What kind of sewing machine should I buy?

December 21, 2025

That’s a loaded question! There are many variables that play into your decision. I’ll approach the following discussion from someone with experience looking to upgrade from their “beginner” machine and someone looking to buy a second/travel machine.

Here’s a good place to start for honest reviews. It’s arranged by price point. I agree with most of his recommendations, except the Baby Lock Jubilant/Brother NS80E when it comes to using it primarily for quilting. For me, it’s too finicky when it comes to sewing over thick seams.

If I could only have one machine, I’d look at a Janome Skyline S3 or the Baby Lock Brilliant. They both offer 8″ wide throat space, adjustable foot pressure, straight stitch needle plate capability and a scissors function. Cost new would be $1000-$1200. These machines are candidates to take to a retreat or class; however they are wider and heavier than a typical travel machine. Compared to my Elnita EC30, these two machines are 10 pounds heavier and 5-7 inches wider. If table space is tight (say 3 feet), you’ll definitely want to consider taking a standard size sewing machine (about 16″ wide).

If adding a “travel” machine, how do you plan to use the machine? Do you need a smaller version of your primary machine – complete with all the bells and whistles? Do you need something that will fit underneath the airplane seat in front of you, yet still offer essential creature comforts? Your budget and machine feature wish list will definitely impact your choices.

Most of the time, I see variations of the Janome 3160, Brother CS6000i, Brother Pacesetter 300 and Singer Patchwork 7285 at classes and retreats. There’s usually a sprinkling of Featherweights and a handful of smaller Berninas (325/335/475) represented, as well. Occasionally, you’ll see a 3/4 size Janome Jem 720/760 or it’s cousin – the ElnaSTAR edition.

I’ll admit, I’m a Janome girl. My current primary machine is a Janome 8900 QCP. The airline friendly version for me is an Elnita EC30, which I already use in CraftLAB. If I get a wild hair to get rid of the Jubilant that is also used in CraftLAB, I’ll replace it with the Janome 780DC (has every feature I use on my 8900 and nothing more).

Elnita EC30 packed for the airplane in my Travelpro underseat rolling tote.

Perplexed

December 14, 2025

Money’s tight, job layoffs are looming, health insurance premiums are spiking and yet folks are out there Christmas shopping like there’s no tomorrow. Why? I went to a specialty kitchen store to get a set of baking pans Mom had requested for Christmas. The shopping center’s parking lot was already PACKED at 10:30 a.m. on a Friday. Make it make sense.

We’re still doing all the usual things that we do during the Christmas season, but in a more intentional way (with a side of frugality thrown in the mix). Our home is simply decorated with only our favorite Christmas items this year. The Spode Christmas china came out the day after Thanksgiving and will be used daily through the New Year. We skipped buying any new collectible Hallmark ornaments. For Christmas cards, we used up all the random cards leftover from previous years before opening any new boxed cards. Christmas stamps from the post office were very pretty this year, but we chose not to buy any specialty stamps. Instead, we mailed our cards using stamps already on hand.

Our families chose to gift practical items and/or experiences this year. Nieces and nephews shared short lists of things they really want for Christmas. I think we’re gifting more physical items than gift cards for a change. We advised said nieces and nephews that we didn’t need any gifts for Christmas. I told one niece that I guess this means we’re old. She replied, “Not old, just content.” That’s a nice way to put it.

One of my friends observed that we’re at the point in life where we can just go buy things we need (and sometimes want). We don’t necessarily have to wait for Christmas or special holidays. She has a point.

Example of Sewing Machine Tariffs in Action – USA vs Canadian Holiday Pricing

December 10, 2025
Janome 9480 advertisement from Janome USA Christmas 2025 Flyer
Janome 9480 advertisement from Janome CANADA Christmas 2025 Flyer

What you see here are two advertisements for the exact same sewing machine. Yes, this is the machine I want when I go to replace my Janome 8900. The Canadian offer is a much better deal as the $6999 price in Canadian dollars converts to $5,054.92 in USD and the bundle includes the ASR (stitch regulator). The US offer with the 50% discount to add on the ASR means I would pay close to $7,000 on the exact same machine with ASR if I were to buy it at one of the three Janome dealers here in greater Atlanta.

I’m not aware of any differences in the 9480 models marketed in the USA and Canada. That extra $2,000 is purely due to tariffs.

Despite what we were told about other countries paying their fair share when the tariffs were implemented, said tariffs are being passed directly along to we the people. This is just one example. Janome’s merely following what all the other sewing machine manufacturers are doing. I get that. As the customer, I’m choosing not to play that game. I’ll purchase when prices return to normal or buy used.