Sewing Machine Reviews for 2025
Sewing Machine Reviews Analyzing the Best Sewing, Quilting, Embroidery, Long-arm Machines, and Sergers
The first sewing machine reviews we shared were back in 2017, and I never anticipated just how popular they would become. To this day, I still receive emails and phone calls referencing that original review, and it's incredibly rewarding to know how many sewers found it helpful. These days, people often ask me, "When will you update the sewing machine reviews?" Well, the wait is over. I'm excited to bring you this updated list for 2025, and I'll continue keeping it current as models evolve and new machines hit the market.
One of the most common questions I get asked is, "Dan, what is your favorite machine?" Before I tell you what my favorite machines are for 2025, I should clarify that the machines we sell range from $200 to nearly $20,000, so I will give you my favorites in various budget ranges.
It's important to remember that we have the ability to carry any make or machine model available, and we choose not to do so. I have carried a few brands in the past that I don't carry now. I am not going to comment on the machines that I don't carry. Just know that if I don't handle a particular line or model of machine, it is because I believe there is something a little or a lot better at that price point.
Warm regards,
Dan Schoenberg
Owner and head technician of The Sewing Machine Shop in Walnut Creek, CA.
Why Take My Advice?
My father, Ramon, was a Chief Mechanical Design Engineer in the pump industry. Born in Argentina, he also was the "Hefe" (Boss) of a factory in Buenos Aires Argentina called Madex, licensed by Husqvarna AB Sweden, early in his career. The factory made sewing machines and components for the South American market. Here is a cool video of this factory:
Ramon was a super technical and analytical guy. Not a day went by without him pointing out to his five kids products that were beautifully designed and manufactured with high-quality materials. He also never hesitated to express his displeasure with cheap and poorly designed products. Following in his footsteps, I majored in Engineering and now find myself analyzing products both good and bad on a daily basis. With 34 years in the sewing machine business, having sold roughly 20,000 sewing machines and servicing another 45,000 machines as a technician, I think I have the experience and expertise to offer some guidance.
Brands We Currently Represent
Before we get to the sewing machine reviews, I want to briefly talk about the brands we represent and why I pick the machines that I pick.
One of the most common questions I get asked is, "Dan, what is your favorite machine?" This is a hard question to answer for a couple of reasons. First off, the sewing machines we sell range in price from $200 to nearly $20,000. Secondly, certain brands make strong machines at one price point, but less strong at other price points. Therefore, I have categorized the review to give you my favorite machines in various budget ranges.
There are several brands we do not carry that, in my opinion, range from poor to good. I would like to carry machines that are very good to exceptional. I have chosen the following brands based on Quality, Innovation, Value, and Reliability. In addition, the following companies support us in a way necessary to take care of our customers after the sale is made.
Bernina
This Swiss company is the only family-owned sewing machine manufacturing company left in our industry. They still produce a limited number of machines in Switzerland but most of their machines are now manufactured in their solely owned and operated factories in Thailand. What is important to remember is that their machines are very unique compared to all other manufacturers in that their machines still use an all-steel front loading bobbin system. Two distinct front-loading designs (B9 Rotary Motion and CB Oscillating Motion) give the Bernina owner a very unique sewing experience and feel. The machines are very sturdy with an almost industrial/commercial experience. They combine this traditional old-world feel with incredible innovation- such as their Bernina Stitch Regulator (BSR) for free motion quilting, Built-In dual feed, oversized "Jumbo" bobbins, and more. Bernina owners are among the most loyal and I can see why but Bernina machines are not for everyone.
Virtually all other quality household machines without the Bernina nameplate are top-loading drop-in bobbin machines, also referred to as horizontal axis rotary hook machines. Good quality machines with this design are easy to use, easy to maintain, reliable, and very smooth and quiet. The question is who manufactures the best horizontal axis rotary hook machines. I believe the two best manufacturers are Japanese companies; Janome and Brother.
Janome
Janome is a Japanese company with a long and rich history. For many years their machines were branded New Home in the U.S. market. You will also find Janome built machines branded under the Necchi, Elna, and Juki nameplates. Janome also makes specific models for Baby Lock, and Bernette. We are now stocking and recommending some Necchi and Elna models in select categories. Simply put, they make the most trouble-free sewing machines in the world. Their electronics, including circuit boards, display panels, etc. are the most reliable. Some might say this is my opinion, but I say it is a fact-based on 27 years as a chief technician.
