Date: 10/26/09 7:30 PM

Hello,
Can anyone help me with choosing the right sewing machine for me?

1. I am experienced, I have been sewing my whole life (incl. my wedding gown). I am 33 now.
2. I do not care for embroidery though.
3. I choose durable over portable, I want all-metal machine that will last me for decades.
4. I don't need many fancy stitches - just straight, few different zigzags and a button hole (3-step is fine).
5. Elastic stitch would be great but not totally necessary.
6. I have experience only with manual machines and would be nervous to purchase an electronic or computerized machine - there is a high chance that the electronic mechanism would break. Plus I don't see too much advantage to them except programed embroidery patterns.
7. I want my machine to be able to handle thin fabrics as well as several layers of denim with no problem.
8. My last machine had a problem with knitted fabrics that it would not catch the bottom thread - definitely I want to avoid a machine that would be more susceptible to it.
9. Money-wise - I don't have too much to spend ideally $150 - 300 ($500 maximum).

Thank you!
Alena

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Date: 10/26/09 8:22 PM

I would look for a Kenmore from the 158- series in the 70's. These are amazing machines. If you are sewing knits, you will want to adjust your pressure foot tension so keep this in mind.

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Reply to alena1976
Date: 10/26/09 8:42 PM

Alena, I have sent you a private message.

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Date: 10/26/09 9:25 PM

I just picked up a Kenmore 158 series machine two weeks ago. My MIL's 158 series had a bad gear and couldn't be replaced, but the tech found one for me 3 days later that was traded in for a new machine. He tuned it up, put it in my cabinet, and it purred. Solid as a rock with great stitching. I lent it out to my friend's daughter because I'm teaching her how to sew. She's 12 and is thrilled with it.

My friend offered me her 1950's Singer Slant-O-Matic 401 in her garage (with cabinet). I researched it here on PR and found that it might be a gem so I'm going to take it off her hands.

If you do some searching on machines here at PR, you can learn a lot about certain brands/models of some of the vintage all-metal machines.
-- Edited on 10/26/09 9:27 PM --

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Big 4 Pattern size 12, RTW bottom: 6, RTW jacket 8, RTW top (no size fits me well!)
Measurements: 34 HB/36 FB (34C bra)/27.5/36 (and working hard to keep it that way.)
Machines: Sewing (Janome Memory Craft 3000), Serger (Pfaff Hobbylock 786), Embroidery (Janome 300E)

Pearls of Wisdom that I'm forever repeating to my kids:
- You wouldn't care what people think of you, when you realize how little they do.
- Look where you're going, not where you've been.

My blogging spot: www.phatchickdesigns.blogspot.com

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Reply to alena1976
Date: 10/27/09 1:19 AM

I would look for a Singer Slant-O-Matic 400 or 500 series. I think they were among Singers best!

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MarilynC.

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Date: 10/27/09 10:49 AM

Dont let anyone hoodwink you with "INDUSTRIAL" strength labels for household machines.

I too would recommend a Singer 400 / 500. I have my Mom's 404 (straight stitch only) which always did the job.

Modern machines use plastic housings and such. I wouldn't let that deter me if you were not interested in vintage machines. The circuit boards are the weak link in newer machines.

Maybe start with a local dealer who completely overhauls trade-ins and give one like that a try. Stay away from big box retailers who sell bottom of the barrel machines with no support and little knowledge of what they are selling. Europro and Brother come to mind in that market. Brother makes great machines but not those!

By the way, your present machine not forming a stitch is probably not due to the knit fabric being sewn... In forming a stitch the interlocking part is below the fabric as well as the throat plate. Rethread your machine Put in a new needle be sure the bobbin is seated properly. Be sure needle is correct for your machine. There are some that don't use standard household needles and needle length, eye placement and scarf are critical areas for proper function.


Best of luck in your search!
-- Edited on 10/27/09 10:55 AM --

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... cleverly disguised as a responsible adult!

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Date: 10/27/09 12:16 PM

One of the main machines I sew with is a 401 Singer and it has zigzag and some other stitches. It is a good solid machine. Unless you are experienced at doing your own maintenance any machine can use a good tune up here and there and can make a big difference. A good repairman who knows machines should be able to show you if any adjustments need to be made for certain fabrics. I got the 401 from my mother after she bought a new machine for herself because it was frustrating her to death as it wasn't sewing right. Machines out of adjustment don't sew very well. Ever since I have owned it, it has sewn beautifully.

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Martha

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Date: 10/27/09 1:06 PM

Also, if the machine's timing is off, that could prevent it from forming a stitch as well. Not according to me, that's according to the tech at my dealer.

------
Big 4 Pattern size 12, RTW bottom: 6, RTW jacket 8, RTW top (no size fits me well!)
Measurements: 34 HB/36 FB (34C bra)/27.5/36 (and working hard to keep it that way.)
Machines: Sewing (Janome Memory Craft 3000), Serger (Pfaff Hobbylock 786), Embroidery (Janome 300E)

Pearls of Wisdom that I'm forever repeating to my kids:
- You wouldn't care what people think of you, when you realize how little they do.
- Look where you're going, not where you've been.

My blogging spot: www.phatchickdesigns.blogspot.com

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Date: 10/28/09 3:04 PM

I would also suggest the Singer 400 or 500 series from the 50s and 60s. I have had a 401A since 1959 and it still is running beautifully and gets used a lot. A few years ago, I purchased a second 401A in a cabinet from my local Craigslist, and that too runs great. Neither one has seen a repairman, ever, and I am not the least bit "mechanical" but I have treated these machines with care and they treat me the same way. I purchased the second machine for $125, and it is worth every penny. As stated earlier in this thread, do not purchase one of these machines from anyone who claims that they are "industrial types". They are just workhorses. I can sew knits easily as long as I am using the proper needle.

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Date: 10/28/09 9:27 PM

Thank you very much to all of you!
Most of you suggested Singers Slant-O-Matic machines: they look beautiful and I am sure they are a dream to work with – my only drawback is that they don't have a free arm option. That is a must right now for me – fixing knees of my toddler/preschooler kids' pants :)

So I keep looking...

The Kenmore 158 – so many models available for a good price! I keep that one as a backup option if I don't find a good deal on some more expensive “gem” like Bernina 830 (suggested by Elona).

What about some Viking?
Necchi?
Janome?

I moved to USA 6 years ago, my recent machine (Singer Marriott 9444) was given to me for free by an old lady. It has a lot of issues, maybe it just needs a complete tune up which I just don't want to spend money on because I know that I would not be “thrilled” with this machine anyway. Last month I visited my mom in Czech Republic and I used her sewing machine (Lucznik, and old as I am) and that was an “aahhh” - I really forgot how wonderfully can sewing feel!
So when I came back – I made a resolution about buying a good machine.
I always rely on internet research – but there are so many machines available and the worst part is that it is very time consuming trying to find just a simple information if they have metal parts or plastic.

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