Sewing machine.

[Johnnyboy1971]

I'm wanting to have a go at making some pouches and bags for myself but need some advice on a cheapish sewing machine that will cope with waxed cotton and canvas.
Could anyone suggest anything.

 

[John Fenna]

Toyota Super Jeans - around £100 new.
Designed to cope with multiple layers of Denim - reasonable selection of stitches.
Or
Charity shop hand cranked Singer or Jones.

 

[Johnnyboy1971]

Thank you for that. £100 is a little more than I want to pay just now. Does the hand crank give you more control.

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[John Fenna]

It gives fine control over the stitch placement/speed, less control over where the fabric wanders (you have one hand to "steer" with as the other cranks...) until you get skilled at one handed steering.
The first garments I made were on a hand cranker and I still keep it by

 

[Johnnyboy1971]

Thanks. Sounds ideal as most of the items will be quite small and no long runs of stitches.

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[leaky5]

I bought mine (electric, not hand crank) from a charity shop for £20, must have done about 20 + bags/pouches with it so far.

Same as this E Bay one 262816375216

 

[Macaroon]

This looks as though it may go very cheap - bomb proof and meets your requirements;

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Singer-20...691484?hash=item1c7a678f1c:g:HqoAAOSw9GhYe~a-

 

[Twodogs]

just do a local ebay search mate there will be loads near you ,

Singer 66 is worth a look

 

[rancid badger]

Thanks. Sounds ideal as most of the items will be quite small and no long runs of stitches.

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Smaller items are harder to control and steer with one hand.

 

[Kerne]

Mine is a Singer 201K. Great machine. Copes well with canvas and even (thinnish) leather. Occasionally come up on eBay.

 

[Kiwi Tim]

I use a "speedy stitcher"
Hand hand tool.
Good uses for any thickness leather

 

[RAPPLEBY2000]

I have an ancient hand cranked Singer, £35 my Wife bought it for me. I've made Made canvas pouches, Cordura pouches sewn ripstop nylon, polyester, and modified a PLCE bergan it's plenty tough enough!
It just takes a little practice!
For waxed cotton (or any thicker thread) you will have to adjust any sewing machine, which can be a long drawn out affair, and you'll need certainly need to use stronger thicker needles that some machines might not cope with.
I normally use Denim needles, they cope with most materials.

 

[Black Sheep]

Most of the old Singers will do it. All the mechanisms are metal not plastic like the some modern machines.

I still use a 1930's Singer that I was my Gran's with and electric conversion.

Rich