primitives discuss sewing machines

[franksolich]

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1093176

Oh my.

The quaking primitive again, the one trying to build a shelf.

quakerboy (9,424 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

Sewing Machine advice wanted

We are looking at getting a sewing machine. But I have no idea what kind to get.

I'm sure it depends on use. My wife wants to make some simple curtains. It would be nice to be able to mend the occasional rip or hole in clothing. I'd like it to last a decent amount of time. These are the bare minimum of needs.

Personally, I would love to learn to sew, even to the point of making my own clothing. I notice that quality has gone down, and no one does well made, durable clothing for large men like myself(at least, not in any store I can afford to visit). Whether I actually attempt it probably depends on whether we get a machine that facilitates that with relative ease of use.

There was a computerized Brother sewing machine at Costco a while back. It had good reviews and the price was right around $200. But it was a closeout, and they were gone before we got there, with no plans to restock.

Anyone have and advice? Brands? Specific functions that I should be looking for? Things I should avoid? Is there any chance of finding a durable, long lasting, useful and reasonably priced sewing machine?

ginnyinWI (13,305 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

1. well if it were me--

I'd look on Craig's List for an older used one that is simple, not computerized, and without all the fancy stitches and things. To make clothing, you need a straight stitch, a zigzag stitch, a stretch stitch for knits, and a button hole stitch. I bought a relatively simple Kenmore years and years ago and it had maybe a dozen stitches, and I haven't used even that many. So I say keep it simple.

As a matter of fact, my mom, age 83, still has a sewing machine she bought in the 1950s that still works fine. A good machine with few things that can break on it. That brand was Necchi, which I don't know even exists anymore.

Look for simplicity, and avoid complexity--more things to become broken. You will probably want one that can do sleeves and pants cuffs--you know, with an "arm" so that you can sew those.

I dunno.  There's an 1888 Singer sewing machine, good working order, no busted parts, but a treadle machine, out in the garage here.  If I were to have a sewing machine, I'd get a treadle-operated one.  They're great.

And "green" too, as they don't use electricity.

The quaking primitive should consider this.

[GOBUCKS]

Personally, I would love to learn to sew, even to the point of making my own clothing. I notice that quality has gone down, and no one does well made, durable clothing for large men like myself

Can you imagine? A fat DUmbass, who can't figure out how to make a shelf, tailoring his own clothes?

[Delmar]

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1093176

Oh my.

The quaking primitive again, the one trying to build a shelf.

I dunno.  There's an 1888 Singer sewing machine, good working order, no busted parts, but a treadle machine, out in the garage here.  If I were to have a sewing machine, I'd get a treadle-operated one.  They're great.

And "green" too, as they don't use electricity.

The quaking primitive should consider this.

Before recommending a treadle operated sewing machine to the quaking primitive I would ask him to show that he is able to rub his belly and pat his head at the same time first.

[JohnnyReb]

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1093176

Oh my.

The quaking primitive again, the one trying to build a shelf.

I dunno.  There's an 1888 Singer sewing machine, good working order, no busted parts, but a treadle machine, out in the garage here.  If I were to have a sewing machine, I'd get a treadle-operated one.  They're great.

And "green" too, as they don't use electricity.

The quaking primitive should consider this.

My mother had an old treadle SINGER...the SINGER mechanic hung an electric motor on the back of it and added a leather belt to drive it ...and mother was happy.

As a little fellow, I liked to peddle it for her...I know it must have driven her mad trying to sew with me peddling.

[Ballygrl]

I've had 2 sewing machines, the most recent is over 15 years old, for some reason I've never had problems with regular sewing machines, not sure the same can be said for the newer high tech computerized sewing machines.

[BattleHymn]

I've had 2 sewing machines, the most recent is over 15 years old, for some reason I've never had problems with regular sewing machines, not sure the same can be said for the newer high tech computerized sewing machines.

The big problem with the older machines, is finding someone who can supply parts for them.  The spousal unit's main machine had an item break on it, and it took her a couple months to get it repaired.  I believe it is a "White" brand machine. 

[Ballygrl]

The big problem with the older machines, is finding someone who can supply parts for them.  The spousal unit's main machine had an item break on it, and it took her a couple months to get it repaired.  I believe it is a "White" brand machine. 

Yep, that's a problem, I don't use mine much though so I haven't had any problems with parts.

[Delmar]

Yep, that's a problem, I don't use mine much though so I haven't had any problems with parts.

I was looking to buy one a while back and found lots of prospects on Craigslist, many claiming to have just recently been serviced or not having seen much use since having been last serviced.