Where's the "make a shirt" button?

March 24, 2009 8:08 PM

My sewing machine is on its last legs. What should I look for in a new one?

I'm not looking for a beginner machine--I've been sewing clothes and costumes for 15 years, but I've never had access to anything but the most basic and run-down of sewing machines. Some sewing machines on the market now look like they could fly the space shuttle, and I really have no idea what features might actually come in handy for me if I decide to stop being so lazy and using a regular straight stitch for almost everything.

So far just about all I know is that I want to be able to sew buttonholes without snapping an attachment onto the machine. If it helps, I mainly sew regular clothes that have at least a little stretch to them. When I make costumes, I often find myself sewing through many layers of fabric, so I'd like a machine with the power to punch through some heavy stuff. And I'm interested in learning how to make some fancier items--specifically, corsets and hats.

So, crafty MeFites--what sewing machine features could you not live without? What might I find handy for my usual sewing projects? I'm mainly looking for a list of features to consider while I do my research, but recommendations for specific brands or models are welcome, too.

posted by tomatofruit to sports, hobbies, & recreation (7 comments total)

I don't like the fancy computerised ones. They seem to break down too much, or at least my mother's did all the time. Why not just buy a nice vintage 70s model? It will be metal and tough as nails. My recent basic Janome is far too fragile (plastic).

Anyway I love:
Invisible hem (not that I've ever really got it to work)
adjustable stitch lengths
easy bobbin winding
zig zag
button holer (but I don't use the button attaching thing)
a way to make zips easy
and very importantly - easy to slide on tight sleeves to attach arms to shoulders. A constant annoyance.

I also have an interlock machine for stretch (lycra), seams and trimming.
posted by wingless_angel at 8:37 PM on March 24

I have a Pfaff 7570, which is no longer in production, and the thing I like best about it is ... not the automatic buttonholes, nor the stop-with-needle-down option, nor the built-in dual feed foot ... it's the simple little needle threader. That actually works. (Unlike some of the other ones I've seen.)

Utility stitches, like multi-step zigzags, stretch stitches and over-edge finishing stitches, are handy. Decorative embroidery stitches are fun but I hardly ever use them. A nice wide (9 mm) needle swing is good, as is the ability to set the needle off center for straight stitching.

All of those are really nice features, in my opinion. But as my eyesight deteriorates, I love that needle threader more and more!
posted by Quietgal at 8:45 PM on March 24

The three things Mrs. zsazsa loves about her newish Brother machine are the needle threader (run the thread through the machine, pull a little lever and POW, the thread magically through the needle), the drop-in bobbin, and the pushbutton thread cutter. Everything else is just gravy. Ok, the button hole thing is kinda cool.
posted by zsazsa at 9:07 PM on March 24

Consumer Search has a nice guide to sewing machines and their features, as well as a listing of a few of the best reviewed models.
posted by roomwithaview at 9:22 PM on March 24

I have a Brother cs 6000i and the thing that I was most surprised by when going from a regular ole' cheapish Kenmore to my computerized $182 machine is that when there is a jam or something, you have to read the error code and actually fix the jam before you can proceed. With the old non computer one I was used to just shoving.

Anyway, my machine can sew vinyl really well. I make purses that are made of thick vinyl, lined with vinyl and it can go through 8 layers where the strap meets the purse. (Not perfectly, but it works.) And it let me make costume antenna out of cheap foldable cutting board bits - they stood up straight and were easy to sew through. It also has a quilting table attachment and a darning foot, which made it easy to sew a pink vinyl giant squid onto my purse. I love the button that lets you start and stop sewing without using the pedal. (If you're sewing for a very long time without stopping or sewing said squid on it's cool.) Also, there is a button to set the speed of the machine - so you can set it at a slow maximum speed for when you need to be extra careful to not push the pedal too fast.

It's not perfect with thin/stretchy material, but that could easily (most definitely) be because I don't know what I'm doing.

Love the needle threader, too!
posted by artychoke at 10:56 PM on March 24

My wife and I have a Husqvarna Viking Emerald 118 which has some neat design features relating to the way you thread it, spool bobbins, and thread needles. I especially like the needle up/down button.

When I purchased it I went to several stores and tried out various models and brands in person before deciding on this one. I'd suggest you do the same especially since you already have the experience to know what feels right to you.
posted by odinsdream at 6:21 AM on March 25

I co-own a studio/store where we teach sewing & more. We're NOT a sewing machine dealer for the specific reason that many dealers usually shove a lot more down your throat than what you need, and we didn't want to become Those People.

That said, you've got slightly greater needs than the typical hobby sewer. I have to say that the best best best workhorse machines I've seen are the older Pfaffs. You just can't kill them. I'd call around to the local sewing stores who are NOT machine dealers and see if anyone is trying to sell one used -- I know right now a Pfaff owner brought in a photo/ad for the one she wants to sell for us to post in our shop...

But yeah. Love my co-owner's Pfaffs. (I have 2 garage-sale-purchased Brothers and they're fine for the sort of light sewing I do, but probably wouldn't be good for you).

Also, feel free to Mefi-mail me with your location, I might have some leads for you to check out...
posted by bitter-girl.com at 10:17 AM on March 25