The debate of vintage sewing machine vs new can get heated! Often found in Facebook sewing groups, someone innocently asks “I’m looking for a beginner machine, any suggestions?”, not 5 seconds later, people swoop in to clamor about how vintage machines are the best. Their parts are made from metal! They are more reliable! They are better quality! I always chime in with my experience, and decided to write it out into a full blog post instead. I’d love to hear your experiences with vintage sewing machines vs new, in the comments, too!
This is the vintage Kenmore sewing machine that I inherited from my Grandma when she died. She sewed, my Mom sewed, and once I got pregnant with my first child, I finally learned to sew. I’m not a particularly sentimental person, but I loved the idea of making things for my son, on a machine that made things for my Mom. I read the manual, I cleaned it carefully, and I dove in.
Except it was more like a bellyflop! I stopped and started so many times, because I’d get frustrated with the process or the results. Looking back, a few of the projects I failed on were user error like choosing the wrong fabric (bulky home dec for a roll-up shopping bag) or too difficult for a beginner (alphabet shaped pillows) BUT even more of the projects that frustrated me, were beyond my control.
The tension knob was tempermental, leading to constant fiddling and fixing. I took it in, sunk in $100 for a cleaning and a tension knob replacement, was thrilled for a week until… the knob was wonky again. I spent hours of time, trying to rethread, replace, tweak so it would behave. My baby wouldn’t sleep, my sewing machine wouldn’t cooperate, the hobby that I thought would be “me time” was just as frustrating as the rest of my day! Finally, I’d had enough.
I visited the local Janome & Brother dealers to see what they had, was absolutely repelled by the Janome salesperson, and cringed my way through a $400 machine purchase at Brother. The salesperson showed me all the bells and whistles, with a stop/start button, automatic threading, but I couldn’t stop smiling because it just.. sewed. No tweaking. No jiggling. It sewed! Straight and true.
I wasted months of stopping & starting, frustrated at the machine’s limitations, and not knowledgeable enough to understand when it was me or the machine. If I hadn’t grown up around sewing, I surely would have given up! While vintage machines might be heavier, sturdier, more well made, they can also be finicky and expensive to fix at a shop. It pained me to stop using my handmedown Kenmore, but I think my Grandma would be happier that I’ve truly learned how to love sewing, by letting go of her machine.
So what do I think a beginner should do in the vintage sewing machine vs new debate?
I think the best case scenario is shopping with a local dealer or buying from a trusted reseller who can show you the ropes in person. Not only does this cut down on packaging, it keeps your money in your local economy! You’ll have someone who you can go back to with questions, who can tell you to just change the needle instead of taking it in for a full cleaning.
BUT I also understand, that like me, sometimes you are learning and working in tiny bits of time, in between naps. I understand that it can be inconceivable to take 3 hours out of a day to visit a shop when you’re nursing a tiny person and working around naps! So, I also have my recommendation for the best new machine to order off Amazon below and some pros & cons to consider when considering vintage vs new sewing machines.
Vintage sewing machine vs new pros & cons
I realize ‘vintage’ will mean different things to different people. I don’t remember how old my Kenmore was, but it had different stitch options and was maybe not old enough to be vintage? So, remembering that, the pros & cons I can think of for each option:
Vintage machine – pros:
- Made to last for decades
- Metal parts – hard to break
- Issues are often cheaper to fix because they are mechanical, as opposed to computerized
- Though they weren’t built for knits, they were built for thicker fabrics and can handle heavier weights with ease
- Can often be found for free or inexpensive
- Saving something from the landfill
Vintage machine – cons:
- It can be expensive to find replacement parts, manuals, cords, etc.
- Many only have a straight stitch, which isn’t ideal for sewing knit fabrics
- After being used for years, may have quirks or issues that are difficult for a beginner to diagnose and/or fix
Modern machine – pros:
- More bells & whistles – the automatic button hole function is amazing!
- Possibly comes with a warranty or service package, if purchased new
- Plastic parts mean they are lighter, easier to travel with
- More popular machines often have specific video tutorials for how to use them, online, which is great for beginners
- Some functions may make sewing more accessible – for example, I have an old back injury and it is so much more comfortable for me to sew using the button (no foot pedal!)
