Kenmore problem

Hello, my sewing machine decided not to work and I'm in the middle of sewing a skirt. It made noises so I thought it's dirty and needs oil so I cleaned and put oil. Still making noises and I can tell the problem in the hand wheel. I cannot turn the hand wheel anymore. When I'm sewing, it stops and I have to move a bit to continue sewing. My DH tried to fix it but he broke the screws, now my machine is officially broken. It's a Kenmore model 12814. Just curious, what would you think the problem is?

He'll buy me a new one and I need your help. What brand would you recommend in the price range of $150-$300. I prefer machine that does overlock serge also if there's such a thing. I'm kinda leaning on White model 955 but I would like to know more of your recommendations. I do mostly apparel, quilting and some homedecor & crafts. Which brands are good brands to have?

Thanks, Mira

Reply to
Mira
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Is it a squeaking noise? Could be the belt is worn or has broken.

The symptoms also suggest that while the handwheel may not move, the problem may not be the handwheel at all, but with something else that is jamming up movement and thus preventing the wheel from turning. Usually problems center around the 'business' end of the machine - that is, bobbin and needle area. SUch as a bit of needle breaking off and getting wedged behing the hook...such a problem could definately jam up movenemt.=20

Which screws did your DH break? Screws are usually replacable from SM repair shops and certainly less expensive than a new machine.

-Irene

Unless it's a problem with the belt (if the mach>Hello, my sewing machine decided not to work and I'm in the middle of = sewing=20

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

--Mae West=20

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Reply to
IMS

My DH opened the machine and the belt is fine. Needle and bobbin is fine also though the handwheel is having a problem when I was sewing the skirt. But it is making a lot of noise that he had to stop me from breaking it more. Handwheel is working fine when threading the bobbin, not in sewing though.

The screws that he broke was inside the machine after you open the face cover plate. There's this *thing* (sorry I can't say in proper english) that moves when you move the handwheel. It's the screw from this thing that he broke.

He wants to throw it in the garbage, I want to have it repair though I do not know how much the repair will cost. Or donate it to somewhere else where they can fix it themselves, is there a place like this? I want it fixed and keep it for other purposes.

Would anyone recommend good machine for the price range $300-$500? choosing is overwhelming so I would like to hear good recommendations. Is White model

955 a good one? Are White, Brother good brand? Costco.com has sewing machines, are they good or is it better to get machines in sewing store?

Thanks in advance for any input. Mira

The symptoms also suggest that while the handwheel may not move, the problem may not be the handwheel at all, but with something else that is jamming up movement and thus preventing the wheel from turning. Usually problems center around the 'business' end of the machine - that is, bobbin and needle area. SUch as a bit of needle breaking off and getting wedged behing the hook...such a problem could definately jam up movenemt.

Which screws did your DH break? Screws are usually replacable from SM repair shops and certainly less expensive than a new machine.

-Irene

Unless it's a problem with the belt (if the mach>Hello, my sewing machine decided not to work and I'm in the middle of >sewing

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

--Mae West

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

Reply to
Mira

There was a thread here recently -- "Beginner's Sewing Machine" was the title, I think. You should read that.

Basically, many here believe --- and I agree with them -- that a good used machine is a better bet than a new, cheaper machine. I see you've increased your range of price up to $500. I suspect you can find a used Bernina, Viking or Pfaff for that price, or slightly higher.

I started with a Singer (circa 1985). I was pretty happy with it for the first six months, but, over time, it wouldn't hold the tension, the stitches weren't coming in straight, and it would end up being an exercise in frustration every time I sewed. I had sticker shock when I decided to buy a better quality machine, but it has been worth every penny. I have had two Bernina machines, and the Janome 6500. The Jamone is a good machine, but I think, for you, I'd recommend the Bernina 125. The Jamone is relatively new, so I suspect that it would be out of your price range, and the Bernina is one tough little machine! Many stores have demos of these, or people will trade them in for other models. It is a wonderful machine, with some decorative stitches, and it doesn't hesitate at all when going from two layers to eight (which I had to do recently on a star quilt, and the Janome balked).

Look online for a Bernina dealer near you and call to see if they have any used ones for sale. Then go out and take a test drive. I think you'll be amazed at the difference in quality.

Good luck.

Sheila

Reply to
George Moran

Perhaps you can take it in and get an estimate for the repair, then decide if it is worth it to you to get it fixed. The repair shop may take it off your hands for parts. Or if you have a Freecycle group in your area you can offer it there.

As to recommendations sewing machines are definately a matter of personal choice. You need to test drive them to see if they are a good fit for you. There is a FAQ to look at:

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Stay away from department store machines. They offer zero help if you run into a problem. While they may take the machine back this doesn't help you understand the machine. A store that offers classes and help will help you in the long term.

And, do consider getting a used machine over new. YOu'll get much more bang for your buck. If you have a local quilt store or fabric store that sells machines check there for recent trade ins. =20

-Irene

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

--Mae West=20

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Reply to
IMS

Well, I'm definitely not an expert and mostly lurk but, check down under the bobbin. Sounds like thread hung up in there.

Reply to
Dixie Sugar

Thank you all who responded to my inquiry. We went out today checking machines that you all suggested. Bernina 125 is discontinued and I didn't check out the Janome 6500, but they showed me another model. So far, we've seen Janome 3050, Bernina Activa 220 and Brother Pacesetter NX-200. Brother Pacesetter & Janome features are almost the same (Janome has 50 stitches and Brother has 49). Both are made in Taiwan but I do not know which of these brands are better. Bernina Activa is another option though a bit pricey. As of this time, we chose Bernina & Janome and would like your input/review before we decide which one to get. By the way, we'll go to other places to check Pfaff & maybe Singer. Husqvarna is out of my price range.

Thanks again, Mira

Reply to
Mira

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