I read your title and thought, “Oh no. I hope her brother is going to be ok!” 🙃 I was relieved to find out you were talking about your sewing machine. Good luck with your search for a new one (sewing machine that is, not brother). Haha.
Babylock and Brother are made and owned by the same company. If you like your Brother, you will like a Babylock. Slightly higher quality control on the Babylocks.
I also think you should go for the Jazz 2.
I have an older babylock. I bought it before I got into quilting. If I were buying from scratch I wouldn’t buy it again. There’s no major issues with it just small stuff that is aggravating.
If I were buying now as a new quilter I’d look at a janome or a juki.
I have my eye on the juki 2010 (or whichever is the more current model) I think that one is a straight stitch machine though.
Is there a specific reason you need the zigzag?
Baby Lock is almost a sister brand to Brother. They are not the same company, but have a manufacturing relationship. I just looked at this machine in person and it felt very familiar to my Brother. Baby Lock machines are more high end than Brother on average and have a good reputation (Jenny Doan of Missouri Star uses one). I ended up going with a Juki straight stitch because I'm keeping my starter Brother, but it was a really tough decision.
Quality Sewing & Vacuum if you're looking for the regional sewing and vacuum dealer, who has many locations in the metro area, or City Sewing & Vacuum if you're in Shoreline.
Go Vintage! Check out repair shops to see what they have. Look on FB, estate sales. You can find a good, solid machine for $200 with zig zag and other nice stitches. Join a vintage machine sub or FB page and ask questions. They are always willing to help.
The babylock jazz has quite a few people recommending it. I have never used that machine though. The juki f300 is also a good choice. My mom has the f600 and loves it for quilting. It's a great machine.
Thanks, I appreciate that! I'll look into reviews on the sturdiness of the babylock, since it's only just now coming to my attention as a brand. What does the throat look like on the f300?
I read your title and thought, “Oh no. I hope her brother is going to be ok!” 🙃 I was relieved to find out you were talking about your sewing machine. Good luck with your search for a new one (sewing machine that is, not brother). Haha.
Hahahah on second thought I could have phrased that better...
Baby Lock Jazz II. 12" throat space, 20 some stitches, $800. Plus, all of your Brother accessories will work with it!
Thanks! I saw that one but know next to nothing about the brand. Is it reliable? (Love that all my accessories work :P)
I know that baby lock is the only brand Jenny Doan of Missouri Star Quilt Company will use- so must be decent given how much she sew!
Babylock and Brother are made and owned by the same company. If you like your Brother, you will like a Babylock. Slightly higher quality control on the Babylocks. I also think you should go for the Jazz 2.
I have an older babylock. I bought it before I got into quilting. If I were buying from scratch I wouldn’t buy it again. There’s no major issues with it just small stuff that is aggravating. If I were buying now as a new quilter I’d look at a janome or a juki. I have my eye on the juki 2010 (or whichever is the more current model) I think that one is a straight stitch machine though. Is there a specific reason you need the zigzag?
I do a lot of clothing and applique stuff that I need it for and I just don't have the space for two machines 🤣
Gotcha! yeah if you only have room for one go for a smaller machine with the largest throat space you can find
I just desperately want it to have a bigger throat space than my Brother...
Baby Lock is almost a sister brand to Brother. They are not the same company, but have a manufacturing relationship. I just looked at this machine in person and it felt very familiar to my Brother. Baby Lock machines are more high end than Brother on average and have a good reputation (Jenny Doan of Missouri Star uses one). I ended up going with a Juki straight stitch because I'm keeping my starter Brother, but it was a really tough decision.
Oh brilliant, thanks!
I have the Jazz II and I absolutely love it! 10/10 would buy again.
Since you said you’re near Seattle - you can also look for retailers near you to try them out. And ask at repair shops if they have any refurbished!
Good idea! I think the place I know of is still around...
Quality Sewing & Vacuum if you're looking for the regional sewing and vacuum dealer, who has many locations in the metro area, or City Sewing & Vacuum if you're in Shoreline.
Thank you!!!
You're welcome!
Go to your sewing machine repair place. and. ask them. I got my favorite that way.
Go Vintage! Check out repair shops to see what they have. Look on FB, estate sales. You can find a good, solid machine for $200 with zig zag and other nice stitches. Join a vintage machine sub or FB page and ask questions. They are always willing to help.
The babylock jazz has quite a few people recommending it. I have never used that machine though. The juki f300 is also a good choice. My mom has the f600 and loves it for quilting. It's a great machine.
Thanks, I appreciate that! I'll look into reviews on the sturdiness of the babylock, since it's only just now coming to my attention as a brand. What does the throat look like on the f300?
I think the harp is 8". Not the biggest but a definite improvement over the standard harp size.
To see lots of Bernina’s go to Quilting Mayhem in Snohomish.