I am looking to upgrade from my very basic, ten-year-old Elna 2110 sewing machine to something that I'll still be enjoying twenty or more years from now. I know what basic features I want, but I don't know how to translate that into a sewing machine search. There are just SO MANY sewing machines available that I'm unsure how to narrow it down. How do I articulate what I'm looking for in sewing machine-buying terms?
[more inside]
posted by linettasky
on Apr 9, 2013 -
8 answers
My friends were interested in my recently acquired sewing machine and brought up the idea of a craft/sewing party. I have no idea how that would work. Help?
[more inside]
posted by Durin's Bane
on Feb 12, 2013 -
13 answers
What pro or semi-pro sewing machine would be best for a home sewer opening an Etsy store that sells denim, canvas, and Cordura (1000 denier) luggage and other bags? Ability to sew lighter fabrics as well would be a plus, as would overlock capability (a separate overlock machine would also work). This is for a class project and hypothetical, so price is no object.
posted by WorkingMyWayHome
on Feb 11, 2013 -
5 answers
New Sewing Machine Question! I got a new sewing machine for Christmas, a Janome Magnolia 7318, and I love it. My only snag so far is how to sew thick fabrics. I want to sew thick fleeces for stuff for my dogs and the layers are too thick to fit under the stock foot. Is there a different shank I can buy (not sure if that is the right word) that is higher? I tried to google it but no luck.
posted by dottiechang
on Dec 26, 2012 -
5 answers
Can I learn to make alterations to my own pants? If so, what kind of sewing machine should I get?
[more inside]
posted by althanis
on Oct 10, 2012 -
13 answers
I'd like to upgrade from hand-stitching, and buy my first sewing machine. I'm only interested in sewing bags (mostly messenger bags), and I'll be using Cordura and natural canvas. What sewing machine will do the job? I don't want to fork out a lot for an industrial machine, because that's just too much of a commitment for something I only dabble in. And I don't have enough space for those antique Singer cabinets.
posted by Xere
on Sep 12, 2012 -
12 answers
What kind of sewing machine should I get my beloved for her birthday?
[more inside]
posted by Jode
on Jun 21, 2012 -
16 answers
I'm a relatively new sewer and just got my first good sewing machine. It's a Brother CS6000i. Before I get started on the various projects that I've been waiting to do since my old machine broke, I want to get to know the machine well. I've read the manual. Now, what should I do to put it through its paces? Give me your idea of an afternoon of sewing machine boot camp.
posted by ocherdraco
on Mar 1, 2012 -
18 answers
Shopping for a used sewing machine - what should I check for, and what questions should I ask before buying?
[more inside]
posted by gg
on Feb 6, 2012 -
10 answers
[SewingFilter] We'd rather avoid making the worst sewing machine related purchase of our lives? Help us decide if getting an older machine could be a better choice than a newer model.
[more inside]
posted by RolandOfEld
on Jan 5, 2012 -
37 answers
Sewing machine filter: I can't get rid of thread monsters and my bobbins aren't winding properly. Normal troubleshooting tips not working.
[more inside]
posted by luckynerd
on May 25, 2011 -
9 answers
If an embroidery technique like the one shown in
this video can be done using a standard sewing machine, how?
[more inside]
posted by cp311
on May 23, 2011 -
8 answers
What sewing machine should I buy? I'm looking for easy and good value for my money.
[more inside]
posted by Phalene
on Jun 7, 2010 -
22 answers
My new old sewing machine has a blind stitch lever with three settings: "B.S.", "M", and "S.S.". What is "M", and especially what is "S.S."?
[more inside]
posted by mendel
on May 31, 2010 -
10 answers
So I've been coveting a sewing machine cabinet for a couple of reasons. They're expensive, but I find affordable used ones at a local thrift store and on craigslist pretty regularly. However, I don't know what I'm doing!
[more inside]
posted by dilettante
on Oct 18, 2009 -
3 answers
Do programmable sewing machines exist?
I want to be able to provide the sewing machine with a design or logo and have it sew it for me - in this case, a nice little dog to go on the breast pocket of a golf shirt.
[more inside]
posted by WhereAmI
on Sep 30, 2009 -
13 answers
I can't figure out how the bobbin works on this sewing machine. It's a Kenmore model 148.19370.
This is a picture of the important parts.
[more inside]
posted by gregr
on Mar 2, 2009 -
7 answers
Please recommend a good place to have a sewing machine serviced in San Francisco.
[more inside]
posted by Quietgal
on Oct 1, 2008 -
1 answer
Does anyone know anything about the Sears Kenmore sewing machine Zig-Zag 1756? I can purchase used one for $30, but I can't find any information online about it, other than the opportunity to purchase a manual. Is it an old model? Is it appropriate for a beginner? Thanks!
posted by faunafrailty
on Aug 8, 2008 -
1 answer
Recommendations for sewing machine repair places in New York City or Jersey City?
[more inside]
posted by yarrow
on Jul 13, 2007 -
2 answers
Help me not sew my own finger to the machine! I recently bought a Singer 99 model from the 30s (I think) and can't get it to work for the life of me.
[more inside]
posted by Sijeka
on Jun 9, 2007 -
5 answers
I've been inspired by t-shirt surgery and am thinking of getting into sewing. However, I've never sewed something in my life. Where do I begin?
[more inside]
posted by divabat
on Apr 7, 2007 -
24 answers
When using my sewing machine, large loops and tangles of thread are generated on the bottom side of the fabric. What am I doing wrong and what do I need to do to remedy the problem?
posted by kc0dxh
on Apr 12, 2005 -
15 answers
