If you’re new to sewing, you might be wondering whether it’s worth it to invest in an expensive, premium sewing machine or if you should stick to an inexpensive machine. And if you’ve been sewing for quite a while and are still using a budget machine (like me!), you might have the same question. Last month I got the chance to try out the Janome Skyline S5, a truly premium sewing machine, for a few weeks, and I think I’ve figured out the answer to that question. I’ll tell you a little bit about this machine and compare it to the budget machine I currently sew on to help you decide if it’s worth it to invest in an expensive sewing machine.
Note: there are some affiliate links in this post.
I do most of my sewing on a super inexpensive Brother sewing machine (you can get an updated version on Amazon for under $150). For the most part, it works just fine. My older version really doesn’t have any bells and whistles, but the thing sews! and I’ve been able to create a lot of garments over the past few years with it – for what I paid, it’s been a great little machine. When Janome asked me to try out their new Skyline S5, which has an MSRP of $1499, I figured this better be some kind of amazing sewing machine. I knew it would be better than what I was used to, but a sewing machine’s a sewing machine, right?
Wrong. As I spent a few weeks sewing with the Skyline, I realized that 90% of my sewing frustration comes from using a budget machine, and that if I ever had the chance to sew on the Skyline full time, I’d likely be sewing all. the. time. (The other 10% of my sewing frustration comes from my own stupidity, in case you were wondering.)
The difference between a budget sewing machine and a premium machine comes down to 2 things in my opinion: 1) premium machines are much more automatic, and 2) premium machines are much more customizable.
Sewing is quite repetitive and extremely detail oriented, so anything that can be automated by a machine is not only handy, it also contributes to a better looking final product. For example, I hate making buttonholes on my machine. I have to do everything manually, and it’s hard to get things to line up right and look good. The Janome has a completely automatic buttonhole plate that makes buttonholes a breeze (you don’t even have the measure anything – you just place the button you’ll be using in the plate and it figures everything out for you!). Lots of other things are automated, too, like auto locking stitches at the end of each seam so you don’t have to backstitch, and threads that automatically get pulled to the backside of the fabric and clipped for you. I’m kind of a lazy seamstress, so I loved all the things this machine could do for me. It’s full of features and details that made sewing simpler and more enjoyable.
Sewing is also full of lots of different situations. The same settings and stitches that work great on cotton fabric are terrible for knit fabric, and the same method for hemming a gathered skirt doesn’t work so well for a circle skirt, etc. So the ability to customize how the machine sews is really wonderful, and will eliminate most of the frustration involved in sewing. For example, sewing on knits can be really tough on basic machines because knit fabric often gets stretched out as you sew, making it look terrible, and you can’t use a normal straight stitch or the seams will pop when the garment is worn. The Janome Skyline S5 has all sorts of extra features to make sure this won’t be a problem: you can reduce the pressure on the foot so fabric doesn’t get stretched out; it comes with an even feed foot to make sure the fabric feeds nicely, and it has a super durable stretch stitch that looks like a straight stitch but stretches beautifully (no more popped seams!).
You can change and customize just about every part of the sewing experience with this machine: stitch length, stitch width, pressure, tension, feed dogs up or down, etc. You can even sew using a knee bar instead of a presser foot if you want! And that’s not even mentioning the hundreds of different stitches you can easily choose using the digital controls (including the entire alphabet!). Add in a different foot for every different thing you’d like to do, and this machine really makes sewing easy.
When I realized how much this machine could do I was worried it would take me forever to figure out how to use it, but 10 minutes out of the box I was sewing my kids’ names into scrap fabric. The instruction manual is very easy to follow and I felt familiar with the machine very quickly. Can you tell I love it? I don’t want to send it back! Maybe they just won’t notice if I keep it…
If you quilt, you’ll love this machine. It comes with a quilting guide bar for quilting parallel lines, has automatic stippling and clasp stitches, and has specific settings to make free motion stitching simple. There’s even a few special stitches made to look like hand quilting.
So, back to the original question: is it worth it to buy an expensive sewing machine?
