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!
Terri says
A few years ago I splurged and got a better machine to replace my old inexpensive one. I was not initially looking to buy a new one, but my old one would not stay in time, and it wasn’t worth it to keep getting it repaired. I purchased a Janome 3160 QDC. Price was around $600. It makes sewing a dream!! My mom just purchased the same machine for herself this summer and can’t believe how wonderful it is compared to her older inexpensive machine. I am partial to the Janome brand, but I guess the point I wanted to make was it is possible to get an excellent new machine with some bells and whistles for even under $1500. I agree with Pam, they could have made this model more attractive. If I was Janome, I’d let you keep this one!!
autumn says
So true, Terri! You don’t have to go all the way up the ladder to get a machine that’s a great improvement on the budget models. Maybe I’ll have to check out the 3160 if I can’t talk Janome into letting me keep the Skyline (if only!).
Bethany Raymond says
I was going to say the same thing about this Janome model. I bought it almost a year ago and I am so very happy with it. It works like a dream – even for sewing purses and you can lift the presser foot for thicker materials. It still has a lock stitch which is wonderful, and the price is more than a lot of amazon.com machines, but not as high as most high end machines. The only thing I kinda miss is it would be nice to have a font or two. But I highly recommend this model of Janome to anyone wanting a good quality machine without going inn the $1,000 range.
LCJinRoslynPA says
I got my old Singer (which, admittedly, has only two bells and one whistle – it will do straight stitches, it zig-zags, and it has a combination of the two for hemming) when I graduated from Jr. High. I’m 60, and getting a bit fuzzy-headed – but you can do the math if you want to!
It needed more than a little TLC. I asked the repairman if I could get as good a machine new, if I spent what it would take to make mine run like new. He emphatically told me NO! My machine was made in Germany, not Japan or Korea, and its hefty weight is due to totally metal construction. There is NO PLASTIC on my Singer, anywhere. He told me that the design was better as well, in that the parts do not wear as much from use. So I entrusted my old friend to him instead of trading it in.
He replaced all the rubber wheels and belts, located a replacement for the missing thread guide post, cleaned and oiled the entire mechanism, adjusted thread tension, calibrated the feed dog – and threw in a set of needles for various fabrics, and a set of metal bobbins – all for under $150. My machine is now set to last at least as long as I can expect to be able to use it!
I have no expectation of doing super-fine sewing, but I did sew a man’s suit – all 6 layers of the jacket, and a fully lined pair of pants – with this machine. And while I doubt I will ever sew 11 layers of upholstery fabric together, I did sew 4 layers of heavy-weight canvas with my Singer when making strap supports for a wall-mounted bookcase and I fully expect the machine to manage multiple layers of old-jean denim for a king-size quilt I have in the works!
I would strongly suggest an older Singer – even if you need it repaired or reconditioned – to anyone who wants a simple workhorse of a sewing machine. For most fabrications, for mending, for the occasional heavy-duty task, it offers a combination of simplicity and sheer strength that many of the newer machines cannot deliver, with a much lower price tag.
autumn says
Thanks so much for this comment! I have my grandma’s old machine and it’s amazing how well it sews. It’s wonderful to know you don’t have to spend $1500 to get a great machine!
Lisa Polinsky says
I agree, only problem with these machines is the parts are beginning to become scarce. So purchase with caution. The parts that are still available (new) are getting harder and harder to find and are expensive. Just a foot control alone can be upwards of $50. If your tech tells you parts are readily available they are selling you used parts, no guarantee about the life of used parts.
Elise says
Darn, I was kind of hoping the answer to this question would be “no.” 🙂 I am currently sewing on the lowest end Brother machine you can get, and it works fine for now. I wish I could drop that much money on a machine! Maybe someday I’ll be able to find a good middle-of-the-road option. I’m excited for the tutorial for the princess sleeves. I bought the Heidi and Finn Urban Kimono and want to try out your technique on those sleeves for my girl!
Gail says
Elise, as long as you are happy sewing on your Brother you are good. Someday, you may want to upgrade and I know you won’t be disappointed. I would recommend going to a dealer as they will offer quality machines and most offer new machine classes and excellent service. There are lots of great manufacturers to choose from. If you are happy with Brother they have some wonderful higher end machines. For now just enjoy sewing on your machine.
autumn says
Ha ha! I know, I’m so cheap I don’t know if I’d ever actually spend that much on a new sewing machine – and my super cheap Brother really does ok. You’ll notice I never said you “need” an expensive sewing machine. It would just be pretty darn fun to have if that was an option! A couple people have mentioned that the Janome 3160 is a good middle of the road option, so that might be worth looking into. Thanks for your comment!
Audrey says
Your princess sleeve tutorial is the first project I want to try from the Stylo magazine. Love your whole look!
autumn says
Thanks, Audrey! I was so stressed about the photos for STYLO because everyone’s looks are always amazing. Easy to get intimidated 🙂 So thanks for you kind words!
pam says
I was looking for a backup/travel machine and so tested out the Skyline S5. It is 9mm and sewed wonderfully like I have come to expect from Janome (I have the 15000 and had the 7700). It comes with a decent amount of accessories for the price range. I know it sounds crazy but I could not get past the look of the machine (imho not a pretty machine). I would have bought the machine if I could have gotten past the look of it. It is well worth the money.
autumn says
I understand, Pam! The look of it doesn’t bother me, but if you’re going to spend that much money you want everything perfect. I was surprised, though, at just how many more things it can do than my budget machine. It’s like magic!
sherry says
I also have the 15000, and I love it. I got a skyline S5 and didn’t particularly care for it. I thought I would go nuts going from one machine to the other. I love Janome machines and didn’t think the S5 was all that user friendly. I upgraded to the skyline S7, which has more of the 15000’s features and is much more user friendly than the S5.
Debbie says
I am shopping tomorrow!
brenda kiesewetter says
Do you still love your S7? I bought one but am not sure if I made a great choice since there are so many out there for the sewing industry.
Thank you!!!