What Features Standard on Decent Machines?

Aug 29, 2006 24 Replies

First reply

Kate Dicey

Impeccable buttonholes world class blind hems permanent backwards when you want it

Read the full reply

The directional stitching got me thinking about this. Not top of the line machines but a general "workhorse" machine that can handle most tasks but not auto-embroidery. Not junior, starter or lightweight either. Something you plan to use and keep for a long time.



Here's a few of mine. Please add yours:


- free arm



- strong penetration



- minimum 7-9 mm stitch width



- precision, quick to change feet



- needle stop, up or down



Phae


Impeccable buttonholes world class blind hems permanent backwards when you want it

You can pretty much dismiss the idea of lasting a life time. Machines made today if they last 10 years the parts will be no longer available.

LOL...my 1936 Featherweight is a decent machine and does none of the above... :)

-Irene

-------------- You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.=20

--Mae West=20

--------------

OK Mr. Black Cloud ;) Actually, I said long time, not lifetime. And I did not say new machine either. But lots of us already have fully operational machines older than we are btw. My newest Bernie has a 20 year warranty and I fully expect there will be parts just as there have been (and still are) for my 20+ year old 931.

Phae

So what features do you think should be standard on all decent non-embroidery machines?

So what features do *you* think should be standard on all general workhorse machines?

Oh yes. How about:

- adjustable pressure in presser foot

- dropable feed dogs

- ability to wind bobbin w/o unthreading

Pat, can you switch it off when you don't want it? And not just by dropping the feed dogs. I do things where a walking/dual feed wouldn't help at all...

OK, we'll include it on our perfect machine! :)

Absolutely, sounds like a great idea to me.

One that's a must for me that I don't think I've seen mentioned is adjustable pressure for the presser foot.

>

Ah, if we're building the perfect machine I'd like the attachement that makes you a cup of tea about every half an hour and then cleans up after itself please.

Claire in Montréal France

formatting link

It's called a husband! ;)

After the world famous episode of the cup of tea, the £1100 sewing machine, the wedding dress, and the translocating ladies with the giggles, I never have cups of tea or food in the sewing room!

make that coffee for those of us in the USA. Cindy Hutchison

"Claire Owen" >

No burned beans for this Usian!

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required