Each sewing machine company has it's own set of unique features and qualities.  No one sewing machine company is necessarily better than another.  Choosing the brand of machine offering the features right for you, and the style of machine best suited for the kind of sewing you enjoy is important. 

Just like buying a car, test driving a machine can be helpful.  Amber recommends going to local sewing machine dealers to "test drive" different brands of machines and experience for yourself the different features they offer.  Take notes on each machine.  Write down the name and model of each machine, noting the features you like, and the features you do not like.  Continue to shop different brands/models until you find a machine offering exactly the features you enjoy for your specific sewing style. 

If the price tags of the floor models are too high for your budget, often times sewing machine dealers have nice, serviced, used machines available as well.  Ask the dealer if they have any used models similar to the the machines you like. These machines are often kept in the back, and will not be suggested to you without your asking.  This can be a great way to get a nice machine in a more affordable manner. 

Below are direct links to some of the brands/models of machines Amber knows to be good quality, with nice features, at a wide range of prices.  Some of her favorite machines are not available to direct link from Amazon.  These machines are Pfaff and Babylock.  You can visit these websites at the links provided. Amber has listed her favorite newer models from each company, but they offer many excellent older models as well. 

When maintained properly, a sewing machine can last for generations. Take Amber's advice to heart when purchasing your machine, "Buy it Once, Buy it Right."

This is a machine with which you can advance your skills. With 185  built-in stitches, this machine includes 130 sewing stitches, 8 styles of auto-size buttonholes, plus 55 alphanumeric sewing stitches.

Other accessories include a wide table, 8 feet, instructional DVD, manual, user-friendly LCD Screen.

If quilting, sewing and embroidery is the kind of sewing you enjoy, this machine may be the one for you.

This machine has 165 unique built-in stitches, this computerized machine includes 110 built-in utility, decorative and heirloom stitches, 8 styles of auto-size buttonholes, plus 55 alphanumeric sewing stitches. Accessories included with the this quilting and sewing machine are a protective hard cover, wide table, 8 sewing and quilting feet, instructional DVD and more  The intuitive LCD display allows you to easily choose your stitches and settings with the push of a button.

A great machine for the home mender, basic tailoring, home projects or light quilting. This machine is equip with 30 built-In stitches including, one-step buttonholes, top loading bobbin with convenient operating buttons- start/stop button, reverse, locking stitch and needle up/ down- a backlit LCD display with easy navigation keys, a removable free arm, drop feed for mending/free motion, and backed by a  25-Year Limited Warranty.

This is Amber's favorite home serger.  Small but mighty, this machine is a powerhouse. This machine is easy to use with great features. A  2/3/4 thread serger with automatic rolled hem, color coded threading, easy looper adjustment knobs, adjustments for stitch length and differential feed, and powerful knife system with dedicated drive mechanism. Take your sewing to the next level with this fantastic machine.

Babylock Aurora

Babylock Bloom

Babylock Jubilant

Babylock Brilliant

Babylock Lyric

Babylock Presto II

Babylock Pathfinder

Babylock Aerial