sewing machine names

[superman]

any recommendations on a sewing machine regardless one's skill in it.. any help is appreciated.. thank you

[ringring]

If it's just for light use, just choose a simple domestic machine. The most important thing to look for is a robust machine that does the basics very well (ie. straight 'lock' stitch, simple zig zag/bartacks and possibly buttonholes). Try and get advice and a demo if you can. You want to see how it stitches on a few layers of heavy denim or canvas and how it handles a lightweight fabric like chiffon or georgette. You don't want it to choke up on a denim fell seam or chew up a french seam on a chiffon chiffon neglige´.

The stitching should be neat and even, top and underside. You may need to play with the tension settings and needles to get this right.

Don't get wowed by fancy machines that can do '150 electronic stitches', unless you're going to be creating garments with hundreds of 'duck stitches' and other mickey mouse fluff.

Many companies make good domestic machines. I'd recommend brands including, Elna, Brother, Singer, Toyota & Bernina. Something simple like an Elna 2003 is fine.

Otherwise you could look at industrial machines. Pfaff, Brother, Singer, Juki etc make good stuff.

Edited by ringring on Nov 3, 2005 at 08:48 AM

[ok]

i use janome. cheap and high quality. about $300 for a good machine. juki is regarded as probobly the best in the industry.

i sew denim with mine but keep in mind that any machine that you are going to buy is not made for denim.

[andewhall]

Check out some second hand store for domestic machines........get a metal cased 70's one, brother/bernina is good. The newer plastic case ones are shite, I have destroyed a couple of them

http://photobucket.com/albums/y278/andewhall/

[obladi]

My mother owns 3 industrial singers. Good stuff.