A local sewing machine dealer informed me Janome and Brother would be raising prices soon due to tariffs. I’ve heard something similar from the Baby Lock dealer, too. I was advised to move on my machine of choice sooner rather than later. While I appreciate the advice, I’m choosing to wait. It’s not essential that I replace my sewing machine right now. And when I do, it’ll probably be pre-owned and not subject to tariffs anyway.
Tariffs on sewing goods are confusing. Most sewing machines are made in China, Taiwan or Thailand. The stated tariff rates on these countries are 125%, 32% and 37% respectively. Yet, when you drill down on the Harmonized Tariff Schedule to types of sewing machines, accessories and parts, some rates are free and others are up to 45%, depending on the item. I’d have to do more extensive research to figure out what it all means.
Meanwhile, I’m going to take a wait and see approach.
I’ve chosen a different route to finishing my quilts using a machine with a stitch regulator. I’ve secured a spot in the next longarm fundamentals class offered by my local quilt shop. Once I complete the 4-hour class, I’ll be able to rent time on their big machines (with a stitch regulator) to do E2E quilting using pantographs. The math to rent time and DIY quilting certainly makes more sense than buying a new machine. We’ll see how it goes.
Should the longarm option not be for me, that’s okay, too. I have the $$ set aside to purchase a new-to-me machine when I’m ready. The crazier the economy gets, the more important making the sale becomes to sellers. I’ll be waiting to buy when the price gets to what I think is reasonable.
NOTE: If you need feet or parts for your sewing machine, get them now while you can. This especially applies to vintage machine enthusiasts who use reproduction parts and accessories. It’s always a good idea to keep an extra spool pin spring, throat plate screws and bobbins on hand. You might also want to add an extra sewing machine belt and check spring (for FW and Singer 301 tension assemblies) to your parts inventory. A reproduction electronic foot control would also be advisable, if you don’t care for the original button-style foot controller. With tariffs, the cost of these items may become prohibitive or they may not be available.
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