Stitching onward in search for perfect stitching on a new sewing stand alone machine...

If you flip the fabric sample over, how would the bobbin stitches rate? If the stitches are off, is it the machine? Or does it need cleaning?

I tested with my favorite fabrics including layered fabrics for auditioning machines.  View of bobbin thread in photo. You might be surprised to see which machines produced these bobbin stitches. Always check the quality of stitches before sewing your garment. Every machine can produce that uneven stitching in those bottom rows without proper maintenance. Clean and oil as needed.

The machines tested were impressive based on stitch quality, lighting, dual feed, stability, and pricing, last week. All the machines were within a fairly close range of each other based on the sale pricing last week except the Bernina 750 which offers an optional embroidery unit and comes with the BSR foot, covered in this post...

The Janome 8900.  11 inches of harp, nice lighting, lovely stitching, knee lift, and more.  I took over this machine for 2 hours and began basic stitching, learning the interface, decorative stitching, buttonhole creations, blind hem, and testing different fabrics. It is a quilter's delight!  Quality neat stitching with every fabric tested: cotton, denim, sheer, and  the bonus is the 11 inch harp.  It does have the Dual Feed (AcuFeed system!) The only thing that was a slight negative but got better with practice is the wheel. It's not a feature on any of my previous machines so it would take adjustment time. I tested this out at Ashby Sewing Machine Co with Elaine. Made in Japan.

I also had the pleasure of auditioning the Pfaff Creative 5, at Discover Sewing with Linda who provided a well guided demonstration on the machine.   Nice interface, ease of use, knee lift, 10 inch harp and  the IDT (Dual Feed).  The stitches sewed nicely on top and bottom. Good interface with a tabbing system that I found very easy to navigate through.  Learn more here on the Pfaff website. See the photo there, it's very attractive. The harp is roughly 10 inches. Nice lighting and the best feature is the straight stitch sensor plate - NO MORE BROKEN NEEDLES.  I forgot my camera and didn't take picts with my phone,  so look on the website. German engineering, assembled in China.

A dress rehearsal for the Bernina 710 and 750: Both are being replaced 740/770 in the line with a few added stitches and improvements. The staff provided a great demo and then a hands-on play hour. Nice interface on both.  The stitches are very nice, easy interface, wonderful lighting, knee lift, the new Dual Feed is fabulous.  10 inch harp.  You can add the Bernina Stitch Regulator (BSR) to the 710 as an additional option which is a small compact unit that works really well. The 750 comes with the BSR and has the option to add an embroidery unit.  Thank you to Carol and Dianna at Atlanta Sewing Center in Duluth! Swiss engineered. Assembled in Switzerland.


You may ask, why haven't I written about the Brother/Babylock machines.  I own one with an embroidery unit! Downside when mine is embroidering, my sewing machine is unavailable.  If you purchase a new Brother/Babylock - get that pivot feature. I use the pivot for garment and all kinds of sewing projects. Mine can be seen on youtube: Meet your Feet,  in action stitching with various feet. The playlist is further down the list just below sewing matters! Assembled in China.

If you own any of these sewing machines listed above, what was the key feature that guided your purchase decision?