Need a new machine HELP!

21 years ago

It's about time for a new machine and since it has been ages since I've had to buy one I'm not sure what I want or what I want to spend. I've been sewing on a Viking Husky for MANY years and just love it, even though it's a very basic machine.

I sew everything from sheer drapes and lightweight clothes to heavy duty dog beds and leads and my winter coats.

I saw Walmart carries 2 models of Singer now. I was wondering if anyone can tell me how they like the model # 7422 (sells for $179). I've had a very very old singer before my current Husqvarna that would sew anything and everything but wondered how this new one now featured at Walmart stacks up.

My other choices are HUSQVARNA machines. Scandinavia 100 for $400, Scandinavia 200 for $600, or a Viking Prelude 340 for $430 -- considerably higher priced.

Any experiences or recommendations are greatly appreciated.

Featured Answer

halcofam

21 years ago

My Viking is almost 10 years old. It's a 400 Computer, they don't even offer it anymore, but it's their basic computerized model. I bought a floor model, good discount. It plows throught everything from home dec/leather/denim to the fine delicates. My advice is to go to a good dealer, see what they have in a reliable brand with good warranty and service. Refurbished/floor models can be great machines!
PS If you're going for the dream machine, Sew News does the annual comparison of all the new features, etc. and it'd be worth a look.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

dayenu
21 years ago
if sewing is a major activity. shoot for the moon, do you think men scrimp and save on boats, electronics, tools or sports equipment? no way.

Get your dream machine, it's worth it.
barker_tx
21 years ago
I have the 200 and love it. First project was GD's prom dres, now am making caftans (5 so far - 3 to go), slipcovers next on the menu.

I would not buy a low dollar Singer. Ask how much plastic is in the internals. When Singer had metal 'guts' it was a workhorse. Lots of plastic tho nowdays.

Previously I had a Brother (about $250) and I had problems with it all the time (and always in the middle of a project)

I considered the 'Husky" line but they are made somewhere in the Pacific in a 3rd world country and they DO NOT have the same warranty as the other Viking's that are made in Europe/Scandinavia.

Carolyn
Related Professionals
Sarasota Furniture & Accessories · Rome Furniture & Accessories · Florence Furniture & Accessories · Mason City Furniture & Accessories · Effingham Interior Designers & Decorators · Hartford Interior Designers & Decorators · Murrieta Interior Designers & Decorators · Edmonton Interior Designers & Decorators · Fort Myers Furniture & Accessories · Emporia Furniture & Accessories · Salisbury Furniture & Accessories · Myrtle Beach Furniture & Accessories · Williamsburg Furniture & Accessories · Moline Furniture & Accessories · Taunton Furniture & Accessories
hoerlel
21 years ago
I have several sewing machines and have a good comparison with all of them. So, I am going to give you some of my thoughts on this.

You should definitely get the best that you can afford because they just don't make good machines at the lower price ranges. Ask me how I know!!! I have a Singer that is 40 years old and is all metal and still a great work horse. I thought it was time to purchase a new one and bought another Singer at WM for $189. and I am not very sorry that I did. It's all plastic and very light weight and seems to like to jump around my table when I am sewing. I also have an old Singer Treadle that was my grandmother's and it was the one that I learned to sew on when I was 7 years old. I am now very big into quilting and did a lot of research and finally purchased a Brother PQ1500s which is an industrial machine with a 9 1/2" throat to accomodate the rolled up quilts. It is only a straight stitcher but I absolutely love it. It is a $1500 machine that I bought refurbished for $800. Your Husky is a machine that you may find hard to replace and I am hoping that you will keep it and not trade it or get rid of it because (IMOHO) you may find the newer models will not compare.
barker_tx
21 years ago
The Scandinavia 200 is Viking's basic computer machine (i.e. the lowest priced computerized machine) I think I paid $600.00 for mine on sale.
It has just over 20 'built-in' stiches, but so far as I know that is it.....you can't add any more or do fancy embroidery patterns, etc.

It works for what i want to do. Carolyn
teresa_nc7
21 years ago
I've had two Vikings and I loved them. First was a 450 which my niece has now and I upgraded to the Quilt Designer two years ago. Go for the best model of Viking that you can afford! You won't be sorry!
cacocobird
21 years ago
I have a Viking 415 - Freesia. It was the low-end computerized machine when I bought it. It is totally wonderful -- sews very well, easy to use.

Sue