newBe

I am wishing to obtain an inexpensive mechanical sewing machine to do straight-stitch even stitching of variable lengths. A new machine is preferable. I enjoy piecing only. Model suggestions?

Stitchnripper

I suggest a basic mechanical Brother.

bkay

I'm no expert, but I think all new machines are electronic these days. (I assume you meant mechanical vs. electronic.)

bkay

grammasharon

I have a mechanical Janome that I bought a few years back. I too like to have a mechanical for some things.

NZquilter

I will second the Brother suggestion. Be careful with the new inexpensive Singers out there, most aren't much good, even the ones that claim 'heavy duty'. (I unfortunately learnt this from experience!) I have had three Brothers now, one I had to leave in New Zealand when I moved, one I gave to my sister a few years ago when she showed an interest in quilting, and then the one I have now, which is a cheaper end one from Costco. It is computerized though.

I enjoy piecing too, but once I discovered fusible appliqué, I am now enjoying it too.

QuiltnNan

I recommend the Juki 2010qi. this site has a great price https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004C04YII...a-309685373732
it has a larger harp and great stitches. i used to have an older model of this and loved it!

catsden

I also have the juki 2010qi. Bought it because of the larger harp as I do my own FMQing. Am now going to buy a HQ sweet 16 sit down and will use the juki for piecing.

NZquilter

The Juki isn't exactly inexpensive though, unfortunately. I really want one, or the Brother one that's similar. I just need to keep saving my pennies!

Sephie

I have a Janome Magnolia 7318 which is mechanical and I love it. It was $250 when I bought it, and it's still doing a great job for me. I do everything on it - piecing, quilting, binding. It was the only sewing machine I've ever owned until recently when I bought a cheap computerized Singer to use downstairs while taking care of the baby and toddler, but I returned the first one because it randomly skipped stitches every 20 stitches or so, and jammed. Bought another, hoping the first was just a lemon, but on the second day of using it, it also randomly skips a stitch when I use the needle down function. Sad, because I'm learning that I really love the needle down!

dunster

I wonder why you would prefer a new machine. For straight stitch, the old Singers are fantastic. Some models are very inexpensive, you can do any maintenance yourself, and they are super reliable.