Sewing Machine

[01Hawk]

Any advice on what kind to buy? Want to get one that will be able to be used on the vinyl and Velcro - I have never sewed before but want to learn so I can make my own stuff. The ones at Joann Fabrics range from $100-$2500.

[EnigmaEngine]

I would also recommend checking Amazon. Besides a wide range of choices, look for something with favorable reviews....and read the reviews to get a feel for the actual pros and cons.

[Gato]

Some cheap sewing machines cant tackle the job of velcro and heavier material, for example webbing, so do your research. I cant sew, so I let my tailor do all that stuff.

[Chef]

Singer or Brother...

 

 

My Singer 427 was made in 1967 and is still going strong. It's done cotton, poly, suede, leather, canvas and vinyl.

 

I've done more suits, boots, bunds, pouches and vests than I care to mention and the machine doesn't miss a beat.

 

You can get old machines at a reasonable price and they still produce all the replacement parts (yes, even for a 50 year old machine!).

[M.J]

I have a Janome sewing machine its as old as my marriage and thats around 25 years, good brand also. I just brought a new overlocker Janome, I found on Ebay great deal.

 

Your better comparing the prices on ebay

 

Any "good" sewing machine will do Leather (need a different Needle) and other thickness's, some will price by the number of stitches it can create.

If you buy one under $200 it will be worth only $200, Paying a little more will handle and last the test of time.

 

I'm with Chef....the oldies are the best they don't make them like they used too, I was going to replace my old one but the shop owner told me, I have a good machine unless its dead dont replace it.

 

Howard you dont need the fancy stitches, and a couple brands here we all like. So hopfully thats a start for you.

[01Hawk]

Thanks for the input! I don't mind spending money on the stuff if it is something I am gonna use ( as with any tool I buy). Part of the reason I got involved with this is to develop a new hobby and part of the fun would be making as much of the stuff myself vs buying it. I want to do a Jawa for my kid after this and a Fett too.

 

With any hobby it is better to learn from the experiences , and mistakes, of others so I can focus spending the right amount of money in the right places. Appreciate the help.

[EnigmaEngine]

My mother did my sewing, and she has a thirty-plus year old Pfaff. Her weigh-in was that the fancy computerized machines just means more to break down. She had a fancy Singer once that broke down twice a year. The Pfaff was old when she got it, and has held up for over a decade without a single problem.

[jameserec]

Older singers work really good. If you are looking for professional quality then Juko but they run anywhere from 5K to 12K.

[Chunk]

All you need is a cheap one from Walmart. You don't need to spend more than $100. All you want is a basic, nothing special & deffinately not with all the buttons & electronic displays. Mine was under $80 & I've been sewing with it for over 7yrs. I've made countless costumes for myself & my family & several Pathfinders here. I've sewed cloth, velcro & leather with it. just need to use a HEAVY DUTY sewing needle. So head on down to your local Walmart or discount store & get a basic sewing machine.

[topherhunter]

I'll second Chunk's comments. A basic Brother or an older Singer can work really well if you have good nylon thread and both heavy duty and leather needles on hand. I have an $80 refub Brother from Worst Buy, and my gf has a $200 Singer from Amazon; hers is clearly worth double mine (faster, more stitch options, embroidery options, etc.), but both are great for the tasks we throw at them.

 

However if you buy used, be careful and check the machine thoroughly. Missing parts can be difficult to replace, and the plastics used on machines in the 70s and 80s haven't held up well to oxidation. It's sometimes tough to distinguish between a cosmetic crack and one that will alter how the machine handles your workload.

[batninja]

I third Chunk's recommendation, and completely agree with topherhunter's suggestions, too.

 

My first sewing machine was an old 60's Montgomery Ward model, all metal, in pea-green, handed down from my mother. I had no idea how to use it (was winding the bobbins with a pencil!). Several months later, I bought a basic Kenmore from Sears (about $130 in 1997, but Sears is always over-priced), and it came with a USER'S MANUAL! It explained every feature on the machine provided a guide to basic stitching. I was off and running.

 

And I've been using that same machine ever since.

[01Hawk]

Thanks for all the advice! I am going to have someone bring theirs over to teach me how to sew and see how that works out. Bought enough vinyl to practice with and have a spare RedKap suit as well to practice with as well.