Jul 27, 2026, 5:50 AMHey, are there are any serious sewers out there?
My wife has an old (but not *good* old) sewing machine, and I'd love to get her an upgrade, but I'm not sure where/how to look into this space.
I'm capable of using google and all the LLMs, so don't need generic pointers, but any personal recommendations appreciated.
@Drwave I think @RedQueenCoder might be able to offer some advice.
@jackbrewster @Drwave I bought a JUKI Haruka TL-18QVP a few years ago after I killed my consumer level Brother sewing machine. When I bought it, it was $1200 but it’s now up to $1900. Consumer sewing machines are under $1000 but professional ones can go over ten grand. I bought my JUKI because it has no computerized components and it will last fifty years if I clean and oil it regularly. The Brother machine is fine for occasional use.
@jackbrewster @Drwave I was thinking about buying another JUKI machine in their more consumer level line for $600, but the tech at my shop was able to fix my machine while I waited. I like JUKI as it’s a Japanese company that makes the machines they use in mass production shops and they have to last through a lot. I don’t know how serious your wife would be about sewing regularly so my first thought is a Brother machine. But wanted to mention what I use.
@Drwave I don’t know how helpful this is, but my wife swears by a machine called a “serger”. It’s more of a finishing kind of a machine than a work-a-day sewing machine, but it might be worth looking into. It could be a pleasant surprise, or possibly overkill for her needs.
@xinmyname @Drwave surgers are amazing, pretty spendy, and they can't be used everywhere. The difference is they securely stitch and cut at the same time.
@Drwave I don’t know specific models, but my mom is a fiber artist and has always sworn by Bernina’s for workhorse stationary sewing tables and Elna’s for more compact/portable uses.
@agiletortoise @Drwave I use a crappy ancient Toyota that just won’t die and covet a Bernina. Or a Janome. Does she like to do machine embroidery or swimwear or anything fancy like that? You might have to take these functions into consideration when buying. Also, whatever you get, take it for a professional service on her behalf every couple of years (depending on how much she uses it.) They oil, get all the lint out, check gears and stuff. Well worth it.
@Drwave what kind of sewing does she do? My mother quilts, and I gather there are several types of machines for different types of sewing.
Jul 27, 2026, 6:29 AM@mwyman I would say my wife is quilting-curious, so would want to keep that capability in the mix.
I'm not terribly price sensitive for this ask.
Jul 27, 2026, 7:24 AM@Drwave I've had absolutely no problems with a Janome J3-18 for a large number of years. The J3 is the base model and second number is "number of features" and they've got as many variants as a 1990s Apple product line, so just stop at whichever one does the things that she needs.
@Drwave I've only played with them a little—
Look for a machine w/ metal internals, bobbins included. General sign of quality.
Any machine does a straight stitch—good for woven fabrics
Stretchy/knitted fabrics need a zig-zag stitch
A machine w/ a large harp can fit more fabric to that side, useful for large pieces
If you're rich & have space, there are dedicated quilt machines
Sewing machines should be taken in for maintenance annually
I've done well w/ Bernina
Happy hunting 🪡 🧵
@Drwave the old elna's are solid machines ( mine was fried by a power surge )
Currently I have a basic brother... it is easy to use and has a self threading needle 😊
Will get a 2nd hand elna SP / SU when I can find one in good condition
@Drwave I've found that you can get really solid old machines for almost free since the decline of household sewing. I've personally bought a cast iron 1950ies Singer really cheap last summer, and I'm super happy with it.
I'd look out for something brand name that has a cast metal frame. My two machines are 50 and 70 years old, and while they lack some of the automations of newer machines, they do everything I need them to do.
@Drwave The main thing I dislike about my 1950ies German Singer and my 1970ies Italian no-name is that they have weak DC motors that only produce torque at high speed, so for thick materials it's full throttle or nothing (scary!). The solid cast metal construction also means they have a lot of inertia, so they take a few stitches to stop after letting go of the pedal. My heavy cast iron Singer is particularly bad at this.
Jul 27, 2026, 1:38 PM@Drwave My good friend Sarah is a serious sewist. She drives a Bernina: https://www.instagram.com/perpetual_wip
@Drwave My Mom was quite the sewer. She used a Viking for many years but loves her Bernina more.
I would look at Bernina 3 or 4 series for sewing and quilting. If you need embroidery, the 5 series and up.
The higher model numbers have bigger hoop sizes so decide based on how big your average project size is. Bigger hoops can embroider bigger designs.
I hope your wife loves your thoughtful gift!
@Drwave we love our Bernina. Suggest buying at a physical sewing store, since there are several similar models and you can get the right one for her needs—closest one now Dublin Sewing Center. Sew Images on Piedmont Ave sadly closed 5 years ago.
Jul 27, 2026, 10:11 PM@jphillips415 looks like there is a good place in Walnut Creek
@Drwave a sewing machine should match what you want to sew, there is no one “best.” Keep that in mind if you are planning a surprise gift.
For standard machines (not sergers, embroiderery, etc) older metal ones are more sturdy and reliable. That often involves haunting thrift stores and estate sales. Then you need a shop who can service it or learn to do it yourself. (My Bay Area one is Ralph’s in RWC.)
Stitching fabric pieces into a quilt top needs a solid and accurate straight stitch.
@Drwave @evergreensewing is on the Fediverse and is very knowledgeable!
Jul 28, 2026, 3:01 AM@evergreensewing @Karstan Thanks, I think I have all the sewing machine tips I can digest for now.
My mom's Bernina is awesomeness made three dimensional.
Sure it has bells and whistles, but what makes it an absolute pleasure to use is the smoothness of the mechanism. Very Swiss watch like.
Jul 27, 2026, 11:02 PM@Drwave Hi! You mentioned your wife might entertain quilting as an addition to her sewing repertoire. I swear by my PFAFF machine. Its true advantage is that it has a built-in ”walking foot” which is a must for quilting, but is also tremendously helpful for regular garment sewing. They can be pricey purchased new but I bought my first one I bought off eBay 20 years ago and ran it into the ground!
@Drwave @Pollinators Bernina, Bernina, Bernina!
@Drwave I love my Janome HD 3000 sewing machine. Handles delicate fabric as well as denim and leather. No unnecessary bells and whistles. Simple to thread. A real power horse that does everything I can imagine and I have a very active imagination.