Sewing Machine

[Karen]

Mine died. {sad face} I have been using my Mom's Viking Huskavarna (sp?) that is at least 40 years old. I was trying to make more masks last week and it started sewing on it's own and started smelling like smoke. I don't know if I want to spend the money to have it repaired or not because everytime I repair it, it's at least $150. The only reason to repair it would be because it's a heavy duty sucker that can sew through a lot and I already know how to use it.

But... for now, I'm thinking I'd like to get an inexpensive new machine (if I can even find out to buy). So, help me out. What do I need in a new machine. Mostly I think I only need it to sew in a straight line and maybe an occasional zigzag stitch. I might even do a button hole once a decade... maybe. I have been known to sew art journal covers where one side is canvas and the other side is regular fabric. Does that count as heavy duty, or would a regular Singer machine do that? Here's one I'm considering:

https://www.joann.com/singer-fashion-mate-3342-sewing-machine/15283443.html

 

[Angela Toucan]

My recommendation is to get the supplies ready to make samples of the different things you are likely to sew. Take them to a machine shop and sew them on the machines available. Some machines are better at narrow seams, some better with many layers of thick fabrics, some better at fine fabrics etc.

If you don't need the fancy electronics of loads of different stitches don't pay the extra for them. The basic mechanics for sewing machines has not changed in the past 30 years. The only thing you get for the extra money are the different electronic fancy stitches stuff. Machines that take universal feet are a good idea as being limited to a particular brand to get a special foot can be expensive.

Are you going to be sewing small items or large ones? A sewing machine with an option to have a larger bed would be useful if sewing large items and essential if doing free motion embroidery or quilting.

When I test a machine I test:
1/4 inch seam allowance on two layers of fine cotton
denim hem across a seam (6 layers of heavy denim at the seam point on a hem line for jeans)
quilting
free motion stitching
feet options (for zips, tuck etc etc)
stitching different fabrics together - e.g a fine organza with a medium weight cotton
top stitching for bag tops (multiple layers of fabric with a steady even line stitched 2mm from the edge)

Not many machines that can do all of that, but I sew a wide range of projects.

 

[tkradtke]

Hmmm... I was going to link you to mine because it's been taking a lot of abuse/use(?) from Clara with her mask making business, but I can't find where it's sold. It's an Elna, but an older model (1010). I have very limited sewing machine experience though.

 

[BevG]

I like a basic machine too -- however, I like one that is reliable and heavy duty as I tend to sew through a lot of layers sometimes.

 

[Karen]

My recommendation is to get the supplies ready to make samples of the different things you are likely to sew. Take them to a machine shop and sew them on the machines available. Some machines are better at narrow seams, some better with many layers of thick fabrics, some better at fine fabrics etc.

If you don't need the fancy electronics of loads of different stitches don't pay the extra for them. The basic mechanics for sewing machines has not changed in the past 30 years. The only thing you get for the extra money are the different electronic fancy stitches stuff. Machines that take universal feet are a good idea as being limited to a particular brand to get a special foot can be expensive.

Are you going to be sewing small items or large ones? A sewing machine with an option to have a larger bed would be useful if sewing large items and essential if doing free motion embroidery or quilting.

When I test a machine I test:
1/4 inch seam allowance on two layers of fine cotton
denim hem across a seam (6 layers of heavy denim at the seam point on a hem line for jeans)
quilting
free motion stitching
feet options (for zips, tuck etc etc)
stitching different fabrics together - e.g a fine organza with a medium weight cotton
top stitching for bag tops (multiple layers of fabric with a steady even line stitched 2mm from the edge)

Not many machines that can do all of that, but I sew a wide range of projects.

That's a lot of really helpful information. I can't test the machines before I buy one at my JoAnn's. And that's the only place I know of to buy one, unless I go to the Viking dealer in town, but those are WAY more money than I was hoping to buy. I suppose I should at least go in there and see if they have cheaper options too. I'd like to support the small shop.

I don't need a bigger bed as I mostly do small stuff and it's a good excuse NOT to do bigger stuff if I get a smaller machine. ha ha!

I wouldn't have thought about taking a universal foot, so that's especially helpful. Thanks for all the great ideas!

 

[Tree City]

Karen, call your local JoAnn. (IDK what your mask/Qtine situation is like up there, so I suggest "call" vs "go and ask in person.)

MANY years ago I worked at a JoAnn and people came in and would ask for our personal experience and what machines we had. We used to have sewing machine events/sales where that was the exact reason people came in! The experienced sewers (NOT me) loved talking about machines and what worked in what situations. My seamstress colleagues were the people I trusted to to ask about sewing machines before I bought my first one. Anyway, the one you're thinking of should work for what you want...but to be careful, call your local JoAnn and ask "I like this one...could it sew through two layers of denim or duck canvas? What about three or four layers? Is there something in a similar price that might work better?" Heck, right now I bet you could say "I'm sewing masks: will this machine handle that?" and they'll let you know. The crafting community is a caring community--TLP is a part of that, and so is JoAnn.

 

[Dalis]

Karen, try calling to see if there are any sewing machine stores around you and ask for a refurbished with some kind of warranty.

Has the H needed many repairs? Hs shouldn't require much work, specially if they are an older model. I wonder if it is that it's in need of a tune-up every year or so.