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| Necchi:4595 (Sewing Machine) | | Viewed 1297 time(s) | | Review rated Helpful by 2 people Very Helpful by 4 people | | Reviewed by: | johnr55 | 
| About johnr55 | | TX USA | | Member since: 3/22/08 | | Reviews written: 23 | | Sewing skills:Intermediate | | Favored by: 2 people | | sewing machines reviewed: 11 | | Bio: Freehand machine embroiderer and freehand quilter since early 80's, virtually no garment sewing. Hea...more... |
| | Posted on: | 3/22/08 6:32 PM | | Approx price paid: | $100 | | Had this machine for: | 2 years | | Recommended? | Yes | Features
- Free Arm
- Adjustable Stitch Length and Width
- Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure
- Adjustable Needle Position
| | What johnr55 likes about this machine
UPDATE: Since I did this review, I have actually bought two more of this machine on EBay, both purchased for around $25.00. They were both immaculate and complete, so I now have triplets! In fact, I've had to put a little label on the bottom of each so that I know which one is which. I still like the chrome-y appearance of these machines, and they still do a very good job with a little agricultural feel of durability. See my Riccar 750 review for an idea of what one of the close cousins to this machine is like.
This Necchi is made in Asia by some unknown manufacturer; it's not one of their Italian-made machines. This machine was also sold with different badging as a Bernette and a Riccar, and probably others.
I bought this machine on EBay, basically unused, out of curiosity. My mother had a Necchi when I was a small child, when Necchi and Elna machines were sold together in this country (she moved up to Elna). Being an Elna and Bernina guy, I'd never even played with one.
For an older sewer, say 40 years sewing, this machine will seem quite familiar, as I expect it was designed back then. Certainly all mechanical, quite heavy in an all-metal casing. It still has the traditional swing-out end on the head to replace the light and adjust presser foot pressure. The only thing it lacks to make it seem more traditional would be an external motor with the rubber belt!
There is no way one would mistake this Necchi for a European-made machine. Though easy to adjust, the controls have a certain roughness seen in all-metal machines from a generation ago. It lacks the smooth feel of the plasticized less expensive machines of today.
There is a choice of 25 utility and decorative stitches. They all stitch well, possibly not the quality of my Berninas, but comparable to one of today's midline mechanicals. For garment sewing I expect the stitch quality would be considered satisfactory for the average buyer--certainly better than the cheap Asian machines out now. It uses generic snap-on feet and the ubiquitous #15 bobbins available for next to nothing. Like its Bernette and Riccar cousins, it does use a rather tortuous path to wind the bobbins--the winder is on the right side of the machine below the handwheel! The front-loading bobbin is absolutely nothing remarkable.
The operation of the needle is completely manual-no auto-up or down here. The sewing light is the generic light of a generation and more ago. Easy to replace and gets quite warm, just like those old bulbs did.
Owning 3 Berninas and a couple of Swiss Elnas, I have little reason to use this machine, though I have done some freehand embroidery on it. Again, there is a certain roughness to the sound and operation of the machine that some might find appealing. Rather like a farm implement. It is certainly an honest machine, despite the 'Royal' nomenclature and little crown on the front. Believe me, there is nothing royal about it! However, for a simple, quite durable machine that could be maintained and repaired at any sewing machine dealer, it could be a good choice. Strangely, this machine is still being sold on a couple of on-line websites. For someone wanting a machine of this type, though, beautiful examples can be found on EBay for under $100. What johnr55 does not like about this machine
Like most Asian-made machines, absolutely no personality. Could be because this beast has been sold under so very many brand names. It truly does seem like stepping back a generation or more in sewing machine development; for retro types out there it could be just what they want. It is certainly simplicity itself to maintain and will probably outlast me. It'll get the job done, just without any finesse. | *LOGIN to add a comment to this review
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| Reader Comments | | bestgrammy | 3/23/08 | Thank again for the great review...enjoyed all the descriptive comments. I really feel like I understand this machine. | | * * * | | ellea | 3/30/08 | Leaves nothing out. | | * * * | | catsmeow | 6/13/08 | Thank you for a great review, Johnr55 -- very thorough. I feel like I almost used the machine myself! | | * * * | | Emily | 8/25/08 | Great review. I too am curious about Necchi's, and am looking out for a cheap one to play around with. | | * * * |
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