Modern machine – cons:
- Computerized displays are more expensive to fix – often repairs on cheaper machines aren’t worth it, it makes more sense to just buy another one
- Environmental aspects of buying new (packaging) & buying modern (planned obsolescence)
So what new machine would I recommend for beginners, if you don’t have a local shop or can’t get to one and want to shop online? This one! (and check out my post of easy sewing projects for beginners, to get a head start!).
It has amazing reviews, several people who I know and trust have used it for years and recommended it, and I have had great luck with Brother brand (they aren’t, and have never paid me! I just like their machines).
This is not the machine I have in the pictures up above! I have the Simplicity SB3129, which I bought from the dealer, the Amazon equivalent is the Brother Project Runway PC420PRW. I am very happy with it, but it is pricey for a beginner machine.
So, that is why I’m glad I ditched my older machine for a newer one. But, if/when I need or want a new machine? I’ll definitely consider a vintage one again, especially now that I am more experienced in trouble shooting machine errors and confident in my sewing ability!
What is your experience with vintage sewing machine vs new? Share in the comments!
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Michele says
I bought a new pfaff 17 years ago or so… I guess it’s vintage now! At the time I spent over 800.00 on it. Worth every penny. I also have a vintage pfaff from the 70s which is fantastic.
If I was just starting out again or if I was giving advice to a new seamstress I would say buy a very good quality vintage machine, rather than a cheap starter machine.
Stephanie - Swoodson Says says
I think it is such a hard decision; lots of people don’t have a big chunk of money to invest in a machine when they aren’t sure they’ll love sewing.. but it is much easier to learn how to sew on a quality machine, for sure!
Vicky says
An interesting read, I learnt to sew on old Bernina, was given my first machine by a friend of the family which at the time was 30 yrs old. This served me well through further education in Craft. Fast forward 15 years and I buy a modern Janome, I love the button hole features, the light weight, portability, plus stretch stitch for knit fabrics, ideal for sewing clothes and it came with an extension for quilting. Fast forward another five years and I have treated myself to a 30yr old Bernina which can handle layers of denim like butter! I think it really does depend on what you like to sew, I miss the stop start button when I use the Bernina – I use whichever machine most suits the project. I totally agree with you Stephanie about visiting a local retailer if at all possible to try different models. Take fabric samples with you for your favourite types of projects and try them out.
Stephanie - Swoodson Says says
Oh that’s funny that you have gone back and forth! That is a great idea to take fabric samples – but at least looking back at me as a beginner… I didn’t even know enough to know what I liked sewing, haha!! One of the local libraries in our last town would rent machines out, I wish that was more common.
Jamie says
I started sewing on a Singer Zig Zag 416 (I think, recalling from memory) that was around 40 years old. It was so finicky and finally it locked up on me in the middle of a project. So I went out that day and bought a floor model Singer Simple at Walmart. It had its own problems, such as weird tension and it was hard to thread the bobbin. I finally invested in a Janome Magnolia 7318, which I still sew on today four years later. It’s so much easier to use than my old Singer machines and I have rarely had a problem with it. I need to take it in for a tune-up and cleaning, but I really like it even though it wasn’t the most expensive machine (I think it was around $225 on Amazon). I also recently bought a used Elna serger that I’m really enjoying.
Fran O. says
I love my Janome computerized machine, but it has been in the shop a couple of times in 9 years. I do most of my sewing on it because of the modern conveniences. My Singer Touch and Sew that I bought in 1971, when I first got married is still going strong after 47 years. It”s been in the shop maybe 2 times for cleaning and a tune up. I switch back and forth between the two. The Brother you bought is a good starting machine. Should the person change their mind not take up sewing, then the investment was minimal. They still have a good machine for repairs and alterations.
Stephanie - Swoodson Says says
That’s amazing that it is still going after 47 years! Thanks for sharing your story, Fran!
Stephanie - Swoodson Says says
I’m so glad you found one that is working for you, I have a friend who likes her Magnolia too π
Mary G. says
The vintage Singer that was my grandmother’s made the very best buttonholes ever, but the buttonholer was a separate attachment, was super clunky, made a great deal of noise and could irreparably chew through your fabric if you didn’t set it up right. It did sew straight and through tough fabrics or multiple layers but not so great on delicates or knits. I’ve been seeing with Pfaff machines since about 1980. I gave my first one, a metal parts inside, 1222E, to my daughter-in-law about 10 plus years ago, and bought an electronic one, which I love, though the buttonhole maker on either have never measured up to the old Singer’s perfection (when done right).