Brother
Brother makes almost all of Baby Lock's premium sewing machines. Generally speaking, whenever you see a Baby Lock sewing or embroidery machine, it was made by Brother and Brother has an equivalent machine built on the same platform that is nearly identical machine (differences are cosmetic). However, Brother does not make Baby Lock's serger line.
Baby Lock
Most Baby Lock sergers are manufactured by Suzuki Machinery Co. in Yamagata Japan. The Baby Lock sergers we carry are all made in this factory and, in my opinion, are the best sergers in the world. Below I've linked is a great Youtube video of the Suzuki factory making Baby Lock sergers by hand. Notice how many women work on the line. I also saw this in Janome's Thailand factory when I visited. The machines were meticulously assembled by hand almost entirely by women.
Juki
I have known Juki machines all of my professional life as we started exclusively as an industrial sewing machine company. Juki excels in producing high speed sergers and rotary hook machines. They are relatively new to the household sewing machine market here in the U.S. Having brought in their top loading horizontal axis hook home sewing machines, I still think that Janome and the Brother factories are producing a more refined and quality product than Juki's product. Having said this, I am a huge fan of Juki's TL series of semi industrial straight stitch machines as well as their 18" longarm TL-350QVP. This series allows Juki to showcase their heritage and experience making the finest high speed industrial sewing machines and sergers. We currently stock and highly recommend three TL series machines, a couple of sergers, and their one Janome built drop-in bobbin machine model. We also carry and highly recommend many Juki industrial sewing machines for the professional.
The Importance of Metal Housing
No matter the brand, every machine that you'll see in this review is designed with metal housing. I don't carry any machines in my store that are built otherwise. Think of the housing as a foundation for a home. No home is of high quality if it doesn't have a solid, well-built foundation.
My biggest motivation for writing this review is that I frequently see poorly built sewing machines receiving glowing reviews online-- machines built with plastic housing instead of metal housing, despite the fact that quality machines are available for purchase at similar price points.
sewing machine with plastic housing
Sewing Machine housing built from Internal Cast Metal Alloy
Many popular websites seem to have an erroneous positive bias towards these poor-quality sewing machines. For example, my brother Tomas recently sent me a review from Wirecutter, a well-known New York Times consumer review publication, which recommended one of my least favorite machine lines for several reasons. Furthermore, the second machine they endorsed also lacks a metal alloy housing.
In contrast, some of the world's best sewing machines receive little attention or few reviews. This is because consumer reviews often result from the online shopping process. How often have you been prompted to leave a review after making an online purchase? Specialty shops, which sell many of these top-tier machines, rarely request reviews immediately after a sale. As a result, the online presence of these machines is limited. Hopefully my review can shed light on some of these high-quality products.
Pricing & the Concept of MAP
MAP stands for Minimum Advertised Price. Many sewing machine manufacturers and distributors designate MAP to each individual machine, and dealerships like us are not allowed to publish a price below MAP.
For example, Machine-X has a designated MAP of $500. Even though Dealership-Y sells Machine-X in their store for $400, they are not allowed to publish their $400 price online. If they want to publish a price on their website for Machine-X, the $500 MAP is the lowest they can advertise.
This sound policy is two fold in my opinion:
- To make sure profit margins are healthy enough to foster and grow a high quality customer service oriented dealer network that in turn grows the sewing industry as a whole.
- To protect smaller dealers from larger operations with resources to undercut prices (think Amazon, Walmart, etc…)
It's important to remember that MAP pricing is simply the minimum price that one can advertise at. Dealers can choose to sell the machine for whatever price they want. Otherwise this would be price fixing which I believe is still against the law.
For my review, I will be posting MAP prices where applicable. If you see MAP price plus an "add to cart" button, that means you can purchase the machine online from us. If you see a price without an add-to-cart button, the machine is only available for in-store purchase.
Our shop often has sales on certain machines, especially the machines I really like and purchase in large quantities. Don't be afraid to contact us directly before making a purchase. We are always available via phone or email to offer assistance whether you want to purchase from us or not.
dan@sewingmachineshop.com or 925-937-7575
Definition of Platforms as it Pertains to Sewing Machines
A platform is a shared set of common design features, engineering, and production efforts, as well as major components shared among distinct models in order to reduce production costs
I think this concept is important to understand because like automobiles, sewing machine manufacturers produce many different models with the same platform. It is not uncommon for five different models to share ninety percent of the same components. I will be using this word multiple times below.
