Sewing machines
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There is no such instrument of the devil, I think all sewing machines should be kept away from mere males. Even a needle and thread is capable of self inflicted wounds in my hands. IMHO.
I like my old Alfa, solid as a rock and runs lovely. I also love the mechanical nature of these old machines. The only downside is I have come to believe zigzag is an important stitch, it allows you to do bartacs and button holes. Everything else is surplus. So my advice would be to find an older little used zigzag machine from the 70's or so.
Old Singer & Jones hand-o-matics can generally be found for modest coin. Not much to go wrong, easy to get going, loads of help & advice locally & online.
Good starters but dont buy a treadle unless you have the room for it - it's a biggish lump when it's sitting in your house. Takes a bit of getting used to, too.
All-singing-all-dancing, cheap (£30 - £100) do lots but don't last two minutes; throwaways when they go wrong (the hardpoint saws of the sewing m/c world.) Avoid!
Simple, non-computerised domestics; straght, zigzag, coupla fancies, are generally good value. Often best inherited from wife, g/f, mum, granny who is upgrading or not using. Also generally god starters
Good starters but dont buy a treadle unless you have the room for it - it's a biggish lump when it's sitting in your house. Takes a bit of getting used to, too.
All-singing-all-dancing, cheap (£30 - £100) do lots but don't last two minutes; throwaways when they go wrong (the hardpoint saws of the sewing m/c world.) Avoid!
Simple, non-computerised domestics; straght, zigzag, coupla fancies, are generally good value. Often best inherited from wife, g/f, mum, granny who is upgrading or not using. Also generally god starters
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If you can find a Singer, Jones, Brother or Bernina machine that has a cast metal body, it's generally more stable and long lasting. My late 70's singer with the plastic body is mechanically sound, but the plastic is breaking up 
My older early 70's metal one, with less 'functions' is absolutely rock solid reliable.
It only does forwards, backwards and zigzag, but tbh, you will very rarely need any more than that.
What are you likely to sew Tam ? might help us tie down recommendations a little tighter for you.
cheers,
M
My older early 70's metal one, with less 'functions' is absolutely rock solid reliable.It only does forwards, backwards and zigzag, but tbh, you will very rarely need any more than that.
What are you likely to sew Tam ? might help us tie down recommendations a little tighter for you.
cheers,
M
TurboGirl
Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
Keep a look out at your local house clearance auction catalogues too. If you're mechanically minded, they're pretty easy to diagnose and repair or most cities have a repairer hidden somewhere 
We still have a sewing machine shop in Stowmarket, tiny little place unless you know its there you will not see it. But they wanted £80 just for a service on Mums Singer a couple of years ago. Given that it blew up last years it might have been a good idea to have had it serviced
Basic guidelines for sewing machines.
Clean it often.
Oil it often.
Use sharp needles, and change them often. 5 for £1 is not expensive for a total lack of frustration.
cheers,
Toddy
Clean it often.
Oil it often.
Use sharp needles, and change them often. 5 for £1 is not expensive for a total lack of frustration.
cheers,
Toddy
If you're going to buy one make sure you "test drive" it, same with buying a used car. Plenty of machines out there that are either broken or missing vital parts that cost a fortune to replace.
i have an Wimsew industrial machine great on everything from PU nylon fabric used on stuff sacks, leather to multiple layers of cordura or canvas.
TurboGirl
Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
Lucky Lee did a lot of research on the really heavy duty leather machines, he's the guy to ask about them- I find the webbing is easy to sew on a domestic, I do our vehicle ones as well as smaller scale for outdoor goods. Can't best an industrial for multilayers though, my dad has an old industrial which he recovers car seats with, I *think* its a singer K something... if you have an industrial 2nd hand machine supplier in your area, tis worth looking in from time to time and chatting with the staff so you get known and they might find you a gem that isn't from a factory batch- industrial/ factory closure, recievership auctions can be fine hunting grounds too
(Since found out that its the Singer 31K15... better late than never eh?!)
(Since found out that its the Singer 31K15... better late than never eh?!)
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