Stephanie - Swoodson Says says
I hope your daughter in law appreciates it, what a gift! Thanks for sharing, Mary.
Mary Crissey says
My newest machine is a 1996 Husqvarna Viking +1…I was given her when my bff/aunt passed away..absolutely love thus machine…she sits facing west so we have a nice view…I use a 1948..she and I share a birthyear….when Viking is embroiderying..love my vintage for piecing…the 1948 is a 15-91…my 1955 is a 99k and I just picked up a 185J…also have a treadle that we are working on, from around 1880…love all my girls..they each have their own personality. .
Stephanie - Swoodson Says says
I really want to try a treadle machine! Thanks for sharing your story Mary π
Marie says
Growing up, everyone in my family had Singer machines and as hard as I tried, I just couldn’t sew on them. I thought it was me. Then in college I officially learned how to sew on Bernina machines and the professor said if I can’t afford a Bernina to get a Kenmore. So that’s what I did and I’ve been using it for 22 years without a single issue. The thread has never bunched up unlike every single Singer machine I have ever touched. I’ve been looking at new machines, though, that have more options and features. I like the Vikings, but wow are they expensive! I just don’t want to spend a load of doe and then hate the machine.
Stephanie - Swoodson Says says
I am so glad you have been happy with your machine! I’ve heard great things about old Singers and awful ones about modern ones. My Mom has a Viking with embroidery and had to be without it for months after a $$$ repair at her local shop. So, I’m biased, haha!
Judith says
When I inherited an antique cabinet-mounted treadle sewing machine 45 years ago, just as I was moving into my first apartment, I immediately went out and bought spare leather cords and rubber bobbin winder tires, just in case. I needn’t have bothered. Except for periodically removing lint from the guts of the machine and oiling it, no repairs or maintenance have been required.
True, the bobbin winder winds unevenly unless guided by hand and the tension knob is very temperamental but, since I only sew in order to shorten hems, mend ripped seams and cover holes with embroidered patches, I’m not bothered. When sewing, I just have to take care to stretch the fabric firmly in front of and behind the needle.
Stephanie - Swoodson Says says
It sounds like you & your machine get along well π Thanks for sharing Judith!
Helenanne says
The first machine I owned was a Kenmore like the one pictured. I purchased it in 1982 to get “all the bells and whistles.” I learned to sew on my Mother’s straight stitch White sewing machine, so zig-zag and overcast stitches were a big step up. I now have both of those machines, along with some newer and older models. Every machine gets some stitching time at sewing groups and retreat days. (I have machines to loan/borrow) It helps that I have learned to do service and repair on the older machines myself.
It is essential to have a machine that is in good working order to enjoy using it.
Stephanie - Swoodson Says says
Learning how to service & repair is SO smart Helenanne! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Trudi says
I grew up hating my Mom’s faithful Kenmore. She could and did do anything on it, from my clothes to draperies (heavy) to slipcovers… it never gave her any problems. But as soon as I sat down, the thread knotted, the tension was off, something went wrong! I finally bought a new Riccar, which I loved – right up until the board died (lightning may have been involved?). The replacement never quite “fit” and wasn’t as reliable as the one it replaced. I was in the middle of a quilting class at the local shop, everyone else zipping merrily along, when I decided I needed a machine that met my needs. I went back to the dealer and traded for a new Bernina 801. LOVE IT. Never a problem, easy to maintain, works beautifully. When I look at the new machines, I would love to have some of the special features, but for the money, I’m happy with what I have. And I’d definitely recommend it to someone starting out who just wants a basic, reliable machine!
Stephanie - Swoodson Says says
Thanks for sharing Trudi! That is funny about your Mom & that machine π
Outdoor Eni says
I have a 42 year old Janome that I bought ($100- all bobbins etc included) from a guild after an avid quilting member died. This machine is fantastic and does exactly what I need it to do. Itβs never done me wrong and iβd be one to encourage a new sewer to buy a trusted source old machine before a new one. Iβve seen leather under my old machine also. I have since run into two others that have the same machine and they love theirs.
Stephanie - Swoodson Says says
Like I said in my post, buying a machine from someone you trust is so ideal! I’m glad you found such a trusty machine!