Well, the answer is that it depends. If you’re just starting out and you aren’t sure whether you’ll love sewing, the newer version of the Brother machine I have or this Janome machine would both be great options for a starter machine at about $150. Either one would be a great way to get introduced to sewing without a huge investment.
But if you’ve been sewing for a while and you have the funds, I’d definitely recommend a premium machine like the Janome Skyline S5. If you sew regularly, you’ll save huge amounts of time and frustration by upgrading to a nicer machine. It’s certainly a splurge, but if you have the option, wouldn’t you like to splurge on something that will make the hobby you already enjoy even more enjoyable? I can only imagine how much more I would have enjoyed sewing when I first started learning if I’d had a machine like this to work with. If you want to learn more about the Janome Skyline 5S, visit the Janome site.
So, are you interested in seeing what I used the Janome Skyline to make? I sewed up this holiday party outfit for my daughter that’s featured in the newest issue of STYLO magazine:
I was a little nervous about hemming that full circle skirt made from slippery material, but it was an absolute breeze with the rolled hem foot on the Janome. The detail on the top of the dress is made from lots of pieces put together, meaning I had some pretty thick sections to go through, but that was no problem either.
The dress is the Scene VI Dress pattern from CaliFaye Collection, sewn up in a polyester shantung from Jo-Ann Fabrics. The sweater is the Heidi&Finn Ballet Sweater, upcycled from a thrifted sweater, with the addition of puffed “princess” sleeves.
To see even more photos of the outfit as well as over two hundred pages of amazing sewn kids’ clothes inspiration, visit STYLO magazine. I’ll be back on Friday with more photos and a tutorial for how to add puffed princess sleeves to any pattern – see you then!
Jana says
Having a more expensive machine can be worth it, however, maybe a distinction should be made in that you should have a higher quality machine over a low quality machine. What I mean to say is that some sewing machines are made with plastic gears inside as opposed to metal. With any sort of heavy use (either material weight or length of time sewing) the machine is not going to fare well. I’m thinking those kid sewing machines that are $50.
The machine doesn’t have to be fancy. My first machine was industrial grade but only $100. I needed it to sew through 11 layers of upholstery grade fabric for historical costuming. It was a great little machine but it really needed to be dropped into a table to secure it as the vibrations would make it travel across the work surface. I ended up giving it to a friend when I got a quieter machine and it still works like it did when I first bought it 20 years ago.
Antique machines that are properly serviced will work wonderfully in this regard. The inside parts are made for long use. The machine won’t break down like newer ones do but they are severely limited in what their stitches can do. I’d recommend getting an older, high quality machine if you are on a budget. When you can afford it, upgrade to something really nice that can do some fancy stitching but also is of high quality.
Look out also for flaws in certain models of sewing machines. I got a really nice $600 non-computer machine but didn’t know about a common problem with the machine, namely that the housing of the bobbin would spin free and I would have to take it to a dealer to have them open the machine up and put it back in the right place. It’s cost me $800 in repairs and has done it again. I can’t stand to spend any more money on it.
Go for quality if you’re going to buy a machine and look up what problems users are having that the machine may have.
autumn says
Thanks for your comment – lots of good things to remember! And I’m cringing that you had to put so much money into that machine – what a pain!
Lisa Polinsky says
Excellent
Nancy says
I have several machines but my favorite is an old kenmore I found at good will. It was probably pretty innovated when it came out and it sews smoother than any of my other machines
Kathy says
Yep I took my very old serger in to be serviced and fixed and the lady showed me the wonderful self threading one and said I could trade in my old one and not pay the $200.00 and apply that to the wonderful $1700.00 new one. I still have my old serger and a lot of envy.
autumn says
I’ve seen the self threading ones and I am so jealous! I still can’t believe how long it takes to change the threads in my serger. But for being 17 years old it works great – thanks!
Monica Wittry says
Hi Autumn,
I came across your site tonight via Pinterest, as I was inspired by the re-style of the bargain sweat pants into a kangaroo pocket skirt. Love.
On topic…I happened to be in Hancock Fabrics today, and had a short chat with a clerk about a sale they were having on sergers. I currently do not own one, but am always jealous of those people who do not need the “instructions if you do not have a serger” listed on most sewing instructions.
