Sewing Machine Shopping

I am looking for a "new" sewing machine, my mom gave me a brother 1120 that she had it pretty much drove her crazy. I can get some things done but it really has some issues and doesn't have the guts to do what I need. I put zippers into hubbys coveralls a quite a bit, as well as hem jeans. I am also wanting a machine that can handle stretchy knits as I would like to make some wool covers for my little one.

With my limited funds, I know I cannot find a new machine with hte guts to do what I need. Ihave been watching craigslist as well as venturing to the local sewing shop (has a bad rep for bad customer service) others are farther away so more challenging with a little one.

I have found and I am planning to look at a Viking 6440 and a Pfaff 362 for sale locally. Can anyone give me some backgroung on these are they good solid machines anything in particlar I should look for?

Thank you, Mary

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Reply to
rgypsyrose
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I will never say anything bad about a Viking, but when I was looking at one a few years back someone told me that they are exceptionally difficult to find parts for, so many sure that if you get it, it works perfectly. Don't know anything about the Pfaff. Both brands were excellent during the time period that those machines were made. Don't believe any bozo on Ebay that tries to convince you that since the machine is that old, it is actually "industrial strength."

A Singer 400/401 or 500/501 machine would also do what you want. It doesn't have a free-arm, but I have never really used mine -- just changed the order of sewing seams to eliminate the need for it.

Reply to
Samatha Hill -- take out TRASH

When you have to buy a machine off of the used market, take your time and keep looking and make sure you have what you want. Don't be tempted to buy something just because it's there if you aren't totally happy with it. Another machine will turn up. You just have to be patient. It might take a few months, but you will find it. I buy most things used and that's my policy, and it works.

Reply to
Samatha Hill -- take out TRASH

Rgypsyrose had written this in response to

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:Thank you for the advice, I am getting ansy lol. I want to make somethings for my little girl, but hate my machine. I have a nice old sergerthat I really likeand it works very nicely. So I have been trying tofigure out how to make things using just the serger :-)

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Reply to
Rgypsyrose

A serger will do okay sewing knits by itself.

Save your precious dollars and get a machine that will last you, not one that will need to go in a landfill in three months.

I have found nice older machines that sew very well in thrift stores for $20 -- ones that will still be sewing rings around the top machines of these days when they are in the landfill because their electronic circuit boards are no longer manufactured. If you have to have a machine immediately, go make the rounds of thrift stores (or post a "wanted" ad on Craigslist) and find a good machine that will do for now and will serve as a backup machine for when you get your great machine later down the road.

Reply to
Samatha Hill -- take out TRASH

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