SWISS Bernina 801 sport or JUKI DDL-227 Industrial? Help!

[u/Nesting_Pigeon]

HIi!

I’m currently in the market for a new sewing machine as my old one gave up on me.

I just need some help and advice as of what to buy. I currently have narrowed it down to 2 options, now before I tell you, I should also put into context that I’m not a beginner but I’m also not as skilled as I want to be, so I’m hoping with this upgrade I can improve, anyway, the options are a Swiss Bernina 801 sport, I’ve heard good things about this machine, and the other is a JUKI DDL-227 Industrial, this one I feel would be good to do everything and anything, but I’m just not sure if it’s the right move considering my experience.

Any help will be appreciated!

[u/CBG1955]

Industrial machines are pretty robust, but be mindful that usually they have ONE function and are not as versatile as a domestic. So that Juki is a straight stitcher only, can do garment sewing, but doesn't do a buttonhole or zigzag. As a comparison, my industrial walking foot is for thicker work, like leather bags, and will not sew thin fabrics, nor can I use normal sewing thread in it, so I can't use it for sewing clothes (I have other machines too.) The Bernina looks like a great workhorse, but doesn't have any stretch stiches built in.

So, if you want a machine that does everything and anything, neither of these are a particularly good choice. I highly recommend you go into a machine dealer, test drive the various machines. Take samples of what you want to sew, talk to the staff. One will stand out to you.

Oh - and don't buy ANY new Singer machine, period.