Sewing Machine Advice?

I've kind of dove head first into this DIY sewing thing. I have to admit I really enjoy it... all though I get strange looks walking around Joann's! :eek: Oh well..

So any way the machine I have right now is a low grade Brother Machine. it doesnt seam to handle the 100% polyester thread very well and it may just be that is not a very good machine but it jams up a fair bit.

I was looking around for a new one and found this one on amazon HERE A Brother CS6000i

I want to know if brother is a low quality or if it will do just fine?

http://admin.kenssewingcenter.com/auctions/b6000t.jpg

One review says it labors on a french seam. Not worth the money. I would definitely pass on it. Go to your local sewing repair shop and get a good serviced used machine.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MrDieselTwitch

...So any way the machine I have right now is a low grade Brother Machine. it doesnt seam to handle the 100% polyester thread very well and it may just be that is not a very good machine but it jams up a fair bit....

---

Before buying a new machine, I'd take a hard look at you current setup and techniques. I happen to have a bottom of the line Singer that has few problems with making a good stitch and your brother should be of comparable quality.

In other threads, you have stated that you use "100% Poly Upholstery" thread and have posted photos with lots of zigzag stitching.

If you are using too large diameter of thread for a given needle size, stitches may not form correctly and you get jamming and birds nests.

If you use a thread of heavier weight than a machine is designed to use, the upper and lower tension devices may not work in unison and the result again is poor stitch forming....

I also find zigzag stitching more prone to problems than a straight stitch.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by gmcttr

Before buying a new machine, I'd take a hard look at you current setup and techniques. I happen to have a bottom of the line Singer that has few problems with making a good stitch and your brother should be of comparable quality.

In other threads, you have stated that you use "100% Poly Upholstery" thread and have posted photos with lots of zigzag stitching.

If you are using too large diameter of thread for a given needle size, stitches may not form correctly and you get jamming and birds nests.

If you use a thread of heavier weight than a machine is designed to use, the upper and lower tension devices may not work in unison and the result again is poor stitch forming....

I also find zigzag stitching more prone to problems than a straight stitch.

---

I have used the outdoor grade of 100% poly. Im guessing that it is a upholstery bread thread. However I don't know enough about my machine to know if it can actually handle the thread. Its a hand me down... Im looking for a newer one. Any brand/model suggestion that might serve me better than another? my bugget is <400$

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MrDieselTwitch

I have used the outdoor grade of 100% poly. Im guessing that it is a upholstery bread thread. However I don't know enough about my machine to know if it can actually handle the thread. Its a hand me down... Im looking for a newer one. Any brand/model suggestion that might serve me better than another? my bugget is <400$

---

Don't spend that kind of money on a machine from Amazon. For that range, go to a place where you try the machines in person. That way you can bring what ever fabric you would normally be using and check the machine out completely. Take some webbing too. That way you _know_ what you are getting and have a relationship with the dealer so you can lick their brain if problems crop up.

See Ramblinrev's signature for advice. When I want to use a good machine, I use a 1935 Singer 201-2 or a Singer 1950 15-91. Both are straight stitch only.

I don't know anything about sewing machines, Ramblinrev and others know best but, I have that exact machine you listed in your first post (without the table attachment thing) my better half got it for free (someone donated it to her) and it works great for us. We have had some tension issues, but got them worked out with some time and tinkering.

I have been restoring a 1950's Necchi BU Nova and have learned a lot about sewing machines in general along the way. If you don't need so many stitches, I would suggest looking on Craigslist for an older machine locally, or cruize your local thrift shops and try this yourself... I traded my Kenmore for the Necchi so there was no net money out of my pocket.

Be careful though, older machines can be addicting. All that black and chrome just does something for me...

Alternatively, depending on your current machine's capability, you might just need to clean and oil it - maybe make a couple adjustments along the way.

Good luck with whatever you choose to do!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MrDieselTwitch

...Its a hand me down...

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DBLOCK

...you might just need to clean and oil it - maybe make a couple adjustments along the way...

---

This is very good advice that the rest of us overlooked and I would start there.

check out www.heavysew.com in NC. email Dale for info. he has a ton of knowledge on sewing machines, lots of parts and manuals. he has some machines as well.

best thing is to hit garage sales, or your local bookoo site, for a 1980s or older Singer with metal parts inside (take off the cover to see what i mean... 90s and later have plastic gears). Run about $50, and will last forever. make sure you get, or can get (online) the manual for it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ramblinrev

That way you _know_ what you are getting and have a relationship with the dealer so you can lick their brain if problems crop up.

---

Been watching too many zombie shows me thinks

[QUOTE=MrDieselTwitch;855828]all though I get strange looks walking around Joann's! :eek: Oh well..

They'll get used to seeing you there at JoAnns. Especially if you tell them you are looking for 'man fabric' it will earn you some respect. The sewing class teacher at JoAnns can provide a great deal of advice, with out your actually having to take a class if you happen to catch the person in the store. Some times there is an associate who knows how to sew, but, don't count on that.

Used sewing machines are not hard to find, thrift stores, yard sales, etc. Any thing from the 70's or earlier is better than anything now, at least the affordable machines made now. It's the best option, as opposed to paying hundreds of dollars for a new machine, just to sew hiking equipment.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TallPaul

Been watching too many zombie shows me thinks

---

LOL my oldest son must have been on line when that went up.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Seeker

a 1980s or older Singer with metal parts inside (take off the cover to see what i mean... 90s and later have plastic gears).

---

Unfortunately it is not that simple. The early plastic gears were often hidden inside the machine and required almost complete dis-assembly to detect. Listen very carefully to the machine as it runs. The plastic gears of that era wear differently than the metal gears and will make clicks, clacks and pops that sound different than the rest of the machine. If you hear those, instead of a nice smooth whirr run, do not walk, the other way. That is an indication the machine is likely to self implode and there is nothing you can do about it. Just opening the cover and seeing metal gears is not enough for the late sixties through the nineties.

The plastics used in machinery has evolved since those days and do not present the same issues on high quality machines. However, I would still choose metal over plastics if I had the choice.

This is the one I have and where I bought it, but its a DC2010,,, every year they change the # to year...
Never had a issue and whatever u get,,, get some kind of quilting table attachment, really helps alot...
http://www.sewingmachinesplus.com/janome-dc2012.php