Opinions needed on which machine would be best for me
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Ohio
Posts: 82
Opinions needed on which machine would be best for me
Hi,
I am looking for another sewing machine. I am looking for something inexpensive, and so far I am thinking on the Janome Magnolia 7318 and Janome HD3000. I was hoping to get some opinions on which one might be better. I mostly quilt smaller items, do paper piecing, or craft items, not a lot of garment sewing. Thank you.
I am looking for another sewing machine. I am looking for something inexpensive, and so far I am thinking on the Janome Magnolia 7318 and Janome HD3000. I was hoping to get some opinions on which one might be better. I mostly quilt smaller items, do paper piecing, or craft items, not a lot of garment sewing. Thank you.
#2
I don't really know anything about the machines but whenever I want to look for something I try to find it first on www.amazon.com because I get to read the reviews on them before I decide the purchase.
Hope that helps
Hope that helps
#3
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
Another good place to check out reviews of specific models is http://www.patternreview.com . To read the older posts, you need to register (but registration is free). Basically you can look up a brand name and then, in the list of reviews, look for the specific model you are interested in.
#4
I haven't used the HD3000, but have used one of its predecessors (4618??). I have a 7318, which is fine for what it is. Both are going to be good solid mechanical machines with no frills (like needle up/down). The HD3000 has a needle threader and compartments to store the feet. The 7318 only has a slide out tray. I think the HD3000 comes with a few more feet too. For me, the HD3000 would slightly edge out the 7318, but I think the 7318 is prettier (whatever that's worth <g>).
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: East Tennessee
Posts: 1,102
A friend has a Magnolia, and I'd never touched one before. She said it was having trouble, so I took it home with me and I cleaned and oiled it. I was surprised at how "cheap" it was. I like Janomes. I have a Janome. But I wouldn't waste my time with a Magnolia. It was very lightweight and bounced when I sewed with it. I think I'd save my money and get a new $80 Brother or Singer instead.
I got my Janome at a pawn shop. I recommend if you're looking for a sewing machine to start at a pawn shop. I have gotten my last two clones at pawn shops for $15 each. Someone beat me to it, but I saw a Singer One going into layaway a few months ago! There are a lot of the "beginner" machines for $20-30 too.
I got my Janome at a pawn shop. I recommend if you're looking for a sewing machine to start at a pawn shop. I have gotten my last two clones at pawn shops for $15 each. Someone beat me to it, but I saw a Singer One going into layaway a few months ago! There are a lot of the "beginner" machines for $20-30 too.
#7
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
if you can it is a good idea to visit dealers/shops & test drive machines---we are all different- and what one person may love you may hate...try out as many as you can then decide what features/machines YOU like
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Midwest
Posts: 5,051
We are all different in our opinions and experiences. What do you consider to be " inexpensive"??? My range s $200-$500. Anything cheaper is probably not going last very long. I prefer computerized models vs mechanical. $500 is what i paid for my Janome 350. I am a huge Janome fan!
I am not interested in " vintage". I Have a 1953 Singer that i have never used. It belonged to my late aunt. It is a decoration for me. I love my Janome 9700 tho. I should probably use that Singer sometime.
Pattern review is great!
Sandy
I am not interested in " vintage". I Have a 1953 Singer that i have never used. It belonged to my late aunt. It is a decoration for me. I love my Janome 9700 tho. I should probably use that Singer sometime.
Pattern review is great!
Sandy
#9
I really think that the most important thing in choicing a machine is to choice a dealer that you can work with. You will want to have owners classes, a dealer that stands by what they sell. Some shops will offer a free first year cleaning/tune up. I work in a quilt store and see too many frustrated sewers who have bought their machine and never learn to use it, or buy a cheap machine that is worthless and takes away all they fun they should be having.
That said, I don't own a Husqvarna Viking, but the shop I work in sells them and after seeing them and how the company stands by them I have one on my wish list. Have fun shopping!
That said, I don't own a Husqvarna Viking, but the shop I work in sells them and after seeing them and how the company stands by them I have one on my wish list. Have fun shopping!
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