<$500 - Sewing Machine Reviews for the Best Entry Level Sewing Machines
Baby Lock Joy - $269 | Elnita em16 - $269 | Janome TM16 - $299
I now have a large sample size and history with this platform, having sold hundreds of units. All of the machine listed here are built by Janome and are identical in every way except for graphics. The model will not dazzle you, but you will get a very reliable quiet and smooth running basic mechanical machine with 16 stitches. I have been to the Thailand factory myself and watched this model being hand-built one by one. If $269 takes you over the top, as of this writing, you can get the Janome MyStyle 100 for about $200 which is built on the same platform. The MyStyle 100 will not have a needle threader and does not have variable zig zag for stitches other than zig zag.
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Janome Travel Mate 16
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Elna Sewing Machine: Elnita EM16$269.00
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Baby Lock Joy Sewing Machine$269.00
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Juki HZL-LB5020 - $479
Right now, the best machine in the world for under $400 is the Juki HZL-LB5020. Not coincidentally, it is also Janome-built machine. In my opinion, the most reliable machines in the world for under $500 are built by Janome, and this particular model is an incredible deal with 20 stitches that includes a fully automatic 1 step buttonhole system. In addition, once you hit this price point you now get one of the most important features in sewing--needle up/down stop-- which allows the user to choose where the needle stops once their foot is let off the foot control.
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We currently carry the Juki HZL-LB5020 because Juki has a good deal on them and we are able to pass along the saving to the customer. In the past we have carried other Janome-built machines at this price point, all of which are built on the same platform as the Juki HZL-LB5020. The difference lies in the accessories included in the box, the number of stitches, and the name on the cover. Just like the aforementioned mechanical machines that cost $249, I have a huge sample size with this platform having sold hundreds including supplying a large reputable nationwide kids summer camp with 200 plus units annually.
Juki HZL LB5020
$499.00
Key Features
- 20 built-in stitches, including decorative and utility options.
- Needle up/down button and speed control slider.
- Automatic one-step buttonhole for precision and ease.
- Drop-in bobbin system with clear cover for quick and hassle-free setup.
- Durable metal frame for stability and long-lasting performance.
- Free-arm sewing for circular projects like cuffs and sleeves.
- Built-in automatic needle threader.
Brother NS80E - $659 | Baby Lock Jubilant - $599
Use code SAVE10 to save 10% at checkout!
Baby Lock Jubilant - The Sewing Machine Shop - Bay Area - Walnut Creek
In my last several reviews, I had a Janome product in this slot, but Janome discontinued the platform I had been touting as the best $500 machine in the world for the past 20 years. Because of this, I began to search for the current best $500 machine in the world. The pandemic and inflation has pushed it over $500 but this Brother-built platform is exceptional and takes the crown from Janome in this ever-popular price point.
Brother makes most Baby Lock Machines for over $500, including this Baby Lock Jubilant. The Jubilant and the Brother NS80e are identical outside of graphics. Both are 80 stitch machines. Both are designed with an incredible automatic needle threader-- the least expensive machine in the world with a truly automatic needle threader (rather than the semi-automatic needle threader). We've been selling this model for years and the machine has proved reliable, quiet, and smooth. Navigation is easy and intuitive-- in fact, some of my employees have told me that they believe it to be the most intuitive, easiest-to-use machine in the world.
$500-$1,000 - Sewing Machine Reviews for Sewing & Quilting Machine
Brother PS500 - $879 | Baby Lock Presto - $799 | Baby Lock Brilliant - $999
As I said earlier, Brother manufactures many of the Baby Lock sewing machines, and all 4 of these are built on the same platform. This platform increases the throat space by approximately 2 inches over a standard sewing machine, to a generous 8.5" in total. In addition to the needle up/down feature, another key feature added to this platform is automatic thread trimming-- bobbin and top thread are now cut with a push of a button.
On the two higher end versions, PS700 and Brilliant, hands free presser foot lifting is added (AKA knee-lift), as well as a larger display. Hands free presser foot lifting is a major feature allowing the sewer to keep both hands in contact with the garment or quilt at all times. Please look over the specs and included accessories on these models. I believe it is worth the extra money.
