Sewing machine advice

**blackbeard** · 9th May 10, 02:39 PM

For leather sewing there is nothing that compares to an industrial walking foot machine (they are even handy for stitching multiple layers of canvas). It only stitches a straight stitch, but the power is not matched by any other machine. With a size 22 needle I can stitch two 12oz latigo pieces of leather with no problem. The only downside to an industrial machine is the space factor. You need a dedicated space to set it up. No storing it in the closet when it is not in use. And they weigh a friggin' ton!

Funny little side bar: I have been sewing on an industrial machine for over 35 years. When I am on my little domestic machine and get to a corner, I always move my right knee to the right and can't figure out why the presser foot doesn't lift.

Back to the OP:

In my opinion (and the opinion of many others) Husqvarna/Viking makes the best domestic machines around. I did a little search and found a dedicated Viking dealer in Alliance, NE. Special Stitches is a fabric shop about 35 mi from the 69347 zip code. Janome is also a good machine. Pat's Creative Stitchery in Hemingford, NE is an authorized Janome dealer.

**Tartan Hiker** · 10th May 10, 07:57 PM

We have a great sewing machine repair guy here that really knows his stuff. If you are looking for a used, cheap, non-commercial behemoth, follow his advice. Look for an old Singer that has "Made in Japan" stamped on the motor housing. These are still available at flea markets and repair shops, don't cost an arm and a leg, and are tough as nails (all-metal gearing).

**Whidbey78** · 10th May 10, 09:50 PM

I'll keep my eyes open for one.

I checked out the shops mentioned earlier in the thread. Both are basically home-based quilt shops and don't stock any machines, but will order them, and farm out repairs. Got some decent advice though...very helpful ladies once they understood that I need something fairly heavy duty.

As far as this heap I inherited, it would be fine if it had been maintained. I doubt it ever saw a drop of oil! A few plastic parts, but I think they would have survived with a dab of lube every decade or so. As it sits now, the teeth are worn to nubs and it starts skipping once there's a load on it. I'm on a quest for replacement parts, but don't want to spend much only to find out that the whole thing is too worn to mess with. No luck yet. Any sources recommended for those? It's actually a Janome 781FA...I mis-typed before.

In case I can't find those or give up on a deal elsewhere, are there any walmart type models anyone would recommend? None really look to be built for even short term heavy work, but it's hard to tell looking at a plastic shell with flower decals on it! Fastest car I ever saw was a pink Pinto with a care bear painted on the hood...never would have guessed it had the Boss under the hood! You never can tell.

Thanks for the sage words all!

**sydnie7** · 11th May 10, 06:55 AM

Can't really recommend any Walmart-level machines, but I CAN tell you not to bother with Brother brand. The Singers sold at that price point are marginally usable but not for the thicknesses encountered in most casual kilt making.

**Dixiecat** · 11th May 10, 10:30 AM

a

re there any walmart type models anyone would recommend

NO. NO. NOOOO!

If you want a decent home machine at a good price, go to Sears for the Kenmore branded Janome machines. Otherwise, go to www.allbrands.com.

**Whidbey78** · 11th May 10, 12:40 PM

I kinda figured that's what I'd hear about the mart models. That's what I'm here for...to learn.

I'll check with Sears as there is a small sears appliance/tool store about 25 miles from me.

A number of people have steered me away from Brother but there have been a couple who recommended them and no other. What is not good about them? Do they perform poorly, badly built, not accept accessories from other brands? Or is it like Ford vs Chevy and mainly brand loyalty? I have yet to even touch one, but have seen quite a few for sale.

**sydnie7** · 11th May 10, 01:29 PM

I don't know about higher priced Brothers, but the "Walmart range" models I have personally tried to use aren't worth threading up. Stitch quality stinks, and although the machines have a tension adjustment, it has little effect. Thread does not lie flat along the material, stitch length varies from one stitch to the next, line of stitching is not straight nor tight.

I have one on the closet shelf purchased ~5 years ago from Amazon (glowing reviews) -- gathering dust. Another sister bought one from ?Target? just before Christmas, same experience, returned it for a Singer that meets her light-duty crafting needs.

**Old Hippie** · 11th May 10, 02:03 PM

Being in a place where the power is betimes dicey due to trees falling and such, I have for many years depended solely on several old Singers: one 27 with a hand crank which is nice for little repairs and bow ties (though being a shuttle machine is WAY antique), and a 66 treadle that sews like a dream and has several attachments. I also have a Wilcox and Gibbs chain-stitcher that is useful for some things, but the absolute sturdiest machine I ever had was an old Wheeler & Wilson No. 9 from just before Singer bought them.

I got the machine for $20 and built a treadle base for it. Nothing against electricity, just I find that I enjoy a good treadle more. If you can find a good electric gear-drive Singer 41, they're nearly bulletproof. One of those was my first machine, much to my mother's disgust, as she was a long-time White user...

Good old machines frequently turn up in the Sally Ann or similar stores. Look also for estate sales. I had a perfect New Home from 1900 that I had to sell off when I moved in 2004. It was almost new (had been shipped by rail across the prairies to make a wedding dress, and barely used since then. I fixed that!).

:ootd:

**Pleater** · 11th May 10, 02:55 PM

I was asked to service a Brother overlocker, and found that the pieces of the cover did not fit onto the chassis until I took a file and shaved the edges until the holes lined up for the screws to go in - but as the pieces had been forced together and the screws put in slanting it was a bit late. I used the old trick of putting a piece of match stick into the hole to hold the screw against what was left of the threads.

The insides were not badly put together but there were no adjustments to make, it either worked or it didn't, and everything looked very fragile - like something that the fairy folk might use to edge their little frocks but for normal use, something might snap off at any moment.

I used an old Singer treadle that had belonged to my father's mother whilst I was at home, but it only did straight stitch and I do find the different stitches for sewing and embellishing on my Janome machine very useful.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

**Whidbey78** · 11th May 10, 05:39 PM

That's pretty much what I thought of brothers machines...the fit and finish of the exterior don't really scream craftsmanship. I guess that if you get a good one it's gonna be great but the rest are barely adequate.

I wouldn't mind a treadle just for the "cool factor" but I think I'll skip it for now. I used to live on Whidbey Island WA, so I know what you mean about power being sketchy, especially in winter.

A lady a few doors down has a machine in her basement that she says I can have if I go get it. I'm going over there as soon as my wife gets home...it's cold and wet and windy and I don't feel like bundling up the baby to 120 feet.

I'll let you know what it is. Might be buried treasure...might be junk...might be some critter's home. That would be good too as I could use a fur sporran!