Anyone know much about sewing machines? I have a 30yr old White machine and want to update to a new model. Any suggestions? Basic use, hem pants, make a few crafts stuff like that. Thanks
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Sewing machine question
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Does the old one work and do what you need? If so, don't upgrade. Sewing machines, even old ones are incredible bits of engineering that keep on stitching...
And some of the old ones are better made than the new ones.
And some of the old ones are better made than the new ones.
The old ones have metal gears that last forever. The new ones have plastic gears that don't last.
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AZjeff
$50 Site Donor 2023
My wife had an older White that she wore out. She tried to get a really good one fixed one time and had nothing but problems with it, so repairing the White was a no-go. She did a bunch of research and ended up with a Singer Stylist that she's really enjoying so far. She didn't want all the fancy stitches but they pretty much all come with them now. I'd guess today's machines are electronically controlled compared to yesterday's machines being mechanical marvels. This one had really good ratings on Amazon and I think it was around $150. She tried a few of the fancy stitches just to see but her sewing is all straight line stuff.
This is it: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003KK8..._1_1&sr=8-1
This is it: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003KK8..._1_1&sr=8-1
Well for starters, no matter the settings, the thread keeps coming out of the needle. I have tinkered with it the best I can and looked online for help and it is getting to the point I'm just frustrated with it.
It would be nice to be able to hem a pair of pants and not have to re-thread the needle constantly.
It would be nice to be able to hem a pair of pants and not have to re-thread the needle constantly.
I use to be a sewing machine repairman back 30 years ago repairing mostly industrial sewing machines in furniture factories. What happens most of the time is either the foot is bad--check it for burrs breaking the string, or it goes out of time. I have not cracked one open in a long time, and honestly I could not explain how to time it because it's been so long, but you may be able to find out how to check the timing online.
We have a Sears one we can't figure out
My money is on being out of timing caused by the belt slipping. The timing is similar to how an engine would time with a timing belt. The belt slips, and it goes out of time. I think there are adjusters to adjust belt, and then time it up, but some times it needs a new belt too.
JHZR2
Staff member
I bought my wife a baby lock when she wanted to get into quilting. We've since moved up to an Elna for regular sewing, and have a mid 2000s Pfaff on our midsize long arm.
The old Pfaff machines were very robust, but also were like an old Mercedes diesel, very mechanical,mans you heard it. We were steered away from Pfaff when we bought the Elna, because in the last few years they appear to not be as good, or so they say....
Something like a baby lock a-line Molly would be good for basic use. Better machines can be thousands more.
Depending upon how much and what you sew, moving up may be prudent, but starting out, my wife made up to nearly queen size quilts with her baby lock.
The old Pfaff machines were very robust, but also were like an old Mercedes diesel, very mechanical,mans you heard it. We were steered away from Pfaff when we bought the Elna, because in the last few years they appear to not be as good, or so they say....
Something like a baby lock a-line Molly would be good for basic use. Better machines can be thousands more.
Depending upon how much and what you sew, moving up may be prudent, but starting out, my wife made up to nearly queen size quilts with her baby lock.
Thanks for all the advice. Going to a place close by. They said that they can service mine. Depending on the cost I might have it done. If not they do sell Babylock machines so I might go give a few of them a test sew.
Well I wound up getting a Baby Lock Rachel. This thing is sweet and it is so nice to be able to sew without having to mess with threading the needle. Not to mention it is way easier to thread the machine and load the bobbin. I also got it for $100 off since it was a floor model. They also took 30 minutes to show me how to use it.
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