Indecisive.

[evanae]

Thank you for you guys' input! I went ahead with the teal one. Let's hope it'll be good to its new momma when it comes in. :)

Real quick before I go to work.

Does anyone know anything about either of these two Brother sewing machines?

Machine A - XL2610

and

Machine B - XL2600I

I think it's time for a new machine, but I can't decide which one.

They seem to be really similar. Both have 25 built-in stitches. I think the only difference really is that Machine A (the pink one) has a 4-step button hole stitcher/maker whereas Machine B (the teal one) has a 1-step one. But then again, I've never had to make button holes (so far at least...). 8D;;

A seems to have less reports, based on Amazon reviews only, of not being able to sew through thicker fabrics compared to B and has an automatic bobbin winding system that I think B doesn't. B's slightly smaller and lighter than A.

They're basically the same MSRP. Just that B is currently 42% off compared to the other's 18% off.

I also am not sure what variable needle positions (which B has) mean compared to preset. I'm guessing preset (which A has) is left, center, right? Then variable mean you can move the needle...ANYWHERE? Lol.

Or can you suggest another sewing machine? I'm willing to spend under $200 cuz I don't need it to do much nor do I need any fancy smancy electronic ones. I'm too used to using a mechanical.

Any input will be appreciated! Thanks.

Comments

[arachnidism.livejournal.com]

What would you consider decently priced?

One step buttonholes can be nice but confusing. I've been using them for years and I still get mixed up over the direction that my machine is taking me.

But my current machine is a Brother and I love him like a child, so I'd say that I would totally agree on the brand. My dealer (lol sob it sounds like we're doing drugs or something) told me that Singer is a crap brand currently, so don't get one of those.

Have you considered going into a sewing machine store? Usually the staff is very knowledgeable about what's out and what's good and they'll let you check out all the features.

[evanae.livejournal.com]

I guess I should've just thrown in a number. I think I'm willing to spend under $200.

Yeah, I heard about Singers and their quality going down.

Oh huh, I haven't. I don't know of any and Joann's only seems to have the really expensive and/or embroidery machines out. I'll look into it, but I figure I just needs something that gets the job done. Nothing real fancy, hence why I'm still sticking with mechanical machines.

[eeveil.livejournal.com]

B sounds more promising...
I have a Brother from Costco, but it's an older model XD;

[evanae.livejournal.com]

Ooh, okay. I can't remember if I've used your machine before...Thanks for the input though~

[xiu]

B is the newer version of my machine (I have the XL2600i). I really like the 1 step button holer (finally had a reason to use it like last week XD) and thus far it has done pretty much everything I've asked of it (including powerhousing [with a little bit of difficulty and a small bit of manual help if I stop in the process] through 6 layers of fabric.) I've had this one for... four? Years I think and if it comes with the same stuff mine did, you get an extra spindlematoosit and the dual-needle for those times when you want to do that sort of thing. The only downside is that you have to manually thread the needles with that rather than using the needle-threader.

ANYWAY. uh. yeah. I would actually recommend checking out your local thrift shops, too; older Singers and Vikings are awesome and tend to be built like tanks (they had a Viking at the one by my mum's house and I was very sad I couldn't shell out the $100 for it ;;) If they work or just need minor servicing/parts replacement, they really are worth it. If you're looking for a higher-end one, BabyLock's machines have been pretty fabulous (two of my roommates have newer ones that I kind of have sewing-machine envy over. They have things like press-button automatic stitch locking and controlled stitch speed and all sorts of fancy stuff ;A;). However, those aren't the place to look unless you plan on spending 200-500 ^^;

[evanae.livejournal.com]

It's good to know that it can sew through thicker/more layers of fabric. That was my main concern when I went through the Amazon reviews cuz there were a handful of people who said it wouldn't/couldn't. I currently have to hand thread anyway, I don't know if I'll end up being spoiled with the auto thread thinger. XD

I was just looking for a cheap machine that'll do what it's meant to do. I most likely won't ever use all of the stitches and doodads that they come with. I also don't really treat my machines roughly, so I think these mostly plastic parts machines will be fine. My mom has an old metal Singer that weighs a ton and will make the tv static if she uses it, lol. But I don't like using it because the pedal speed is either REALLY slow or SUPER DUPER FAST so it kinda scares the crap outta me. The bottom teeth feed also kinda sucks, the fabric slips around and I find it hard keeping it straight.

[xiu]

Yeah, mine has been fine for 2-3 layers of fabric (especially if you use a needle meant for thicker fabric, regardless of fabric type), any higher than that and you will definitely hear it going THUNK THUNK THUNK as it punches through, lol, but it'll do it. Thicker layers sometimes require a crank to punch the first hole through with the manual turny-thing, but once it gets going it's fine. I never use any of the fancy stitches on mine ... though I should probably start actually using the proper hem stitch. I mostly just use the normal straight stitch and the zigzag on very rare occasions.

& ;; I totally miss having metal parts, lol. My old Ward would work and be worth getting serviced/new parts if the place I checked first didn't cost $100 for regular old servicing alone (plus the $30 to get the bobbin casing replaced). Arghjdsaf I loved that thing XD

[evanae.livejournal.com]

Okay, I'll make sure to get some needles meant for thicker fabric! The current machine I have thunks as well when I try to force feed thicker fabric, I guess it's just the norm for these newer machines.

Save up? If it's worth it I mean. I always hear how ppl miss the "good ol' days" type of machines. I wish I had the pleasure to learn to use a tank that wasn't slightly special, lol.

[sakurae.livejournal.com]

My first machine was a Brother that I think I killed but it lasted me 6-7 good long years before I finally upgraded! I think the second one seems like a better option out of the two.

[evanae.livejournal.com]

Thank you for your input! I think I'll go with the second choice, seems to be the consensus here. :)

[flashboy.livejournal.com]

My brand of choice is Janome. I LOVE my Janome and it's a really high end brand. I also reccomend one step button holers. yes, it takes a while to get used to but at the same time once you get used to it they are better than the 4-step (I'm so lazy XD)

If you can get to a sewing store with machines usually they can give you things like really good coverage for your machine as well as sewing lessons and stuff to help you learn how to use it properly. Also I got the most basic Janome and it was rather cheap, $200 or less I'm sure. I have a Janome JS1022LE if you're interested in looking at it~

[evanae.livejournal.com]

I checked Janome on Amazon, they're a bit out of my budget. :x But if/when I'm looking for a higher end machine, I'll make sure to check Janome out again! Thank you~

[epiic.livejournal.com]

I don't know much about either, but I'd vote for B. Because of the color. In general, sewing machines are better the less pink they have. Better yet, avoid baby blue as well.

I'm only slightly joking. When shopping I did notice that more girly looking machines where trying to make up for their lack of capability by falling back on cuteness. Whereas the really capable machines don't make any effort to be cute.

[evanae.livejournal.com]

Haha, I was iffy about the pink one because it was pink but the reviews are actually not that bad at all. It did bother me how a handful of ppl said they got it because it was pink.../rolls eyes. I think it's the ones that are very cutesy that we have to beware of.