| If you are like most consumers today you want to | | | | review many different models and offer Best Buy |
| make sure you are getting the best deal for any | | | | recommendations in different price categories. Models |
| product you are going to purchase. This means that | | | | are rated on reliability, durability and cost benefit |
| you are going to ask your friends, look online and go to | | | | comparisons. |
| stores to get sewing machine ratings to help you | | | | JoAnn Fabrics offers a full comparison chart on all of |
| make your final decision. Sewing machines start at | | | | the Singer Models it sells in stores and online. It divides |
| under a hundred dollars ($100) for basic mechanical | | | | them into three categories - sewing machines, sewing |
| sewing machines. By adding stitches, features like | | | | machines with embroidery and serger feature |
| button hole settings, computerized stitches and | | | | machines. The chart starts with the number of built in |
| patterns, the ability to do embroidery, quilting options | | | | stitches for each machine (7 for the 1507WC and 173 |
| and more you can easily find machines that are now | | | | for the 7470 Confidence Model). It shows you how |
| over three thousand dollars ($3000). | | | | many needle positions each model has (1-13) and the |
| How do you make sense of all the brands, models and | | | | maximum width stitch for each model. The chart goes |
| features? One way is to gather sewing machine | | | | on to detail what features are available by putting a |
| ratings on the types of machines you are considering. | | | | bullet point in the box for each feature like top drop in |
| A sewing machine rating on a long arm quilting | | | | bobbin, Drop and Sew Bobbin TM, what kind of work |
| machine is not going to help you if you are looking for | | | | light it has, what kind of drop feed and whether the |
| machines that sew seams and decorative stitches. | | | | needle is programmable. This is just for the regular |
| There are many sites with ratings and reviews of just | | | | sewing machines. JoAnn's chart does the same things |
| about all available models. A great site for expert | | | | with the features specific to the other two categories |
| reviews in How Stuff Works with almost two hundred | | | | and is a great tool if you are looking for a Singer |
| models reviewed and rated of all price ranges and | | | | machine of any type. The only issue I have with this |
| features. Another place to go is the library to look at | | | | chart is that there are no prices. |
| the Consumer Reports Buyers Guide. They annually | | | | |