Sewing Machine Question

[john99]

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions about buying a used sewing machine and/or what are the basic stitches to master for doing a lot of UL gear, repairs to duck canvas, webbing attachments, etc.

I don't have any intentions of doing any ornamental crafting type projects. I see a lot of sewing machines on Craigslist but I am always afraid to pull the trigger because I don't know how to spot something that will meet my needs (and allow me to grow my skills). Like I said, I am mostly doing UL backpacking and backpacking (frame bag) type projects.

Thanks in advance.

[chris575]

Most sewing machines will work. The key to good projects when sewing is good thread and proper tensions.


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[Snowball]

Find a good old mechanical machine if you have to sew webbing. Most machines can do it but they are not made for it and you won’t get any warning before its too late and the machine is damaged. The common household machine is made for 2-4 layers of cotton or similar but there is a huge difference to webbing.

[skyjacker]

I have a Brother HC1850. I use a straight switch and a tight zig zag type switch. It seems to work okay. I'm just now getting into DIY. Happy sewing!

[davemon]

The old singer and similar age machines were made to sew almost anything, from light weight materials to making wool coats and pants. Most ware just straight stitchers. The later machines started using plastic gears and do zig zag and decorative stitches which took away some of the heavy duty sewing ability. Seems to be why the 201s are so sought after.

[Bubba]

You can do most any gear making with a straight stitch. Zigzag is handy to have. Older metal machines are robust and easier to maintain and can be found fairly cheap. Try to find a working machine for $30 or less just to work with and learn on. Just get started and down the road you can get another machine.

[Beeip]

...find a working machine for $30 or less just to work with and learn on. Just get started and down the road you can get another machine.

Well said, Bubba. My first machine was $25 at Goodwill, and after probably six months, I destroyed it trying to sew through too many layers of webbing. My second machine is a Singer 15-90 I got from Craigslist for free. This hobby doesn't have to be expensive. Well, regarding the machines anyway. The space-age fabrics are another story.

[XJ35S]

I picked up a 1903 White Family Rotary for $5 at a garage sale. Good old machine with tight tolerances on all the moving parts. Stitches straight and true non stop. The bobbin was rat's nested. I only had to turn the bobbin around. It was rotating the wrong direction.

My Singer 1507 was also a garage sale machine at $15. Picked it up for zig zag stitching.

I couldn't make the mechanical zig zag foot work on the white. I think it's missing a small part in the middle.

[Rain Man]

If a used sewing machine has a "low gear" that would be a good sign in my opinion, indicating it's designed to sew through webbing, leather, etc. Not sure how many machines these days have a low gear, though.

[Hiknhanger]

You can certainly get by with straight stitch only. I have bought several machines at Goodwill, the most expensive being $20.00. (Some I resold for a profit after cleaning & oiling). My favorite is a circa 1952 Singer model 66 I got with a stand for $10.00. I bought a new stronger motor on eBay for $28.00 and am in love. Most machines are not broken or worn out in my experience, they just go unused and tighten up because they need oiling. Someone gets tired of hauling grandma's machine around and donate it.

Check out your local Goodwill frequently. Mine gives me a 10 day window to return the machine since it is their policy for any electronics. I'd try to find a pre-1980 machine to get more metal gears. A straight stitch and maybe a zig-zag will get you through virtually anything you'll need.