What machines are the best deal?

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Discontinued and floor models

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Discontinued models are usually older machines that have been updated. The newer machines have slight differences from the new machine that just came out. For example, my Brother BQ2450 was a discontinued model. The only difference is that mine has only 500 decorative stitches instead of 750, and the walking foot on the new model gives you more space for thicker fabrics and quilts. 

 

Floor models can be discounted up to 50% off and be sold as-is. These machines can have missing parts, but usually,  you can buy the missing machine pieces if you need them. Floor models are always slightly used but still less than a machine you might buy from a friend. For example, my PFAFF Performance 5.2 was a discontinued-floor model used as a teaching machine for classes by the owner. The manual was a little beat up, and the only missing parts were the single whole stitch plate and knee lever. Both items I can get, but I don't use them very often, so I didn't worry about it.     

 

 

Best deal: in-a-box sewing machine

 

They don't exist. You always get what you pay for in a sewing machine. If you see a new machine for $200 that has the fancy flair of a $400 or $600 machine, you're still getting a $200 machine. Sometimes the more flair you get in a sewing machine for less money, are the machines to question if you're getting a bargain. Does this mean you shouldn't buy a $100-200 machine? Of course, you should. I always say you can upgrade later. If the machine sews and you're a newbie better to have a machine than no machine.   

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However, a machine that costs less than $400 is known as a throw-away machine. It could cost more to get the machine fixed than if you bought a new one. However, if you can't afford $400, look at my under $400 list. Both are good quality machines. If you still can't afford those prices, ask a friend if they have one in their closet, or reach out to your local Quilter's Guild and see if anyone has a machine they would sell or donate to your cause. If that doesn't work, don't worry. It's best to have a sewing machine than not have one, and you can always save for a better machine later. As I stated before, my $150 Hello Kitty Janome is still working years later. However, I did buy that machine from a reputable Janome dealership, not Target, Amazon, or Walmart. Once I upgraded, that machine mostly sat on my shelf as a backup and learning tool when teaching students.