Judy says
It really depends on the quality of the machine β vintage or new. I have a Pfaff (computerized), a Singer Featherweight, and a 1970βs Elna (which is new enough to have zigzag features). For really beautiful stitching, top and bottom, the Featherweight and Elna are superior to the Pfaff. They are also easy to repair and maintain β I do it myself with the help of You Tube. In addition, those two will sew thru anything! The Pfaff has some great features like needle threader, choosing needle up or down, automatic tie off and an amazing number of stitch choices. I have never needed to have it serviced. If or when there is an issue with the computer, I will need a professional. One thing to realize is that newer Singers, Elnas and many other top brands have some lower quality (cheaper) machines and some higher quality models. Do some online research and test drive before you buy is my advice. It is better to have a quality vintage than a cheap new machine.
Stephanie - Swoodson Says says
Thanks for sharing Judy!
Deborah W. says
Hi! I am facing the same dilemma. Do I fix up the old machine or buy a new one. Every time I read a review there are so many extreme reviews from 5 star to 1 star on the same machine?!?How do you know which one is the one to buy? I am wondering why you recommended a completely different Brother machine other than the one you are using and have pictured? The one the link goes to has a ‘quilting’ bed which I don’t do (quilting). It would seem so awkward to use. If you can answer whether you would recommend the machine you have in picture I would appreciate it. Thanks!
Stephanie - Swoodson Says says
Hey Deborah! So, the machine I have actual pictures of is from a dealer, like I said, and a higher level than the cs6000i. The amazon equivalent of the machine that I own is: this one. The one I have linked in the post, is the one I recommend for beginners. I’m going to edit it and make that clearer π The quilting bed/table is an add-on, for sure, but detachable π
Sharlyn says
I Always tell people that enjoying sewing is directly proportional to having a machine that works well. If you are fighting the machine, it’s extremely difficult to enjoy the experience ( as you learned the hard way!). I don’t know how many times I have had a sewing class and someone has brought a machine that worked poorly, and wanted me to try and fix it. my recommendations for new machines are spending at least $200 and avoiding Walmart. I tell beginners that they can always upgrade later when their skills improve.
Rebecca Grace says
This is such a great topic! I’m gonna say that it depends on the individual (the person who is wanting to learn how to sew) and the situation — what he or she is wanting to sew, whether a dealer is nearby, etc. When I wanted to learn to sew in 1999 I visited nearly every sewing machine dealer in town (everyone except Bernina) to look at the machines. I was AGHAST at how expensive they were — I had NO idea! I was smitten by the Husqvarna Viking Rose, which was their entry level embroidery machine at that time, and the idea that this sewing machine was a computer that could draw pictures with thread just blew my mind. That was the machine I wanted, but it cost about a thousand dollars if I recall correctly, and that was out of the question with my newly married, baby on the way budget, so I left and bought nothing. Then my husband went back and bought it for me for Christmas… And I found myself at the Viking dealer having lessons on how to thread the machine, practicing sewing a straight line by sewing through the blue lines on ruled notebook paper with an unthreaded machine…
That machine was the WRONG machine for me, by the way. For one thing, we could barely afford the machine itself and the embroidery function I thought was so cool required enormous additional investment in embroidery design cards (collections of designs that cost over $100 each, the only way to purchase embroidery designs at that time), thread, special stabilizers, etc. I used the embroidery function VERY infrequently. I would have been much better off with a more robust/powerful beginner machine, because what I DID end up sewing a lot of was home dec curtains, throw pillows, etc, and the feed dogs wore out pretty quickly.
