Skyangel

An older all-metal Singer (made in the 60s or earlier) would work for many layers of heavy fabric. The 401, 403, 500, 500 are particularly ideal, or a 201 or 15-91 straight stitcher. You can usually find these on craigslist reasonable and they are fairly easy to service yourself. My other choice would be a Viking 6000 series, which have low gear (has full power at 1/4 speed). With the Viking 6000 series you have to check if it has been serviced and/or had the internal cam replaced as they are prone to crack, and it can get gummy and freeze up. I got a 6020 for $5 because the cam was cracked but after a $200 overhaul it sews like a tank.

baskets4moo

My Pfaff 130 is my goto machine for heavy duty jobs and wouldn't give it up for the world. I have 11 different machines and agree any older all metal machine is going to do the job, so get what you like and enjoy sewing on it.

anonymous

If you have a janome dealer in your vicinity, check out the 1600P. Heavy duty straight stitch machine. We had several gals that had a purse/tote etsy business that used these machines.

bennie0755

I use my treadle if I need anything really heavy. If it fits under the needle it will sew it. Generally I use it to repair the dog's leashes when he would chew then through as a pup. The treadle would go through both layers if that heavy webbing.

Notwendy

I've been very pleased with the all-metal Kenmores built in the late fifties - sixties - early seventies. They are like mini-tanks and go through anything without hesitation. I haven't paid more than $80 for any of them and they all came in the cabinet (Kenmores only fit Kenmore cabinets) with accessories. Easy to maintain and to do minor repairs, as they are mechanical rather than electronic.

Good luck!

roserips

I had a 1222 Pfaff that would take on anything with the right needle!

vschieve

I have a Pfaff 130, made in Germany in 1950, and it is solid as a rock. I love to FMQ on it over the newer fancy machines just for that reason, it is so solid and strong. I also have a Pfaff 262, also made in Germany in the late 1960's and it is also one tough machine.

quiltingshorttimer

If this is something you expect to need for a while, you might check with the dealers about an industrial machine. I have an old industrial machine that I bought from my son when he got married and needed $$, he bought it to use making car upholstery and it was owned by a man that had used it for that originally. It's at least an early 50's model, works super, uses same needles as my long arm, will zip though 4 layers of heavy duty denim, handles leather, upholstery fabric and about anything I put under the presser foot. No fancy stitches--just straight with a reverse. It's very heavy and I don't use it for much other than heavy duty stuff--but it's great for any kind of bag.

117becca

I have a Singer 237 and it's not "tired" either. I pretty much piece quilts or sew window treatments. It is perfect for both of those.

cellin

I'm looking at buying a Juki may I ask which one you have?