Brother PS500 Sewing Machine
$879.99
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Baby Lock Presto 2
$849.00
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Janome 3160QDC - $699 | Janome 4120QDC - $799 | Janome 5300QDC
These three machines are all built on the same platform and offer great value in terms of quality, accessories, and features. All three come with an extension table and walking foot, as well as the needle up/down feature, start/stop button, and automatic thread trimming. The 5300 is designed with the best needle threader out of the three, plus a beefed up needle bar (same size as the Skyline series in the next section) for the ability have greater overall success sewing thicker materials. The 3160 is the most simple out of three, with about 60 stitches total. The 4120 has the double the stitches as the 3160, plus a more detailed screen and the ability to monogram. Less throat space than the Presto/Brilliant/PS500/PS700, but great as a portable/travel machine.
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Janome 5300 QDC Sewing Machine
Janome 3160 QDC Sewing Machine
$739.00
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Janome 4120 QDC Sewing Machine
Original price was: $1,199.00.$839.00Current price is: $839.00.
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$1,000-$2,000 - Sewing Machine Reviews for Premium Sewing & Quilting Machines
Janome Skyline S3 AE - $1,199 | Janome Skyline S6 AE - $1,999 | Use code SAVE10 to save 10% at checkout!
This is the price category where Janome starts upgrading their components to a premium level. The Skyline platform is exceptional and value packed, especially the Skyline S6 which also introduces Janome's dual feed walking foot system called Accufeed Flex, which feeds fabric from both above and below synchronously. Janome puts the Acufeed Flex System on their $15,000+ top of the line machine, and they also put it on the S6, making the S6 the definition of a cost-effective machine.
Other components that are upgraded are the upper shaft bushings which become sealed ball bearing, a best in class needle plate system for quick change to straight stitch plate, additional led lighting, larger throat to 8.5", hands free knee lift, automatic thread trimmers, 9mm zig zag (stitch width capability for larger decorative stitches), larger step motors, thicker needle bar, and more.
Janome Skyline S6 AE
$1,999.00
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Janome Skyline S3 AE
Original price was: $1,299.00.$1,199.00Current price is: $1,199.00.
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Other components that are upgraded are the upper shaft bushings which become sealed ball bearing, a best in class needle plate system for quick change to straight stitch plate, additional led lighting, larger throat to 8.5", hands free knee lift, automatic thread trimmers, 9mm zig zag (stitch width capability for larger decorative stitches), larger step motors, thicker needle bar, and more.
Also consider the Skyline S7 which is now back down under $2000. The S7 introduces another key feature which is electric presser foot pivot and/or hover. This feature adds a step motor that raises and lowers the presser foot automatically when the needle is down for pivoting the fabric, plus the machine automatically raises the foot after an auto thread trim. Owners who get this feature love it and wonder how they did without it all those years. It comes loaded with accessories like the AcuFlex walking foot and straight-sticth needle plate, plus it has a nice intuitive touch screen.
Brother BQ1350 | Baby Lock Soprano
(call for in-store quote)
These 2 models are virtually identical and I really like the value because these are the lowest priced models that have 5 of the 6 most important everyday features used every time one sews:
- Needle up/down,
- auto thread trimming,
- larger throat space,
- hover/pivot,
- increased built-in led lighting.
The sixth, which these models do not have, is integrated dual feed (also referred to built-in walking foot system). The Janome Skyline S7 AE checks all 6 boxes for a little more money.
Baby Lock Soprano
$2,749.00
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Brother BQ1350
Bernina 435
I didn't want to go much longer without including one of my favorite and most unique sewing machine brands so I decided to list the Bernina 435. I will also list the B475 and B480 in my next category.
Bernina 435 Sewing & Quilting Machine
At about this price point, Bernina starts to get exciting. The 4 series features Bernina's very unique and innovative B9 hook system. What Bernina claims-- and what I believe they deliver-- is a hook system with the stitch quality of their legendary oscillating CB hook (still on the 3 series B325 & B335), but the innovation of a large hook and large bobbin capacity (Jumbo bobbins) rotary hook that has the ability to add auto thread trimming (not possible with CB hook), higher sewing speeds for quilting and embroidery, and 9mm zig zag capability (5.5mm max for CB hook).
The bottom line is Bernina machines are expensive, but the 4 series starts bringing Bernina back in line value wise with it's Japanese competitors without sacrificing innovation and features.
$2,000-$3,000 - Sewing Machine Reviews for Mid-Level Sewing & Quilting Machines
Janome Skyline S7 Anniversary Edition - $2,999
Use code SAVE10 to save 10% at checkout!