Now I own a close to top of the line Bernina which has embroidery capability that I still rarely use(!), two vintage Singer Featherweight machines that are straight stitch only but fabulous for piecing even the fiddliest, trickiest quilt blocks, an APQS longarm machine, a Bernina serger for sewing knits, and a Janome coverstitch machine strictly for recreating the RTW cover hem on knit garments. I’m also the group owner of the Yahoo! Bernina 7 Series forum, so I’ve seen the frustration that comes when older people decide to trade in their trusty mechanical machine for a new one with all the bells and whistles as a retirement gift to themselves, and find themselves overwhelmed by the learning curve of the technology that was so enticing at the dealership. So, here’s the advice I’d give a newbie today about shopping for that first machine:
Get a basic machine that does what you need it to do, and does it well. The more bells and whistles, the more time you need to spend learning to use the technology of your sewing machine in addition to everything you are trying to learn about sewing. Think about yourself and how you like to learn. Do you feel better about taking classes in person to learn how to sew and how to use your machine? If so, your best bet will be to purchase an entry level new or gently-used recent model machine from an authorized dealer who will give you that value-add of lessons and support every step of the way. If you go the route of a vintage machine, know that not all vintage models are created equal. Do your homework, and seek out one of the vintage models with fantastic reputations, like the Singer 221 “Featherweight” made from the 1930s-1960s if you only need a straight stitch for quilting and/or you’re primarily interested in sewing garments with woven fabrics (the vintage attachments for those old Singer machines are widely and cheaply available, and they make for gorgeous buttonholes, etc. — any detail you see on vintage clothing can be made with a vintage machine). Another renowned vintage machine that will have a zigzag and additional utility stitches is the Bernina 830 Record, Bernina’s best selling machine throughout the 1970s and early ’80s (not to be confused with the Bernina 830E embroidery machine that came out in the 2000s!). There are a wealth of sewing machine reviews, both new and vintage models, on the Pattern Review website, and I highly recommend checking out the reviews on any model, new or used, prior to purchasing. Also keep in mind that, as Stephanie discovered, you get what you get with a vintage machine when you inherit it or you purchase it from a private party. Most of these older machines are going to need a professional cleaning and tune-up to get them back into top working condition, possibly even replacement parts, so you should factor that into the price when you’re deciding how much to spend. A machine bought from a dealer includes some basic lessons and a warranty of some sort — usually 5 years or so for a new machine, but maybe 6 months to a year with a used machine.
If you are really handy and you like to tinker — like my husband who disassembles and repairs my vacuum cleaner himself when I’m ready to buy a new one — or you are willing to search for YouTube videos and learn how to diagnose and repair a vintage machine yourself, in addition to teaching yourself how to sew with it, then rescuing and reviving those old workhorses can be very rewarding. However, most beginners just learning to sew will be better off buying a new entry level machine from a local dealer where they can take machine mastery classes, learning to sew classes, and have someone they can call when they run into trouble and don’t know what they’re doing wrong. I’d say $500-900 is a reasonable budget depending on which brand you’re looking at, and you DO get what you pay for so avoid those Target/Walmart/Michaels models like the plague! I bought one of those kiddie versions to try to teach my son to sew and it was the most maddening thing — it was so poorly made that even I could not sew a straight line with it because the feed dogs pulled the fabric all crooked and herky-jerky! The Bernina 215 or 330 machines would be fantastic for a beginner, and dealers may have good deals on used ones from other customers who have traded up. Janome, Brother and Pfaff are also solid manufacturers, although I’m not personally familiar with their entry level models. To the person who, like me back in 1999, worries about investing so much money in a sewing machine when they don’t even know how to sew, I would tell them that if they buy a good machine with a great reputation and they end up hating sewing, they will have no trouble reselling that machine to recoup a good portion of their investment, whereas if they buy a cheaply made, poor quality machine to save money, they are LESS likely to have fun or be happy with the results, MORE likely to waste time and money on projects that come out so bad they have to be thrown away, MORE likely to think sewing is too hard or they just aren’t good at it, and LESS likely to find a buyer for the cheap machine when they decide to get rid of it.
Bev says
I really think it depends on the sewist! I have a total of 5 machines and only 1 is new and that is my BrotherXS37 and I use that for “fancy” stitches ,I also have a commercial grade Juki, and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE it!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have a Serger and older Necchi and 1 Bernia from the 60’s. I also have an ISADORE Brother Inovis 5000 Embroidery machine and a 10 needle embroidery machine. I LOVE brother machines and would recommend buying from a local Sewing shop. My local shop allows you too TRADE UP! and get full credit for your machine,if you trade it up ,within 3 months of your purchase date. This is GREAT for the beginning sewist. I also teach a non profit sewing class and I provide the machines, that way the student, does not have to buy a machine, but can if they like sewing, after taking my classes. I bring in vintage and new machines and I explain the pros and cons ,on each. Knowledge is good and if my students can make an informed decision, hats what counts. It really is a personal decision. I say try the machines out at a dealer, as they have ALL types of used and new machines to try. I love my vintage Juki!!!