Brands
The letters on the machine tell you the job. Each brand page decodes its series, says where the brand is weak, and lists every model we have checked.
Juki
Strongest atHigh-speed straight stitch, sergers
Weaker atEmbroidery, budget computerized
SeriesTL · HZL · DDL · MO · DNU
We cover11 models
Janome
Strongest atMechanical build quality, wide-throat computerized
Weaker atStraight-stitch speed (until the HD9), budget sergers
SeriesHD · MC · CoverPro · Sergers
We cover7 models
Brother
Strongest atBudget sergers and coverstitch, wide dealer network
Weaker atStraight-stitch speed, industrial-style build
Series1034 · PQ · CV · ST · CS
We cover7 models
Singer
Strongest atBudget mechanical, availability, price
Weaker atBuild weight, presser-foot pressure on thick layers
SeriesHD · Pro · Sergers
We cover9 models
Baby LockDealer only
Strongest atAir-threading sergers, dealer support and lessons
Weaker atPrice transparency, online buying
SeriesSergers
We cover3 models
BerninaDealer only
Strongest atStitch quality, quilting features, dealer service
Weaker atPrice, online buying
Series5 · 1008 · L
We cover3 models
Handi Quilter
Strongest atStand-up long-arms with a dealer network, stitch regulation, Pro-Stitcher robotics
Weaker atAnything under 15 in of throat; price transparency
SeriesMoxie · Amara · Sweet Sixteen
We cover3 models
Grace Company
Strongest atFrame-and-head bundles, price at the entry long-arm tier
Weaker atDealer service depth, resale value versus Handi Quilter
SeriesQnique
We cover2 models