Built on the same platform as the S6 & S7, the Janome Skyline S7 introduces another key feature which is electric presser foot pivot and/or hover. This feature adds a step motor that raises and lowers the presser foot automatically when the needle is down for pivoting the fabric, plus the machine automatically raises the foot after an auto thread trim. Owners who get this feature love it and wonder how they did without it all those years. It comes loaded with accessories like the AcuFlex walking foot and straight-stitch needle plate, plus it has a nice intuitive touch screen, and is also compatible with Janome's HP foot/plate system
Janome Skyline S7 AE
$2,999.00
Add to cart
Janome Memory Craft 6700P Professional - (call for quote)
This is a very unique and popular machine. It is a flat bed machine with an all alloy external metal housing. It is rated at over 1000 spm, has dual feed and is loaded with accessories. The flat bed design allows the engineers plenty of space to put the lower half components in optimum locations for performance instead of having to compromise when the free arm limits their options. This machine does not have presser foot pivot/hover but does have a hands free knee lifting system. Janome quality and premium components are evident throughout. The powder coated exterior housing is a unique thing of beauty that to me highlights the pride of Janome as a serious machine builder
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Janome Memory Craft 6700P Sewing Machine
Bernina 475 | Bernina 480 (call for quote)
Bernina 485 - $3,499
These three machines are built on the same Bernina 4-series platform. The main difference is that the B475 has 5.5 MM stitch width and the B480 has 9 MM stitch width. You might see the 475 labeled as "quilter's edition" but this does not mean it is a better quilting machine than the 480-- "quilter's edition" is purely used for marketing purposes; it comes with a quarter inch foot, but that's it.
Recently, Bernina began to allow dealerships to sell three of their sewing machines online: Bernina 485, Bernina 540, and Bernina 740
Bernina 485 Sewing Machine
$3,499.00
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Bernina 475 QE Sewing & Quilting Machine
Bernina 480
<$5,000 - Sewing Machine Reviews for the Best Sewing & Quilting Machines
Machines in this price range generally have the following features in addition to the models I listed in the previous under $2000 category:
- Very large throat areas (11+ inches to right of needle)
- Superior LED lighting (located in multiple locations and angles)
- Very large intuitive and easy to navigate color touch screens
- Massive selection of stitches in the hundreds plus the ability to create your own personal stitches
- Large compliment of included accessories and presser feet
- Possible upgrade to embroidery unit (Bernina)
- Built-in dual feed systems or ability to add (Baby Lock/Brother)
- Automatic presser foot lifting (Pivot/Hover)
Remember, any price that is posted here is the MAP price.
Janome Continental M6 - $4699
For several years I had the Continental M7 in this spot, which won both the IF and Red Dot Design awards in 2020, so we now have a great history with this platform. However the M7 was discontinued at the end of 2024 and succeeded by the M6 and M8, both of which are built on the same platform.
The Janome M6 is a thing of beauty. It is a huge, rock solid flat bed sewing machine. 18" seamless all metal powder coated external flatbed with 13.5 inches to the right of the needle. Along with the M8 and M17, the M6 is one of the only home sewing machines to feature a brushless servo motor which up until now was only found on more powerful industrial sewing machines. It is by far the best and most powerful sewing motor in the industry.
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Janome Continental M6
$4,699.00
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The M6's needle plate system is also the best system available. It is compatible with Janome's HP pro plate and foot, turning this 1300 stitches-per-minute machine into a versatile high speed powerhouse with an industrial feel. The flat bed design allows the engineers ample space to optimally locate each and every component in the lower half of the machine exactly where it needs to be. An additional step motor lowers the feed dogs every single time the presser foot is raised allowing the fabric to be slid out smoothly without snagging.
Now, the old M7 cost $5,000 and came loaded with almost every accessory available. Despite being built on the same platform, the M6 price drops significantly down to $3,999 because it is not loaded with accessories. While it does come with a few basic feet, and it is compatible with awesome feature's like the AcuFeed walking foot and HP plate & foot, those extra accessories must be purchased separately a la carte.
This machine embodies everything Janome has learned over its 100 years of existence. This machine says "we are an engineering driven company, not a company driven by the finance and marketing dept. The only thing missing from this model is stitch regulation, which you can get on the M8.
