices came down to the 3 listed below. They are all great machines made by three different trusted manufacturers. I ultimately went with the Brother Project Runway Machine, but any of these three choices would’ve set me in motion to becoming the next family seamstress.
I’ve highlighted some of the great features of these machines, but for a more in depth review see these posts also:
Brother Sewing Machine
Singer Sewing Machine
Janome Sewing Machine
Brother Sewing Machines
Brother PC-420 PRW Limited Edition Project Runway Sewing Machine
- This machine is very user friendly. There is a lot to be said for a machine that you can unpack, set up and begin sewing in a very small about of time. That’s something I really value. I’m a follow the directions kind of gal, but I don’t want to spend 1/2 my day setting it up either.
- The automatic threader and the bobbin thread that is automatically pulled up make this machine priceless and a cinch to get started with.
- This sewing machine is perfect for the expert or beginner. There are lots of bells and whistles to fascinate an advanced seamstress, yet it is very simple for the beginner. Start out as a beginner sewer, and have the easy to use advanced features available for you whenever you are ready.
- This machine is very quiet; quiet enough so you won’t wake the entire house when working on those late night sewing projects.
- This model comes highly recommended from Consumer Reports.
- This model has over 40 5 star reviews on Amazon so I know for sure that the people using this machine recommend it highly.
- Finally, this machine comes with a great warranty and the Brother website has a knowledge base and customer service easily accessible to answer any additional questions that come up as you are using the machine.
Rating: 
(out of 50 reviews)
List Price: $ 649.00
Price: Usually priced lower than $449.99
Find More Brother Project Runway Products
Singer Sewing Machines
Singer also makes some great sewing machines. If you are looking for a mid-line machine, this is the one for you. Not quite as expensive as the Brother, but it includes some of the same great features.
Singer 7470 Confidence Electronic Sewing Machine
- Many that buy this machine are beginner sewers or someone that hasn’t sewed since childhood and is not looking to purchase a machine. This machine is a good option for beginners.
- This model also boasts automatic threading though it does require a specific bobbin type that can be hard to find. Don’t let this stop you from purchasing though; the bobbins are readily available on Amazon.
- This sewing machine also has many favorable reviews and that always helps take the guesswork out of buying.
- The Singer sewing machines also come with a warranty. The Singer website, however, isn’t as vast as the Brother website when it comes to service and customer service. They do have a customer service phone number though.
Rating: 
(out of 39 reviews)
List Price: $ 599.00
Price: Usually priced lower than $ 348.00
Janome Sewing Machines
This Janome sewing machine is a no frills, I simply want to sew my curtains and mend a few pairs of pants type model. If you aren’t looking for something with tons of options this is the sewing machine you want. Don’t get me wrong, this model has it fabulous features too, but if are looking for a lower priced machine that will get the job done without hassle, you will find it here.
Janome Magnolia 7318 Sewing Machine
- Again, this model also has special bobbin compartment to make changes easier.
- This model is lightweight so it is easier to carry around or travel with.
- The Janome sewing machine comes with easy to follow directions that even a beginner can follow easily.
- Janome also has a website with customer service information and they even have a forum for asking questions from fellow crafters.
Rating: (out of 3 reviews)
List Price: $ 399.00
Price: $ 199.00
Whichever one of these three sewing machines you decide on, you will be off an sewing your first new project in no time. Enjoy!
