Can anyone recommend a Singer machine that has reverse stitch, zig-zag, and (I'm assuming this is kind of standard on all models) stitch length selection?
Can anyone recommend a Singer machine that has reverse stitch, zig-zag, and (I'm assuming this is kind of standard on all models) stitch length selection?
The older slant foot Singers -401a, 403, 501a, 503- have the features you're after and are some of the best machines ever produced by the company. They'll handle any typical DIY project including packs.
Singer models 237, 401A, 500A and I think all later models have zig-zag and the other features.
What they ^ said.
I picked up a 237 a few months back and it's great for what you want. Nice and simple to use.
Bill
I recently picked up a 4411. I'm completely new to sewing, which carries its own pitfalls, but I really like the machine so far. The only problems I've encountered so far are due to my own incompetence.
It's got 11 different stitches, adjustable length and width, and all the tension adjustments are easy to understand.
I already have a Brother that is mostly steel/iron internals but I'd like something that can do what my Brother does (the requested functions) and also has the power to sew through leather or similar thick fabrics. Does anyone have any experience with the Slant-needle setup and thick/heavy materials? The reason I don't think the Brother machine will do it is that I've had the needle bind in multiple layers of thinner materials and the motor just can't pull or push through, I end up doing it by hand. At least one of the drive gears inside is also plastic and I don't want to risk breaking an otherwise working machine.
In some quilt shops and or fabric shops you can rent time on a machine which may get you what you need without having to buy the other machine.
"Does anyone have any experience with the Slant-needle setup and thick/heavy materials?"
I've used a 503 on a number of projects where it had to sew through 7 layers of 1000d cordura, X Pac VX42, and webbing. It was able to punch the needle through without binding but that's probably the most it will handle. I've never used it to sewing leather.
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