Janome Memory Craft 9480 (call for in-store quote)
Janome Memory Craft 9410 - $3,999
The MC9480 is Janome's top end machine with a free arm and without embroidery. It has all of Janome's premium components and unique innovations:
- 11.25" of throat space,
- AcuFlex walking foot,
- straight stitch & HP needle plates,
- pivot/hover,
- incredible stadium lighting around the needle,
- Compatible with the Janome ASR stitch regulator for free motion sewing.
Other manufacturers are challenged to build a more complete machine than this for less money. Refinement at a great price.
Janome Memory Craft 9480 QCP
One step down, the MC9410 is built on the same platform as the MC9480-- same throat space, same needle threader, same sewing capabilities, etc. The big difference is that the 9410 is not compatible with the stitch regulator. It also comes with a fraction of the accessories, though most can be purchased a la carte.
Janome Memory Craft 9410QC
$3,999.00
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Bernina 540 - $3,999 | Bernina 570 (call for in-store quote)
This Bernina 5-series machine offers incredible value in my opinion and is a very popular machine. Relatively large throat space at 8.5 inches, built-in dual feed (walking foot), B9 hook system with jumbo bobbins, and a beautiful screen. Compatible with BSR (Bernina Stitch Regulator) for free motion sewing. It also has embroidery capability if you decide later on down the road that you want to start embroidery. Essentially, the B570 is a miniature B770+, which you will see in the next section.
Bernina 540 Sewing Machine
$3,999.00
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Bernina 740- $5,999
? Use code SAVE10 to save 10% at checkout!
Bernina's 7 series are my favorite Bernina platform. I will call this a machine designed for the purist. Bernina keeps the price down by including fewer accessories and allowing the owner to purchase only what they need "a la carte" Large 10 inch throat space, modern conveniences of automatic thread trimmers, lighting, pivot, built-in dual feed (walking foot) etc… while maintaining the precision and feel of Bernina machines of the past. Also compatible with Bernina's Stitch Regulator (BSR) for free motion sewing.
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Bernina 740 Sewing Machine
$5,999.00
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Baby Lock Ballad | Baby Lock Chorus (call for in-store quote)
Brother BQ2500 | Brother BQ3100 (call for in-store quote)
These 4 aesthetically beautiful machines are all built on the same platform. They are known for their large throat apce (11"+) large and easy to use color touch screens, and world class fully automatic "never miss" needle threaders. When you start getting the layers of capabilities that top of line machines offer the sewer, intuitive navigation via the large central touch screen becomes important and nobody does it like Brother software engineers. Simple is always better in our opinion and many of our customers agree.
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Floor Model Brother Innovis BQ3100
Original price was: $7,799.00.$3,999.00Current price is: $3,999.00.
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Baby Lock Ballad Quilting and Sewing Machine
$5,499.00
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Best Sewing/Quilting Machine in the World Winner 2025 | Sewing Machine Reviews
There are 2 choices for this honor in 2024. The Bernina can be upgraded to embroidery for $2000 additional. I am proud to recommend both, and they could not be more different.
Janome Continental M8 (call for in-store quote)
In October 2023, Janome built upon their award winning Continental M7 platform by adding their patented ASR stitch regulator, creating the Continental M8. It is a huge, rock solid flat bed sewing machine. 18" seamless all metal powder coated external flatbed with 13.5 inches to the right of the needle.
Janome's Continental Series machines are the first home sewing machines to feature a brushless servo motor which up until now was only found on more powerful industrial sewing machines. It is by far the best and most powerful sewing motor in the industry. The needle plate system of which many are included is also the best system available. The pro plate and foot turns this 1300 spm machine into a versatile high speed powerhouse with an industrial feel. The flat bed design allows the engineers ample space to optimally locate each and every component in the lower half of the machine exactly where it needs to be. An additional step motor lowers the feed dogs every single time the presser foot is raised allowing the fabric to be slid out smoothly without snagging.
The machine comes loaded with almost every accessory available. This machine embodies everything Janome has learned over its 100 years of existence. This machine says "we are an engineering driven company, not a company driven by the finance and marketing department.
