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Sewing Machine Reviews & Ratings

Sewing Machine Reviews

Welcome to Sewing Machine Ratings.  We provide expert reviews of all brands and types of sewing machines. 

From Singer and Brother to Juki and Bernina, we cover all the major sewing machine brands and provide comprehensive reviews and consumer ratings to help you make an intelligent purchase.  Make an informed decision!

 

See the latest Sewing Machine Reviews for 2019 & 2020 below...

Singer C5200 Sewing Machine

Details
Created: 15 May, 2020
Singer 1512
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56.1 The Singer C5200 is a computerized sewing machine with 80 built-in stitches.  It also has an LCD control panel, a free arm, and it includes an extension table.  Owners find it fairly user-friendly and report that it makes a nice stitch.  However there are a host of complaints about the machine and many folks find that the C5200 has issues with thread jamming and breaking.  There are also a number of other concerns such as a reverse button that sometimes doesn’t work, breaking needles, and noisy operation.  Overall, in our opinion, there are too many negatives reported to make this unit attractive.

Janome 1600P-QC Sewing Machine

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Created: 8 May, 2020

97.3 If you are looking for the ultimate mechanical sewing machine that only sews straight stitches, then look no further than the Janome 1600P-QC.  This is a sturdy, workhorse of a machine that is as close to industrial as you can get without paying the really big bucks.  Owners like their 1600P and praise it for its ability to sew through almost anything and to sew extremely fast (up to 1600 stitches per minute).  This is also a very popular machine with quilters.  On the other hand if you want a lightweight unit, something with a host of stitch options, or if you are a beginner, then this is likely not the best machine for you.

Juki HZL F300 Sewing Machine

Details
Created: 3 April, 2020
Juki HZL F300
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92.7 The Juki Exceed HZL-F300 is one of three popular computerized sewing machines in Juki’s Exceed series (F300, F400, F600).  The F300 is the most affordable but it still packs a punch. Owners are very pleased with this Juki and some describe it as an “excellent buy” and an “awesome machine”. It produces a quality stitch, sews smoothly, is powerful yet quiet, and feels sturdy.  It also comes with a host of great features. However there are some grumblings that it doesn't include a knee lift, and some folks have had issues with the bobbin winder and the automatic needle threader.

Singer 1512 Promise II Sewing Machine

Details
Created: 21 March, 2020
Singer 1512
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81.3 The Singer 1512 Promise II sewing machine is a very basic machine with a limited number of features.  It is also very easy to use.  This lack of complexity, coupled with the ease of use, makes the 1512 a good fit for the beginner.  The machine does come with some good features, including 13 stitches (basic, decorative, buttonhole), a free arm, a built-in thread cutter, a reverse lever, and adjustable stitch width.  Build quality is average but then this in not a particularly costly machine.  Some owners describe it as a decent machine on a budget.

Janome 3160QDC Sewing Machine

Details
Created: 16 February, 2020

93.2 The Janome 3160QDC is a lightweight, computerized sewing machine.  It is more affordable than the popular 4120QDC and is a great fit for quilters, home crafters, and those who want a portable machine for classes, sewing groups, etc.  The 3160QDC is also very easy to use and a good choice for the beginner and even the more advanced sewist.  It sews smoothly, includes many useful features, and comes with a host of built-in stitches.  However, there are some complaints that the lighting is a little weak.

Janome C30 Sewing Machine

Details
Created: 25 October, 2019

94.9 The C30 is an entry level computerized Janome sewing machine.  But don’t be fooled.  This is still a very capable machine, it simply doesn’t have all the bells and whistles you may find on more expensive units.  Consumer ratings for the C30 are excellent and owners like that it is very easy to setup and operate.  They also like that it is lightweight and portable (has a built-in handle).  In addition, the C30 has a one handed needle threader which owners absolutely love. There are very few complaints about this machine, although several folks wish it had a higher quality soft cover.

