Which sewing machine for DD (Xmas)? Two choices (or open to other suggestions)...

[MMMommy]

DD has been wanting a sewing machine. She has been sewing by hand, working on making clothes. I know absolutely nothing about sewing or sewing machines. Nothing.

So I am torn between these two models:

(1) Costco Brother XR3340--this is currently $40 off until 10/28. Good reviews from Costco customers. Computerized and lots of "bells and whistles."
https://www.costco.com/Brother-XR3340-Computerized-Sewing-and-Quilting-Machine.product.100421876.html

(2) Janome Mod-19--this is Wirecutter's pick for best sewing machine for beginners. Not computerized. It supposedly isn't just no frills, but more than enough for the beginner/intermediate user.
https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-sewing-machine-for-beginners/#our-pick

Both end up being very similar in price, so I am torn. Both Costco and the store I would get the Janome from have excellent return policies if something goes wrong. I've pretty much narrowed it down to these two, but of course I am open to any other tried and true recommendations.

Can anyone provide any insight which of these two (or other)?

Thanks!

[robinsmommy]

Find out if the “guts” inside where the bobbin goes are plastic or metal- the area at the bottom of the machine the needle is above. With a new sewer, pulling on the fabric or sewing with a bent needle can result in the needle hitting those parts. Pretty common. Metal guts=just a broken needle, likely. Plastic guts= potential damage to critical parts- the repair of which can exceed the cost of the machine.

[Smillow]

I voted for the Janine between the two. I think that brother will be more prone to breakage based on my experience with them.

[azzeps]

Janome is a good brand of sewing machine. I've only ever had a "school model" Singer and then recently upgraded to a Bernina 350. I think the Wirecutter's reviews are solid. I'm glad you're not considering one of the cutesy toy machines, because they are just that... toys. I completed many, many sewing projects on my very basic Singer machine, and it has served me well. I still have it and I've tried passing it on to my daughter, but she likes to sew on the Bernina because she's taken classes where I bought it, so she knows exactly how to work it!

[pomegranate]

My vote would also be for the Janome. Janomes are generally more solidly built than Brothers or Singers at that price range. I have the Janome 8077.


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[twowhat?]

I vote for the Janome too. There's something to be said about a mechanical machine - I have a mechanical Janome and love it. And if it ever breaks it will be easy to find a place to fix it. All the parts inside are metal and there's something really satisfying about feeling the gears as you move between stitch options. I think for learning purposes it's great too, to get a feel for how things actually work vs relying on a computer.

[MMMommy]

I'm probably confusing things more, but what are your thoughts on the Janome computerized? Specifically, this one:

https://www.costco.com/Janome-JW8100-Fully-Featured-Computerized-Sewing-.product.100412623.html

DDs both want a sewing machine and are willing to share a good one. Any thoughts on this type of Janome?

Thanks!

[twowhat?]

I'm probably confusing things more, but what are your thoughts on the Janome computerized? Specifically, this one:

https://www.costco.com/Janome-JW8100-Fully-Featured-Computerized-Sewing-.product.100412623.html

DDs both want a sewing machine and are willing to share a good one. Any thoughts on this type of Janome?

Thanks!

I still vote for a mechanical Janome! Computers = more things to break :)

[azzeps]

I would see how they do with the less expensive Janome machine. There is SO MUCH you can do with just a straight stitch, that you really don't need all the bells & whistles that more complicated machines offer.

[robinsmommy]

To echo what azzeps said, I also think that new sewers can get distracted by all the fancy stitches, and not get much actual sewing (like a finished garment) done. Most of my useful sewing is a straight stitch or a zig zag. The rest gets used very rarely.

[MMMommy]

The consensus is the simpler Janome! I think I will buy it!