Sewing for Dummies

Please tell me if there is a machine to do just plain straight stiches for doing dungarees and pants and adding patches. I am a "single Dad" with growing kids who need hemming all the time. My own jeans too.

I have an old Singer machine but it does not seem strong enough to go through the tough material. The "foot" does not go high enough.

Sincerely, Jerry

Reply to
Jerry Ingerski
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Most of my old machines (30+, vast majority are Singers) are strong enough go through denim and canvas, in particular type gear-driven models such as the Singer 201, or the Singer 'Slant-o-Matic' 400 or 500 series machines (which have the slant-shank foot). These don't hesitate an iota when I am mending denim pockets, zippers, or hemming jeans or trousers as long as it's used with the right size/type needle and the right type of thread for the material.

Now, as to which models have the foot go>Please tell me if there is a machine to do just plain straight stiches = for

------------------------ Adult: A person who has stopped growing at both ends and is now growing = in the middle.

Reply to
IMS

If you have and old BLACK Singer, it will sew through just about anything! My 1923 Singer and my 1930's one will do 6 layers of denim just fine! You may find that your old Singer is in need of some TLC. When was it last cleaned, serviced, and oiled? If you have one of these gems, it will still be sewing for your grandchildren, if you take care of it! I have sewn lorry tarp onmy hand crank!

You may like to change the needle to a Jeans needle for these tougher jobs: sharper point for better penetration! You can also put in a larger size...

If you have a 70's plastic Singer, you may have a problem! ;( Tell us the model, and we will do our best to help.

Reply to
Kate Dicey

Perhaps you should take it to a place that does maintenance and repairs and ask them to raise the foot. Cheaper than buying a new machine. Stay away from early eletronic and computeries sewing machines- they have to "stop and think" before they make the stitch. The old machanical sewing machines can be fast and are very nice.

There are commercial sewing machines that have a knee lever that lifts the foot very high. Be sure that when you buy- the motor, sewing machine and table are all part of the price and not individual parts. There are also are very heavy (might need a forklift or crane). If you look around you might fine a very good one for a very good price.

Reply to
A

I am wondering if this Consew is better than Harbor Freight one selling for $250 without the table or $380 with the table, or maybe it could be the same China made?

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I'm looking for a good use commercial sewing machine, without sacrificing a hand or leg.

Thanks

Reply to
Simon

No advice on a better machine choice, but if you flatten your bulky denim seams with a hammer you may have better luck.

Kathleen

Reply to
Kathleen

Kate is correct in saying that the older model Singers (before 1970) are the workhorses of home sewing. They do straight stitches, and even a few do decorative stitches. I have an old (60's) Singer that hems jeans quite nicely as most of it is cast iron. (Just pick it up and you can tell) It also can hem snowsuits.

Your post indicates you are having problems going over the seams while hemming a pair of jeans. What you need for yours, and what I use for mine, is what is known as a jean-a-ma-jig. This is a little plastic device with a cutaway in the middle that fits just under your foot. You place the jean-a-ma-jig in the back, just before you get to a seam. Then sew over the seam, then move the thing to the front. I was having a lot of problem breaking needles before I started using this. It's a cheap investment at about $5 US.

Reply to
Beth Pierce

Jerry, Our community has a spring and fall cleanup program where you can put almost any kind of trash on the curb for pickup. You'd be amazed how many older but good working sewing machines show up there. Our local Goodwill and Salvation Army stores often have machines for practically nothing. If you are any where near Liberty, MO Spring cleanup is just around the corner!

If your community doesn't have this, I'd place an ad in the local news paper indicating that "Single dad is looking for that older sewing machine you no longer use to maintain jeans for my kids". I'll bet you are saturated with offers. I shall be interested in the outcome.

D> > Please tell me if there is a machine to do just plain straight stiches for

Reply to
Don Dando

Try a new needle on your machine. I hang my head in shame to admit this, but back in the 70's I used to complain of the same problem about my Singer to the service/repairman. He must also bear some of the shame because he never told me to try a new needle.

I didn't sew for about 15 years and then bought a Babylock. One of the first things they taught us was to use a new machine for every new projects as needles get dull. Your old machine is more likely to sew through that denim than the new machines that have plastic gears rather than the metal ones older machines have.