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Janome Continental M8
Bernina 770QE Plus (call for in-store quote)
The 770QE Plus is the upgraded version of the earlier 770QE. The Plus upgrade has a much larger and more capable display. The 770QE Plus has everything a serious sewer or quilter should want in their dream machine. 10 inches of throat space, fantastic lighting, the best presser feet in the industry, elegant and compact built in dual feed, commercial quality and feel, BSR (bernina stitch regulation) included as standard, large bobbin capacity, and most importantly, legendary Bernina stitch quality. In addition, this model can become a 770QEE Plus with Bernina's high performance SDT Embroidery module as an option down the road. I haven't been so excited about a Bernina since the late 80s early 90s when the model 1130,1230,1090, series came about. Everything about Bernina is unique and proprietary. You should not get this machine unless you have a relationship with a competent Bernina dealer. Not anyone can work on these machines. Unique parts, tools and training are required to support these machines. My analogy is that you can often take a Toyota or Ford to a good general car mechanic but you wouldn't want to take a Porsche to anyone other than a factory trained Porsche mechanic.
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Bernina 770 QE Plus
Top-of-Line Flagship Machines - Best Combo Sewing + Embroidery Machines in the World | Sewing Machine Reviews
I have two favorites in this prestigious category:
Janome Continental M17
Janome Continental M17
From a build and materials standpoint, it would be hard to argue a better machine on the planet for the serious sewist. Janome used its extensive experience manufacturing assembly robots to produce an ultrafast and accurate embroidery machine . The quality is evident right away. The innovations on the sewing/quilting side are amazing. The largest throat area in the industry, the only brushless servo sewing motor in the industry, and ASR which is Janome's stitch regulation system for free motion quilting (better than Bernina's BSR in my opinion).
On the embroidery end is the largest embroidery field (11.3 by 18.2") in the industry and the highest quality embroidery module I have ever seen. The machine uses wireless technology and phone apps to allow the user to harness the M17's full capabilities. If Sewing and/or Quilting is your main hobby and embroidery is secondary, I would lean to this choice. If Embroidery is mostly what you are interested in with Sewing and Quilting less so, you might want to consider my next choice.
Brother Luminaire XP3 | BabyLock Solaris Vision BLSA3
The machine that has won this category in my review for years just keeps getting better. These two brands and models, built on the same platform are Brother's 3rd version, with each version adding additional capabilities through firmware upgrades. The two very cool technologies that set this machine apart from any other is the high definition built in camera and the projection system. These technologies allow one to place the embroidery design precisely and also view in full color how it is going to look on your garment or quilt prior to sewing a single stitch. No machine delivers more unique useful technology in a simple intuitive manner than Brother/Baby Lock. For the embroidery especially, this is the most intuitive, easy to use machine there is. Quality components and technology that the owner will use every day make this the co-winner of best combo machine in the world.
Single Needle Embroidery Machines | Sewing Machine Reviews
Baby Lock Flare Embroidery Machine
$2,099.00
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Babylock Vesta
$3,299.00
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Brother NQ3700D
Baby Lock Aerial
Original price was: $7,999.00.$6,499.00Current price is: $6,499.00.
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A general rule when searching for a new embroidery machine: a larger embroidery machine gives you a larger embroidery field, meaning you can create larger designs. There are other features to consider as well. Having a larger screen will make it easier to see how the design will look prior to embroidering it. Having more on-screen tools to manipulate the design will ultimately allow you to do more as well. In addition, the higher up you go, the more built-in embroidery designs and fonts.
Brother NQ1700e | Baby Lock Flare - $1,999
Stand alone embroidery machine with a 6.25" x 10.25" Embroidery Field which gives you ability to do large designs that cover a t-shirt, sweatshirt, towel, etc. Incredibly cost effective for less than $2,000, this is a great machine for those looking to do upgrade their embroidery, or even start a business.
Brother NQ3700D | Baby Lock Vesta
Sewing-embroidery combination machine. These two guys are essentially the Flare/NQ1700e with sewing capability.
Baby Lock Aerial - $6,499
Sewing-Embroidery Combination Machine
8"x12" Embroidery field
Beautiful LCD color touchscreen is 7" across diagnally
Brother Stellaire XE1 | Brother Stellaire XJ1
The XE1 and XJ1 are built on the same platform. The XE1 is embroidery-only, whereas the XJ1 is a sewing-embroidery combination machine.
Massive 9.5"x14" embroidery field.
Beautiful 10" LCD Color Screen
Over 700 built-in embroidery designs and fonts, including Disney designs
Bernina Embroidery Units
Bernina offers a handful of different machines that have embroidery capability, but you don't have to buy the embroidery unity at the same time you buy the machine. It's a beautiful system. You can always tack on the embroidery unit later on when you decide you want to start your embroidery journey.
