I went to Sew Simple in Philip, Canberra, that someone recommended last week. Heaps of 2nd hand machines, but ended up going with a mildly-computerised husquevarna. They reckoned it's easy to use, and it didn't have heaps of embroidry stiches (didn't want that stuff). They're servicing it now (included in price) and I get it next week.
Thanks for all the advice about what to buy!
Yippeee! You'll love it. Been in love with my Lily 550 (240 stitch patterns plus other insanity!) for 9 years.
They reckoned it was all metal inside (not plastic), and was easy to use (not aggressive like our old Singer). The lady in particular (it's a family business) had some useful observations to make. So I reckon I might be able to learn to sew actual things from scratch on this. I hope it does nice blind hemming. The Bernina is OK but a bit sketchy on some fabrics. Since these wider-legged trousers came out, taking up hems on them is a total pain sewing by hand. It takes forever!
Mine does superb blind hemming. It takes a bit of practice, but it really works. There's a tutorial in The Learning Zone on my web site.
I've been experimenting with stitch lengths, which seems to help. But on stretchy fabrics, so far it's been a bit brutal so I've gone back to the good old needle and thread. I've done a LOT of hand sewing these past many years. For some things, it's unbeatable.
Are you using a needle designed for knits, along with setting up the machine for knits? Makes a big difference.....
-Irene
And take a look at the tutorial on my web site. There are two blind hem stitches and you want the one with little zigzags in between the sideways 'pecks' that catch the top fabric.
Interesting stuff. The bernina uses a special foot, and all you have to do is keep the loose bit up against the fold. it does do a long zig zag type stitch, with a long zag to grab the thread. But it tends to be a bit obvious with the "blind" stitch. In the end, hand sewing is better, unless you match the thread exactly.
Great site, by the way! There's a LOT there.
Sometimes hand stitching is also very satisfying. Sometimes there is nothing more relaxing than sitting with a needle and thread and doing a hem the old fashion way. I love to hand hem. Which BTW escapes my DH completely. He figures that if I have a machine I should sew things that way and that way only. My comeback is usually would you use a chainsaw when a hand saw works better. Juno
Between the foot, the needle position, and the stitch width adjustment, you should be able to set the machine up to take a couple of threads and no more out of the outside fabric of the hem, along the fold. It does take a bit of practice, but it can be done, even on knits. It's invisible on the outside when adjusted correctly. I can do it on my Bernina 1005. Just keep practicing and take it slowly.
Thanks! :)
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Or a spanner where a screwdriver is a handier option?
I too like hand stitching hems on some things.
I just top-stitch the hems on pants. If someone ever grovels at my feet, he is unlikely to criticize my sewing.
Joy Beeson
I wondered about that. I adjusted the stitch length to smaller/shorter, and the result was heaps better on some linen. But the stretch fabric I tried it on was no good. The thread didn't match at all and it was making big ugly stitches, so I did it by hand.
I have a 350--totally love it! congrats on a good machine--
betsey
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