Prices and models may change.
Page last updated.
11/16/21
Top Pick
Sewing Machines
Napa Sew and Vac
2477 Solano Ave.
Napa, CA 94558
Janome Magnolia 7318
$369
Non-computerized
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*Under $400
*18 stitches
*Has both length and width knobs
*Can sew through many layers
*Top loading bobbin
*Janome quality
* One sewer has the computerized version that sews perfectly after ten years
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Limitations:
Doesn't have blanket stitch for quilters
Non-computerized Janome machines tend to vibrate more than other machines.
Janome 3160 QOV
$649
computerized
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*50 Stitches
*Multiple needle positions
*Stop-start button
*Automatic cutter
* Sews over thick fabrics
*Top quality for the price
Janome 3160 QDC-T
$649
computerized
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*60 Stitches
*Superior Plus feed dog system
*Automatic cutter
* Hard case cover
*Extention table
* Walking foot
* Sews from heavy to light fabric easily
Janome 4120 QDC-T
$749
computerized
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*Everything the 3160 QDC-T has PLUS
*120 Stitches
* Alphabet
*Double-needle
* Automatic tie-off
*Multiple blanket stitches
Village Sewing Center
506 Lewis Road
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
PFAFF 260c
$500
Simple computerized sewing machine, excellent quality
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* Sew any fabric
* Very durable
* All 28 stitch buttons on the front
* Every simple stitch a sewer needs
* Hard case cover for carrying and storing
Janome HD 3000
$449
Best non-computerized simple sewing machine
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*Very portable and sturdy
*Machine will hold up for years
* Has storage unit inside the lid to store accessory feet
* Diagram inside cover to tell you what foot to use
*Comes with hardcover for protection and carrying
*18 stitches
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Limitations:
No "blanket" stitch for quilters
No automatic up and down needle button.
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Note: Can also be found at Napa Sew and Vac
Viking Husqvarna Emeraled 18
$549
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*Non-computerized, sturdy and portable machine
*Very easy operation
*Speed control (usually seen on computerized)
*Needle up and down button (usually seen on computerized)
* Continuous back stitch button (only on this machine)
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Limitation:
Doesn't have "blanket" stitch for quilters
Singer 8060
$599
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*Computerized
*Sales lady at Village Sewing owns one and loves this machine
*Comes with an extension table
*Has an automatic cutting button
*Felt sturdy when tested in the store
*Good quality machine for the price point and being on a budget
*Packed full of features
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Limitation:
Newer Singers aren't known for being top quality machines, however this one holds its value.
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Juki DX7
$1,399
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*Computerized
* Needle threader is superior
*Comes with an extension table and walking foot
*Very sturdy when tested in store
*Lots of great decorative stitches!
*Button to raise the foot up and down
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Limitation:
Hard not to bring one home
Meissner Sewing and Vacuum Center
1455 Santa Rosa Ave.
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Bernette b37
$449
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Top seller
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*Computerized
*50 stitches
*Very sturdy
*Automatically tells you which foot to use
*Excellent machine for the price.
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Limitation:
Has 50 stitches. This means pushing the up and down buttons a lot; for example, with stitch #25, you press the up button 25 times.
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Note: The Janome 3160 QDC-T is a simular machine $649
Can also be found at Village Sewing
Bernette b38
$649
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Step up from the Bernette b37
*Very sturdy
*Comes with extension table
*Easily punch in stitch numbers on keypad
*Automatic cutter button
*Ability to combine stitches
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Note: all machines at this level and above have alphabets
Can also be found at Village Sewing
The Janome 5300 QDC is a similar machine $749
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Babylock Jubilant
$600
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*Has a wheel instead of buttons to navigate stitches
*More effortless than pushing up and down buttons
*This Babylock siris has superior threader leaver
*Doesn't come with an extension table, but can get one on Amazon for about $25
Babylock Brilliant
$999
Level up
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*Can tell this machine to backstitch and cut automatically
* Can "save" stitch changes into memory
*Key pad to push in stitch numbers
*Fabric sensor
*Wide throat
Babylock Soprano
$1,600
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Everything above +
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*Comes with an extension table
*Sews in a square without turning the fabric
* Has a "pivot" function button on the side
* Programmable"step" function - you tell the decorative stitch, for example, to sew the "star" pattern one stitch up, and then one stitch down or in a diagonal.
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This machine is one step away from an embroidery machine.
Under $400
Bernette b35
$275
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Non-computerized - top seller
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*Very sturdy
* One-step buttonhole
*Can sew through many layers
*Has both length and width dials
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Limitations:
Tend to be louder than other machines
The bobbin loads on the bottom instead of on top
Some people see bottom loading bobbins as a downfall, others see this as a plus, so it depends on the sewer.
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*Can be found at both Village and Meissner Sewing
or any Bernia retailer.
Babylock Zeal
$349
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Non-computerized
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* You can feel the power when sewing
*Top loading bobbin
*Has both length and width dials
*Sews through many layers
*One-step buttonhole machine
*An excellent machine for the price
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*Can be found at Meissner Sewing
and other Babylock retailers.