Janome Arctic Crystal Sewing Machine

Details
Created: 1 May, 2020

82.8 The Janome Arctic Crystal is an entry-level mechanical sewing machine.  It is compact, lightweight and fairly basic.  It’s a sturdy unit that comes with 15 built-in stitches and it is also easy to setup and to operate.  As a result, it is a popular choice with beginners.  Most owners are pleased with the Arctic Crystal but some report that the lighting is too dim and that they have to deal with thread tangling issues.

Janome 128 Sewing Machine

Details
Created: 4 June, 2019

86.1 The Janome 128 is a very simple and basic sewing machine with only 8 stitches.  It is also relatively inexpensive.  Janome often refer to the 128 as a “value-priced” sewing machine.  Owners like the unit’s ability to tackle thick materials, its light weight, and its ease of use.  It is popular for taking to classes, and the compact size, aluminum frame, and built-in carry handle make it very mobile. However, some folks have had issues with thread jamming and inconsistent stitches.  Many owners are also disappointed that it does not come with a built-in thread cutter.

Janome 49018 Computerized Sewing Machine

Details
Created: 17 May, 2019

92.8 The Janome 49018 is a computerized sewing machine with an aluminum interior frame.  As a result of the frame the machine is very lightweight and is a great choice for taking to classes.  This is also a fairly basic unit that is easy to use and to setup.  It is a good fit for the beginner or novice sewist.  Owners are pleased with the high quality of stitch, the smooth operation (little vibration), and the ability to tackle thicker materials.  On the downside some people have had issues with the machine-winding bobbin and the 49018 does not come with a large number of stitch options

Singer 6699 Starlet Sewing Machine Review

Details
Created: 9 April, 2019
Singer Starlet
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57.6 We’ve been reviewing and rating sewing machines for over 11 years and up until now we’ve only had two machines rated in the 50’s (out of 100).  The Singer 6699 Starlet now makes it three.  With a score of 57.6 out of 100 the Starlet is the second lowest rated sewing machine on our site (second only to the dismal Singer QuickFix).  Reasons that owners cite for their dislike of the Starlet include frequent jamming, constant problems with the bobbin, breaking needles, controls that aren’t that easy to use, and lighting that is a bit on the dim side.

Singer Heavy Duty 4452 Sewing Machine

Details
Created: 4 March, 2019
Singer 4452
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88.6 The Singer Heavy Duty 4452 is the pinnacle of the Singer Heavy Duty line of sewing machines.  This mechanical sewing machine sews very quickly and is very easy to setup and to use.  It is a good fit for both the beginner and the more advanced sewist.  It is also easy to thread and is capable of sewing through thick materials such as denim, leather and canvas.  On the downside the foot pedal feels poorly made and it does not regulate speed well.  In addition, a number of folks report struggling with tension issues.

Janome 2212 Sewing Machine Review

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Created: 8 February, 2019

88.1 This is a rather plain mechanical sewing machine that is simple and easy to use. It is solid and reliable and likely a good fit for a beginner or even an experienced seamstress who only requires the basics. Consumer ratings are quite good and the machine is well-priced for a Janome. It doesn’t come with some of the usual bells and whistles like an automatic needle threader or a needle up/down button but this doesn’t seem to detract from the praise heaped upon this unit by owners.

Janome Magnolia 7360 Review

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Created: 23 November, 2018

99.4 The Janome Magnolia 7360 is at the top end of the Magnolia series of sewing machines.  This is a computerized unit and it sports 60 stitches and 8 one-step buttonholes.  Consumer ratings for this machine are nothing short of fantastic.  Owners are very, very pleased with their Magnolia 7360 and cite quality stitches, ease of operation, durability, and light weight as some of the reasons.  There is very little negative to say about this sewing machine except perhaps that it does not come with an extension table.

Juki HZL-LB5100 Review

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Created: 30 October, 2018

96.7 The Juki HZL-LB5100 is one of the more affordable Juki computerized sewing machines.  Owners give the unit high praise and report that it provides good value for the money.  The LB5100 is lightweight and fairly compact, making it a good choice for those who want a portable machine.  It is also designed for both the beginner (very easy to use) and the advanced sewist (plenty of features).  This is a sturdy machine that runs quiet and creates a great stitch.  The bobbin winding is a little slow however, and some owners wish the unit had a faster maximum sewing speed.

