My Dream Sewing Machine (And Tips for Buying One on Any Budget)

Nice sewing machines are EXPENSIVE! Did you know some high-end machines can cost over $18,000?!?! I don't know about you, but that is so not in my budget...

The machine I use right now is the Bernette b79. It was the best machine I could afford at the time, and I spent over $2,000 on it. I am very happy with it, I really am. But I can't help dreaming about the high-end machines out there.

If you asked me today, "What sewing machine would you buy if money were no object?" I wouldn't even have to think about it. I'd go straight to Bernina. And specifically? I'd get the Bernina 880 PLUS Crystal Edition.

The Bernina 880 PLUS Crystal Edition: A Dream Machine

This machine is truly something else. It is adorned with real Swarovski Crystals and it is absolutely exquisite.

Beyond the glamour, the Bernina 880 PLUS offers 12 inches of space to the right of the needle, which is a huge deal when you're working on large projects. It also has a 7" display and an impressive 15.7"x10.2" embroidery area.

Here are some other features that make this machine worth drooling over:

• 300+ built-in embroidery designs and stitches

I mean... can you blame me for dreaming?

Tips for Buying a Sewing Machine

Here's something I want you to know: you can buy a sewing machine for under $300 that will do everything you need it to do. The high-end machines just make your life easier with all their automations. They're nice, but they're not necessary.

If you're hunting for a good deal, check out SewingMachinesPlus.com. They sometimes discount machines by as much as 70% when they need to clear inventory. You can get a really nice machine for a fraction of what you'd pay at other retailers.

Here are some other good options:

If you have your heart set on a high-end machine, my advice is to visit a sewing machine dealer first so you can try a few models in person. Then do your price comparisons online before committing. The dealer price is rarely the best price.

My Top Sewing Machine Picks

After doing a lot of research (and owning a few machines myself), here are my recommendations across different categories:

• Best All Around: Bernette b79

• Best for Beginners: Brother CS7000x

• Best for Quilters: Janome MC6650

• Best Heavy Duty: Janome HD3000

• Best Budget Pick: Brother MX60

• Best Portable: Brother Intl LX3817

• Best for Kids: Singer M2100

• Pin It

  Best If Money Is No Object: Bernina 880 PLUS Crystal Edition

Of course, if money were no object for me, I'd be shopping for that Bernina 880 PLUS Crystal Edition without hesitation. Will that ever happen? Probably not. But I am genuinely happy with my Bernette b79 and I don't actually need anything more.

What sewing machine would YOU buy if money were no object? Tell me in the comments!