Good luck. another Sharon

Reply to
Life Experience

It's a nice price. I didn't see a name. Is it new or used? If you want to do shirts this one may be to heavy, since it sounds like for medium weight cloth, but maybe they are just emphasizing the heavier stuff it will do. With industrial sewing machines you have to have an industrial table for the machine.

Before you buy it is wise to go somewhere and see how it works and to compare with other sewing machines. I've heard Consew is one of the best companies, but in truth, I don't know that they are any better.

Good luck in your decision.

John

Reply to
A

Life Experience wrote: One of

Oh good!! Another justification for my sewing machine collection!! ;-)

Reply to
Pogonip

Made me giggle too! And wonder where I'd put them all, never mind the prices I'd have to charge the poor customers!

Bill:

Fabric: £80 Making up: £560 Machine: £1100

Total: £1740

Ah! So THAT'S how the posh frock people manage to charge so much for wedding dresses!

Nice idea...

Reply to
Kate Dicey

I'm doing my best to follow instructions. Went back to the thrift store today and bought the Singer 401A I had seen there Saturday. I tried to get someone else to buy it! I put it on two email lists. But no, they left it there and I had to do my duty and rescue it. It needs a bit of cleaning and fiddling, I think. I don't like the look of one wire, either. What I should do is clean it up and give it a good servicing and list it on eBay to get it into the hands of someone who needs it more than I do. And I will. Soon. Eventually. As soon as I can get to it. Anybody have a spare round tuit?

Reply to
Pogonip

Erk!! Need I say that I meant needle?!' I thought it was only the sinuses that are clogged. Seems that the cold has reached the brain too. another Sharon

Reply to
Life Experience

That's ok. The way you said it works for me. ;-)

Reply to
Pogonip

Someone suggested that you investigate an industrial machine. I have two of them and I'm learning to do upholstery work for the classic boats I restore.

MOST older industrial machines are priced in the $500-1000 range and this is for a machine made in the 30's, but still working fine or re-conditioned. Also most machines have a constant running 1/3rd to 1/2 hp motor with a clutch that is controlled by the foot treadle. Since these are production machines they are setup to run at a pretty fast rate. The clutch can be slipped to reduce their speed some, but this is a critical movement of your foot and very difficult to control. The clutch is not designed to be slipped, it is designed to either be engaged or not. In the upholstery business it is said that you have not paid your "dues" until you sew through your finger, and there is no doubt in my mind these machines wouldn't even loose the slightest speed in doing so, including bone penetration! I'm anxiously looking forward to getting my "dues" paid and out of the way! I can't wait for the Emergency Room Dr's to use a seam ripper to get the thread out and keep a straight face!

Before you get too serious about a industrial machine you might visit an upholstery shop. They will usually have scraps around that you can try you hand on to see if you think you can learn to control one of these machines BEFORE you spend the money.

I have not seen an industrial machine with a variable speed foot pedal but no doubt there are some lighter machines so equipped.

In my opinion, you can buy a lot of jeans for what an industrial machine will cost, especially when you add in the cost of the Emergency Room visit!

Don Dando

Reply to
Don Dando

One more thing, an industrial machine has a walking foot, and it won't have any difficulty walking up your finger nail and down your finger!

Just thought I'd throw that in !

Don Dando

Reply to
Don Dando

Re: Sewing for Dummies

Mostly true, but quite a few of us already own and use industrials, with no ill effects yet. Adjusting to the greater speed is no big deal. After all, most of us drive cars and manage quite well. I'm on my third industrial, and wishing I still had the first one. Sorta running out of room, though. Cea

Reply to
sewingbythecea

Don, for the record, this is NOT compulsory! LOL

Karen Maslowski in Cincinnati

Reply to
SewStorm

Your experience with industrial machines is limited (in what is out there, not necessarily use). Many are variable speed and don't necessarily have a walking foot. There are many types. Each one suited for a particular type of work. When you mention an industrial machine, many people immediately think of something that will sew through plywood. Such is not necessarily the case. A heavy duty leather machine (I have seen them that would sew through

re-conditioned.

Reply to
CW

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