aashley333

The Bernina post mentions many machines, but I've decided that I need a lightweight machine to carry to classes. Classes are new to me, now that I joined a guild. I've been looking at low cost, low weight machines. I do need that extra platform that attaches to sewing surface. I'd like to spend under $300. (Ha-I'd like it to be free!) I have several Berninas that I love, but not sure they have an economical line. Please share y'all's knowledge about your portable machine.

bearisgray

If you could get your hands on an older Pfaff 1471, 1473, or 1475 -I think you might be pleased.

They are comparatively lightweight, the cover just lifts off, and it has a carrying handle. And it is comparatively very quiet.

But I am not up-dp-date on current models of machines, so not much help on what is available new.

Stitchnripper

I have been happy with my basic Brother machines. They are relatively inexpensive and a lot of them come with the extension table. I've never had a problem with mine. I have several because one was given, I bought one with a buttonhole feature and then someone's estate gave me another. They all work great. Unless you want t vintage.

rjwilder

I have a Brother XR9550 for classes, Walmart and Amazon sell it. I paid $230., it has the platform that you want. It weighs 10 pounds. It works great, I enjoy taking it to classes and sew days with my friends.

Mkotch

I gave my old Viking 100 to my niece so then I needed a backup machine. I got a Brother at Walmart also and really like it. It is light, smooth, and easy to use. It’s a little slower than my Elna but fine for piecing and quilting smaller items.

Onebyone

An off the shelf Brother would by my choice for any new machine under $300.

Snooze2978

I picked up a Brother machine with a insertable table, has a number of decorative stitches, cuts the threads and a sort of needle threader, got it online at Costco for under $300 but that was maybe 7 years ago so I'm sure they're much more expensive now. It's lightweight as I keep it on the floor next to my cutting table for when I need to sew on binding, long sashings and borders. You can use a NEB bobbin in it also which surprised me. I don't use it often but it's given my no issues so far. I'm a Viking person mostly.

Iceblossom

I've been pretty happy with my Eversewn Sparrow 15. Weighs under 15 pounds, is a mechanical machine (no computer), but has an assortment of stitches including zigzag. Has a threading assist. Costs under $200 but you will most likely want to buy a 1/4" quilters foot (think that was $12).
https://www.eversewn.com/sparrow-15

Downside -- is a bit slow for when I want to speed sew, for most of what I do it is fine. It is a bit louder than the other machines used by my sewing group. Mine developed a "chirp" that required me to take off part of the casing and oil where they don't want you to oil, but only required one screw removed to do that.

peaceandjoy

My first Bernina, which is still my main machine, is a 153QE. As it is heavy, I have gone through a few lighter machines in search of the perfect one for sewing days/classes/retreats.

First, I tried Janome Jems. Gold, then Plantinum. Hated them, it was like sewing with a toy. They are very lightweight, though.

Next, I got a Featherweight. Yes, very light, but we never bonded. It was definitely better than the Janomes, but still not what I was looking for.

Reality is, I'd gotten used to my Bernina, and had several Bernina feet. I started looking at used machines in the 3/4 size. I got a 240 over 10 years ago; I found it in a local sales/buying group. It's been a good, smaller (and thus lighter) machine that still uses all of the feet I've accumulated.

We have a winter home, and last winter, I left my 240 there. Then, I found a 350 (another 3/4 sized machine) in the local FB marketplace. It was a great price an included the wheeled carrying case. I like it better than the 240.

Just a matter of being patient to find a good deal. The 350, with the Bernina wheeled case, was $600 - so a good bargain. I did end up buying the tap foot pedal, as I found I really missed that.

The 3/4 size machines have all of the features I want and need, and use the Bernina feet I have. For general sewing or piecing, the work great for me.

petthefabric

For a “sit n sew” where I determine my project the 12 pound Brother works.

For class, portable isn’t the most important, the project determines which machine works:
1. Thick layers-Brother1500sl or Bernina
2. Zipper; 12 lb brother or Bernina
3. Quilting; Brother 1500 so, Allegra, Bernina 770

For 4-day retreat; pick project, limiting the number machines to 2. This may limit the choice of projects. Definitely pick the machine I want to spend 4 total days with. This choice is also determined by transport space.

SO. One machine doesn’t fit all my needs.

under $300—————definitly limits choices. Try estate sales-you may get lucky.