Singer Simple 3232 Review

Details
Created: 5 October, 2018
Singer Simple 3232
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78.2 The Singer Simple 3232 sewing machine is affordable and fairly basic.  It comes with 32 built-in stitches and has a carry handle and a soft cover.  The unit is also lightweight and very easy to use.  However it suffers from some quality issues.  Many owners have reported things breaking and features that stop working.  While the machine carries a warranty it can be costly to ship it for repairs.  That said, not everyone runs into issues with the 3232 and there are quite a few happy owners as well.  It seems that purchasing a 3232 is something of a roll of the dice.

Janome JW8100 Review

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Created: 18 September, 2018

89.7 The Janome JW8100 is a computerized sewing machine with 100 built-in stitches. It lies at the more affordable end of the scale for a Janome sewing machine and is a good fit for beginners, but the host of features also makes it suitable for even more experienced sewists. Owners report that the JW8100 sews smoothly and quietly, and they like that it is lightweight and easy to use. It also has a good fit and finish, and comes with a hard cover and an extension table. However it does not have an automatic thread cutter, it does not include a quilting foot or a free motion foot, and the sewing area is dimly lit.

Juki HZL-DX7 Review

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Created: 30 July, 2018

95.0 The Juki HZL-DX7 is a high-end quilting and sewing machine.  It sports 287 stitch patterns and 4 different fonts. Consumer ratings are absolutely top notch and owners praise the power of the machine, the fast sewing speed, the intuitive controls, and the large number of accessories.  This is a feature-rich sewing machine and it is a unit that would be hard to outgrow.  The DX7 is not complex but its large number of features can result in something of a learning curve. In addition, this machine does not come cheap and we typically see it somewhere between $1400 and $1800.

Janome Skyline S3 Review

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Created: 26 August, 2018

96.9 The Janome Skyline S3 is the most affordable sewing machine in the Janome Skyline Series.  The Skyline series is mid-range and designed for every day projects, garments/fashion/alterations, home décor, quilting, bags, patchwork, crafting and more.  The S3 is capable of precision sewing and is also powerful enough to handle denim, leather and multi-layered fabrics.  Owners report that it sews very quietly and smoothly, and that it is intuitive and easy to use – despite having a large number of features and capabilities.  Consumer feedback and ratings are absolutely top-notch.  However, while the S3 is the most affordable machine in the Skyline series, it is still not cheap.

Singer C240 Featherweight Sewing Machine

Details
Created: 22 June, 2018
Singer C240 Featherweight
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77.6 The Original Featherweight (model 221) was manufactured in 1933.  For those wondering the old Featherweight is one of those beautiful, old, black/gold/silver Singer machines.  Singer continued to make these until 1968.  The new Singer C240 Featherweight is a modern reinterpretation of this classic machine.  The C240 has 70 built-in stitches, an integrated even feed system, a built-in needle threader, and many more features.  It is also easy to use and light enough to carry to classes (comes with a handle and a carry case).  However overall owner ratings are not stellar and there are some complaints that parts feel flimsy and that the timing can sometimes get out of synch.

Janome 4120QDC Review

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Created: 22 April, 2018

97.5 The Janome 4120QDC sewing machine is good for quilting, garments & alterations, home décor, and all sorts of projects both small and large. It has 120 stitches, a built-in alphabet, and a very popular thread cutting button.  It is also remarkably easy to use.  In addition, the 4120QDC comes with a host of accessories as well as an extension table, a foot control and a hard cover.  Owner ratings are excellent and almost all people are very pleased with their purchase, describing the machine as a quality product that is worth the price.  Some feel it is a bit on the heavy side however.

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About me...
About me - sewing machine ratingsHello!  My name is Alison and I started Sewing Machine Ratings about 9 years ago. Since then I’ve reviewed scores of sewing machines. Sewing has been a hobby for me since I was a young and I love to make my own clothing.
 
My website should help you find the best machine for your sewing needs. In addition to reviews, I gather owner ratings for each machine and calculate a score. So you can quickly compare one machine to another and also see how others feel about their sewing machine before you buy.
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