5 months ago
WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- On Project Runway, unknown fashion designers compete for you to wear their clothes.
"I think I'm a better sewer than you!" says one designer to another.
The show helped spark a new interest in an old hobby. Consumer Reports tested several sewing machines, including one by Brother, called the "Project Runway."
CR tested Pat Slavin tried out 18 different ones. One for over $5000 threads a needle with a push of a button.
Pat checked to see how each machine handles all kinds of materials, even thick jeans. Not all machines could handle the pressure. He tested two types of machines.
"On the mechanical machine, I have to select the stitch, select the length and select the width," says Slavin.
The electronic machines select the setting for whatever stitch you choose. Brother's "Project Runway" machine earned high marks.
And at $400 it's a Consumer Reports best buy.
Slavin says, "This machine has 40 preprogrammed stitches. It includes basic utility stitches, straight stitch, zigzags, buttonholes and then it has some decorative stitches."
That's good enough to put a finishing touch on everything from clothing to costumes and curtains.
You can get a simple machine for basic tasks for cheap.
Consumer Reports also found mechanical sewing machine from Sears for 120 dollars.
It's a Kenmore -- model number 15-3-5-8.
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