Sewing machines: our tests of 18 models found seven standouts.(LAB TESTS)(Product/service evaluation)

SINGER, synonymous with sewing, leads in sales but not in our tests. Sewing machines from Brother, Bernina, and almost everyone else did better.

TV shows like "Project Runway" and "Trading Spaces" have introduced sewing to a generation that never took Home Ec. Brother makes offi cial "Project Runway" sewing machines, including the $400 Brother Innov-is 40, which was one of our top scorers. See Close Up for more details.

The Singer sewing machines we tested were easy to use and relatively inexpensive, but sewing performance was only fair to average, a drop from our tests in years past. Its $950 embroidery machine was slow, and the software had glitches that could ruin a project.

Performance differences weren't all we found. Fuzzy pricing, warranty surprises, and service problems can make buying a machine harder than deciding which one to choose. Here are the details:

Shopping is a pain. Our online readers told us that shopping for a sewing machine is worse than looking for a used car. Major retailers set firm prices, but choices tend to be more limited and repairs can be a hassle. Dealers often make comparison shopping difficult by setting their own prices and not quoting prices over the phone. On the plus side, many offer sewing lessons and service, and sell parts.

Warranties vary considerably. Of the 18 tested models, five needed one or more repairs, parts, or reprogramming. Warranties of most tested models ranged from three months to a year for parts and labor. But Euro-Pro makes you foot the bill for shipping. Even limited mechanical-defect warranties varied from 10 to 25 years.

How to choose