The sales clerk mentioned that she has owned her own serger for over 12 years and has NEVER re-threaded the machine. Years ago, her manager told her this simple tip:
Set the tension to zero. Cut the old thread off near the spool; tie a simple knot with the new thread to the old; pull the knotted threads through; re-set the tension. Easy, and just one of the best sewing hacks I have ever heard! I will remember this for when I do buy the serger of my dreams.
I hope this helps you as well. Feel free to blog about it, if you wish.
autumn says
Great tip! Thanks!
Phlom says
Lifting the foot does the same thing: untensioning the thread so you can do whatever you need to.
Anyway at the needle eye you need to cut the thread to pass it through. This method is used with the industrial sewing machine.
Personally it believe that this method takes longer than threading the machine in the classic way.
Paua hilson says
I’ve got to try this been retreading my serger for 25 years it’s kinda a pain but this sounds so easy
Patty Virginia says
I took the plunge this year and bought a new sewing machine. I went with a Viking and have been a much happy sewer since then..
I’ve sewn for over 40 years and was always frustrated with the beginning stitch, jamming, always having to tie off threads, jamming I know I already said that. My machine has many bells and whistles which I am still learning how to use. It’s cut my sewing time down immensely for repetitive tasks. It was expensive but a good investment for my business. If you are serious about sewing I recommend an upgraded sewing machine.
autumn says
I know! Jammed thread is SO FRUSTRATING! It makes you want to give up sewing altogether. I’m glad you love your new machine!
Rebecca Pelletier says
I have one of the better brother machines. When I went from sewing on a very old bernina to this new brother embroidery/sewing machine I thought I’d died and gone to sewing heaven! I can totally relate. You should try out the newer nicer Brother machines. Trust me. They are amazing!!
autumn says
Sewing heaven sounds pretty good. You probably never sew your sleeves on inside out there, do you? 🙂 Or maybe I’m the only one that still does that…
Paula hilson says
I never sew sleeves inside out that my s why the seam ripper is my best friend. But all joking aside i have a janome 6600 and I really like it I think everyone is different so I would go cheap at first and then decide how I work and what I sew and choose a machine that works like I think.
Lara says
Thanks a lot now you’ve got me drooling over a nice new machine with all the bells and whistles, when I can barely afford the fabric to sew on :-). Luckily I have a large stash of fabric. Looks like I’ll be saving and saving for a new machine to replace my simple Singer. Maybe if I get my treadle machine going I won’t feel so bad.
autumn says
So sorry! I’m drooling over it too, and now I have to pack it up and send it back 🙁 Time to start saving…
Kenette Shaw says
They didn’t let you keep it? That bites!!
Anne says
I have just found your website and thank you for your very helpful review.
I have been sewing for many years on an inexpensive machine with zig zag and manual button hole. I don’t sew a lot, mostly dolls clothes for my grand daughters using knit fabrics. My machine copes with a basic zig zag but tensions on stretch fabrics can be difficult. It is time to invest in a better machine so would you recommend a serger to use in addition to my machine or replace it completely with a better one in the $400 range. Not unfortunately the one you tested. My current machine can go to my oldest grand daughter to continue the craft thru the generations
Janet says
Buy a serger for knits. A more expensive sewing machine won’t help you much. You’ll love your serger. I have a $10,000 Bernina 830 Big Mistake. They saw me coming. Berninas are half the machine at 10x the price. I still like my cheap Walmart Singer for some things. I should have bought a commercial multi needle embroindery machine and kept my Singer for regular sewing and I’d have $$ left over. I have a Babylock serger and love it. I use it mostly for seaming.
Vickie Schlagenhauf says
Thank you a millon times. I have ask that question so many time. I was just about to buy a Bernina for 10,000.00. ( I really can’t afford it). I have a brother machine that sews and embroidery and I loveit! I am so glad You told this. I can’t see the difference. I have a Singer futura Quartet also and it works wonders. I wonder why myself why did I think I needed that expensive machine? Thank you again for your Honesty!