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Need help fixing until I can afford to buy better (Moderated by Sharon1952, EleanorSews)
Posted on: 11/16/10 3:42 PM ET
My White 2037, like many others I see posted, is a definate lesson in patience. I have unpacked mine after our move 2 months ago and have found that it's problems have not magically cured themselves while in the box. Of course, now the sewing bug has bitten me again and I want to finish some Christmas projects!! I have cleaned and oiled the machine, and read the instruction manual for the umpteenth time. My problem is like all the others - the thread constantly breaks and the tension wheels have little effect. I am in the process of trying all the different tension settings now. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
My second question is......what should I replace this machine with when I finally lose my patience?!! I would like to spend less than $500 for now. Thank you for reading my post!
My second question is......what should I replace this machine with when I finally lose my patience?!! I would like to spend less than $500 for now. Thank you for reading my post!
Posted on: 11/16/10 6:28 PM ET
For $500, you should be able to find a very nice sewing machine. Kenmore/Janome machines are reliable, and many love Babylock/Brother machines. I'd avoid most machines that chain stores sell, except the Kenmores. Also, vintage Singers (up until 60's) and Kenmores are great.
Posted on: 11/16/10 6:30 PM ET
In reply to sewingnovicetk
Are you trying various types of thread and needle combos to be sure that it's not the needle or thread? I'm not familiar with your machine. Is it computerized, mechanical or electronic?
One test you can do on the tension is just thread the thread though the tension discs but no further. Hold the thread out with the presser foot down so you know the tensions are engaged. Starting with 0, go up and down the tension range pulling on the thread. You should notice a definite difference in ability to pull the thread easily. I had a machine that was breaking threads and I finally did this test and discovered that the tensions were stuck on a pretty tight tension. In other words, set on 1 wasn't much different than it being on 5!
For around $100 you could bring it to a dealer and have them look at it so you can just get your projects fixed quickly. While you are there you could look and see if they have any refurbished machines. I wouldnn't look for a vintage that you have to work on right now - you may not have time to do that and finish your Christmas projects. But unless you need lots of bells and whistles, a good already refurbished vintage machine may be the best bet for that price.
OR just about any good sewing machine manufacturer such as Babylock, Brother, Bernina, Janome -- they all have lower end machines that are not Walmart specials that would fit that price range. They all have mechanicals that are pretty decent.
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One test you can do on the tension is just thread the thread though the tension discs but no further. Hold the thread out with the presser foot down so you know the tensions are engaged. Starting with 0, go up and down the tension range pulling on the thread. You should notice a definite difference in ability to pull the thread easily. I had a machine that was breaking threads and I finally did this test and discovered that the tensions were stuck on a pretty tight tension. In other words, set on 1 wasn't much different than it being on 5!
For around $100 you could bring it to a dealer and have them look at it so you can just get your projects fixed quickly. While you are there you could look and see if they have any refurbished machines. I wouldnn't look for a vintage that you have to work on right now - you may not have time to do that and finish your Christmas projects. But unless you need lots of bells and whistles, a good already refurbished vintage machine may be the best bet for that price.
OR just about any good sewing machine manufacturer such as Babylock, Brother, Bernina, Janome -- they all have lower end machines that are not Walmart specials that would fit that price range. They all have mechanicals that are pretty decent.
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Bernina 790 PRO, 570
Babylock Evolution
When life gives you green velvet curtains, make a green velvet dress.
Babylock Evolution
When life gives you green velvet curtains, make a green velvet dress.
Posted on: 11/16/10 7:50 PM ET
In reply to gymcats
Kenmore/Janome gets my vote.
(does Janome still make the Kenmores?)
(does Janome still make the Kenmores?)
Posted on: 11/16/10 7:59 PM ET
I've had great results with my Janome. I think you get a lot for you money with this brand. I feel your pain with your White. I had a White when I first tarted sewing as an adult. I leanred to sew on school and my Mom's machine, not WHites. My White needlessly frustrated me EVERY time I tried to sew anything. I had all kinds of problems, with jammed bobbins, messed up tension, thread nests under my fabric. Then I bought my first Janome, and I was actually amazed at how smooth sewing could be. ANd my Janome wasn;t high end or anything. It just worked properly.
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Patty
Posted on: 11/16/10 9:03 PM ET
Another vote for Janome/Kenmore. And yes, Kenmores are
made by Janome.
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made by Janome.
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People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it - Chinese proverb
Posted on: 11/16/10 9:34 PM ET
I too had a White when I started sewing. And yes -- uuuggghh. That machine was nothing but trouble and I'm surprised I continued sewing at all. Constant bobbin jams. I didn't want to mention that cause mine was a 1982 model, and I'm sure yours is newer than that.
When I bought my Elna I thought I'd died and gone to sewing machine heaven!!
So yeah, it might not be worth fixing with a limited budget!
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When I bought my Elna I thought I'd died and gone to sewing machine heaven!!
So yeah, it might not be worth fixing with a limited budget!
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Bernina 790 PRO, 570
Babylock Evolution
When life gives you green velvet curtains, make a green velvet dress.
Babylock Evolution
When life gives you green velvet curtains, make a green velvet dress.
Posted on: 11/16/10 9:43 PM ET
I had an old White (1979 model) that also had tension problems and seemed unrepairable. I'm now sewing on 2 vintage Berninas and loving them. Hope you can find something you enjoy in your price range.
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Barb
"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Thomas Edison
"I not only use all the brains I have, but all I can borrow." Woodrow Wilson
"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Thomas Edison
"I not only use all the brains I have, but all I can borrow." Woodrow Wilson
Posted on: 11/16/10 10:08 PM ET
My icky White was from the early 1990's, maybe 1991 or 92.
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Patty
Posted on: 11/16/10 11:30 PM ET
I agree with the crowd, definitely buy yourself a new machine and get to enjoying sewing! Once you get a machine that works properly, you'll wonder how you ever sewed without it. It's worth it if you really want to start sewing again... And I second and third the Kenmore. I have 3, new, old and really old...and love them all. And a Kenmore serger that behaves really well also.
Check out the 16231 and 18221. Both really good mechanicals, with a bit of electronic thrown in, for not alot of money.
If you want to save some more money, check out the refurbished Janomes on Overstock, sometimes they have some really great prices and a great return policy.
Cheri
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Check out the 16231 and 18221. Both really good mechanicals, with a bit of electronic thrown in, for not alot of money.
If you want to save some more money, check out the refurbished Janomes on Overstock, sometimes they have some really great prices and a great return policy.
Cheri
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I sew stuff, grow stuff, make stuff and bake stuff.....
Brother PC8200, Kenmore 18221, Kenmore 385.12614490, Kenmore 148.13023 and Kenmore Serger 16655
"If you can follow directions, you can sew!"
Brother PC8200, Kenmore 18221, Kenmore 385.12614490, Kenmore 148.13023 and Kenmore Serger 16655
"If you can follow directions, you can sew!"
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