Sewing Machine Recommendations

We get asked often about sewing machine recommendations so we figured we'd put it out there for all to find! :)

In the studio we use two different models: brother CS6000i and brother 7000x.  We started with the CS6000i back in 2022 because Melissa had been using that model for years and really loved it, but unfortunately brother promptly discontinued it after we outfitted the whole studio with them!  The current version being sold is the 7000x and it's pretty much the same machine for all intents and purposes, just some things are in different places.  Both are great machines and super beginner friendly--highly recommend!

We HIGHLY recommend checking with our local sewing and quilting shops and purchasing from them if you can.  Places to check that either sometimes or always carries sewing machines include: Stitch Central (Glenside, PA), Homesewn (Media, PA), Byrne Sewing (New Britain, PA).  Other places to try are Seamless Sewing Arts (Phoenixville) and Needles & Bolts (Mt. Airy, PA). (*If you're a shop that sells machines near Philadelphia and want to be added to the list, please reach out!)

The other thing with sewing machines is that they are UBIQUITOUS.  If you're in the market for a sewing machine, start checking on places like FB Marketplace, local buy nothing groups, or just start telling people you're looking for a machine--chances are someone has one in their closet they're not using!

If you're buying a sewing machine for a kid, PLEASE do not opt for a machine meant for kids.  Even kids as young as 8 can easily learn to use the models we mention above and will quickly outgrow the super simple "kid machines". 

We always say, "the best machine is the one you have, if it works!".  Especially when you're starting out, you DO NOT need to invest hundreds and hundreds of dollars into a fancy machine with all the bells and whistles.  In fact, you might never need a super fancy machine!