What sewing machine do you use?

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  • [QUOTE=maskedrose;3603279] I guess that is the difference between an automatic and a semi automatic machine? *shrugs* I pretty much find sewing machines without the zig zag stitch useless cuz then I can't lock my seams :-O[/QUOTE]

    you are very keen on what is going on, the servo machine that cant zig zag that sitting in my family room stiches 2500+ stiches per minute and its not even that perfectly stright, i suppose that what you call fully automatic fire. the zig zag function can sew in the middle of fabric where the serger can only do edges. so i give it to you the zig zag function on a sewing machine is really useful. :drunk:

    actuall it not a servo but a cluch motor but that not impotant same fish

  • I used a Brother CS6000i for my costume. I really liked that it had a button to push for sewing and I didn't have to use a foot pedal. It was really easy to use for a beginner like me who has never sewn before. There's a clear window thing so you can easily see when the bobbin is running low. The only thing I couldn't quite figure out, that my mom had to do, was the built in needle threader. But other than that, no problems.

  • [QUOTE=avskull;3603360]you are very keen on what is going on, the servo machine that cant zig zag that sitting in my family room stiches 2500+ stiches per minute and its not even that perfectly stright, i suppose that what you call fully automatic fire. the zig zag function can sew in the middle of fabric where the serger can only do edges. so i give it to you the zig zag function on a sewing machine is really useful. :drunk:
    [/QUOTE]

    Yes. Here are some of my 'secrets.' Zig zag stitch is fantastic for:
    sewing in the middle of fabric
    sewing spandex to elastic
    sewing anywhere that needs stretch
    I use it also to close up holes in torn fabric (small punctures.. like from cat claws)
    OH and I actually use it on edges. I know I know you're not supposed to run a machine without the needle going through fabric - but basically, what I do is I center the edge of the fabric into the middle of the presser foot opening so that the needle goes into the fabric at the left side of the zig zag, and does not on the right. As a result, the thread wraps nicely around edge of the fabric. Its a trick I discovered when making 'skinny' jeans. ^_^ I've been doing this for about five years and haven't had any problems, though I wouldn't try it on a newer plastic junky machine.

  • i have a brother that I got at walmart and I haven't had a problem with it besides user related problems. i love it!

  • I don't have it in front of me so I can't check but I'm 98% sure I have the [URL="http://www.amazon.com/Brother-XL2600I-25-Stitch-Free-Arm-Functions/dp/B000F7DPEQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1282319581&sr=8-2"]Brother XL2600I[/URL] that I got for under $100 on amazon. I love this machine- although I've only had it a couple of years, it was nice and cheap, and I haven't had a single problem with it yet- even sewing faux fur. Granted, I haven't yet tried pleather or leather on it, though I did buy a pack of leather needles and may try soon (as well as another weird fabric, neoprene) but it's been very good to me so far, and has a lot of useful stitches. I've only used the straight, zigzag, and stretch stitches on it so far and they've all been a breeze. It's a very very good beginner-intermediate machine.

  • i have a singer meritt 9612, its pretty old though, but it does its job :) not the strongest of sewing machines though.

  • [QUOTE=Lydialulu;3604126]i have a singer meritt 9612, its pretty old though, but it does its job :) not the strongest of sewing machines though.[/QUOTE]


    At least at that point in time Singer came up with better names for their machines lolol...

    I have a Singer.. SLANT-O-MATIC. haha gosh what a name. The manual states, "Worlds lightest sewing machine." Holy crap I think its about 30 lbs.

  • Wow. Hard to believe that I have gone through three machines. I started on Brothers because they are very reliable machines and both were pretty much on the cheaper side if pricing is an issue.

    Now, I sew on a Viking and I haven't looked back. My emerald is my baby and can sew through alot of the crazy materials I use like they are nothing. Its fantastic!!

  • My cosplays are made with a Singer Featherweight 221 from 1948 XD Its 62 years old, made from metal, but gets the job done. The only thing I don't like is the noise, it can get loud.

  • [QUOTE=benihime;3603930]i have a brother that I got at walmart and I haven't had a problem with it besides user related problems. i love it![/QUOTE]

    me too! infinitely better than hand-sewing everything. the only thing i would rather have on this machine is metal bobbins instead of plastic

  • [QUOTE=rubyspitfire;3609720]me too! infinitely better than hand-sewing everything. the only thing i would rather have on this machine is metal bobbins instead of plastic[/QUOTE]

    you don't have to use plastic bobbins ^^ As long as they're the same size, you're fine. Some people prefer plastic because it allows you to see (if you have a clear cover and a drop-in bobbin) when you're low on thread.

    I had a Brother machine from Wal*Mart )a $90 one I got on same for $60 or something around x-mas time) and it was the worst sewing machine I ever had. Tension problems left and right and it barely had the oomph to finish my Ansem costume. I only made the one costume with it and now I'm giving it for free to my friend who just needs it for small projects and repairs here and there.

    Now I have a [URL="http://www.husqvarnaviking.com/us/6119_6139.htm"]Husqvarna Viking Emerald 116[/URL]. It's like...on the low end of the H-V totem pole but an awesome little machine. Would be superb for a beginner and I've never had it fail on me once. It's a workhorse that can sew through layers of vinyl and denim (although it can get loud) and I haven't felt like it has lacked for anything however I'm not a bells and whistles kind of seamstress. A great basic sewing machine. I payed like $250 on sale and I can see this thing lasting for many many many many years.

  • A Singer from the 50s.

    The chain is troubled at this moment and needs some fixing, so I've been handsewing. I can't find anyone that knows how to fix such an old machine....

  • whatever you get don't buy a new Singer because the original Singer does not make the machine anymore, its a third party so that means their customer service is bad as well.

    and whatever you buy ,dont buy a refurbished.I made a mistake in that and the sewing machine original problem was never fixed completely.It was a Brother.

    I have a [URL="http://www.allbrands.com/products/abp10726.html?ovchn=SPRI&ovcpn=Froogle&ovcrn=Froogle&ovtac=CMP"]JANOM[/URL]E Sew Precise electronic type, this is an older model but it pretty good and strong too, I am happy with this one but I am in the market for a stronger that can sew multiple layers and leather.

    There are 2 things you should have in a sewing machine:
    1. Drop in bobbin - eliminates some poblem related to the bobbin
    2. needle threader- you dont have to use you eyes too much to thread the sewing needle.My newbie friends loved this feature.It makes it so easy and fast to thread the needle.

    Others come standard almost
    - free arm- the freearm is great for sewing in small areas ie sleeves.
    - thread cutter- makes thread cutting faster

    [URL="http://www.husqvarnaviking.com/us/6119_6123.htm"]Viking[/URL] are awesome sewing machine but expensive.[URL="http://janome.com/index.cfm/Machines/Sewing-Quilting"]Janome[/URL] are mid priced.Just get a [URL="http://www.brother-usa.com/HomeSewing/ModelDetail.aspx?ProductID=CE5000PRW"]Brother[/URL] but i wont get the cheap models.

  • I have a White machine since 2003. I love it. It was about $100 at the time. I recently purchased a Brother serger as well. Nothing fancy for either. They both do the job and do the job well. I've had no issues what-so-ever and I sew literally ALL the time.

    [URL="http://lizzy.agentsofcosplay.com/gallery/v/misc_001/erinswedding.jpg.html"]
    White and Brother[/URL]

  • My sewing machine is Janome, its great!! :D I