A few of our favorite machines that have embroidery capability: B570, B735, B770+
Best Sergers, Coverhem, and Combo | Sewing Machine Reviews
This is a pretty easy category for me to recommend because the Baby Lock machines coming out of the Suzuki factory in Yamagata, Japan are, in my mind, are clearly the best sergers in the world. You can see these machines being made by hand here:
These sergers are not cheap and you won't be able to get a new one under $1000 but if you decide to go for it, you won't be sorry. If your budget is under $1000, I highly recommend Juki. Their background in high speed industrial overlockers give them the edge over other manufacturers in entry level and mid-priced sergers.
The Baby Lock machines I really like have both Automatic Threading and even more importantly ATD (Automatic Thread Delivery). Don't get these two confused. These two important technologies address the two biggest hurdles with sergers. The complexity of threading and adjusting tensions on up to 5 different spools of thread. Baby Lock addresses both of these problems with utter perfection. With a lever or dial the upper and lower loopers and with some models the needles are threaded automatically with one of 2 air systems. ATD is a beautiful mechanical system (no electronics!) that measures the amount of thread needed to make a perfect stitch. Tension dials are eliminated and any brand or type of thread can be used without adjustments.
Here is a list of Baby Lock sergers that I sell with some important details:
Baby Lock Celebrate - $999 (jet air threading for loopers, conventional tensions)
Baby Lock Victory - $1,499 (jet air threading for loopers with ATD)
Baby Lock Acclaim - $2,499(extrordinaire threading for both loopers and needles with ATD)
Baby Lock Accolade - $2,999 (combo serger/coverhem w/extrordinaire threading for loopers w/ATD)
Baby Lock Triumph (combo serger/coverhem w/ extraordinaire threading for both loopers and needles with ATD)
Baby Lock Euphoria - $1,599 (Coverhem only w/extrordinair and ATD)
If you want an excellent serger in the entry level and midline category, JUKI makes the best sergers and coverhem machines. They also make a very good serger over $1000 with air threading and now a new model with air threading and thread delivery. We carry several different models so call or email to inquire or get advice.
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Baby Lock Acclaim Serger
Original price was: $3,999.00.$2,749.00Current price is: $2,749.00.
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Baby Lock Accolade Serger & Coverstitch Machine
Original price was: $3,999.00.$3,499.00Current price is: $3,499.00.
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Baby Lock Celebrate Serger
$1,199.00
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Baby Lock Euphoria Coverstitch (SKU: BLC4)
Original price was: $2,499.00.$1,799.00Current price is: $1,799.00.
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Baby Lock Triumph Serger & Coverstitch Machine
Original price was: $7,499.00.$5,499.00Current price is: $5,499.00.
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Baby Lock Victory Serger
Original price was: $2,499.00.$1,799.00Current price is: $1,799.00.
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Semi Industrial (Portable) Straight Stitch Only Machines | Sewing Machine Reviews
Juki TL 2010Q Sewing Machine
$1,099.00
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Juki TL 18
$1,899.00
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Janome HD9 Portable Semi-Industrial Straight Stitch Sewing Machine
$0.00
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You can't go wrong with Juki. I carry their TL series which is their semi industrial portable drop feed, straight stitch only machines. They have a large throat for quilting but they are equally good for garment sewing and heavier work such as canvas tote bags, slip covers, and light weight leather and vinyl. Models I like to stock are the Juki TL-2010Q and the Juki TL-18QVP. I also really love the new Janome HD9
Longarm Quilting Machines | Sewing Machine Reviews
BERNINA Q20
JUKI J-350QVP MIYABI W/TABLE
$0.00
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Currently I am selling The Juki Miyabe J-350QVP in both the sit-down and frame version. This 18 inch longarm, made in Japan, is a great value. Featuring dual laser stitch regulation in both the sit down and frame version. Some of the external electronics are from Grace (handlebars, display, control box) which are not quite the quality that the rest of the machine is but on balance I see no other machine that competes with this model on total value ( = quality plus price).
Bernina Q20 Sit Down
One of the few Bernina's made in its Swiss Factory, this is one beautiful machine. It's significantly more expensive than the Juki but it does take long arm engineering to another level. This is my favorite longarm in the world.
Industrial Sewing Machines | Sewing Machine Reviews
Anything Juki. Whether you are sewing garments or doing heavy upholstery work, Juki has a model that should fit your budget and quality standards. I am happy to consult with anyone on their professional machine needs.
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