Help...in need of a machine
 

Hello, I am looking for an older sewing machine that does straight stitch and zig zag, All metal, no plastic parts..... Just "plain jane" machine that isn't fussy. Any ideas??? I am just starting with quilting... have made some clothing in the past, but now it is time for fun... Just need help deciding which older model machine to purchase. I truly appreciate being able to gleen from your experience. Thank you!!!

I like the Singer 500A. It does straight stitch and zig zag. It also has cams for decorative stitching.

I just bought babylock Tempo Straight stitch and zig zag , 6 months ago. I like I. Not a lot of extra, but heavy duty my embroidery machine can not do. Take time and get the best for you.

I have a Bernina 830 Record that is still going strong after 35 years. You can usually find one on EBay or Craigs List for a decent price. They are all metal, heavy machines that last forever.

My Singer 401 in cabinet w/ cams, in great shape- is looking for a new home! I'm in Michigan if you're close!

how I miss my old Kenmore work horse. They don't make them like that anymore. Good luck, you'll find the right machine with patience

I have a 1975 Kenmore. Its better than any of my other 3 new machines. Paid $35 at the ReStore.

Do you have a sewing machine repair shop where you live? Ours fixes sewing machines and vacuum cleaners. He has lots of used machines and would know which are the best ones to buy used.

The best singer that is bomber and plain jane is the Singer 403 hands down. Make sure you have the fashion disc for zig zag and your set. This is a flatbed machine, so if you need a free arm, than I'm not sure.

I love the 70's Kenmores. Tough metal workhorses, and some models have cams for fancy stitches if desired. Parts are easy to find, and not expensive. I know later ones were available as plastic freearms, don't know if they also came in metal.

I'd check out the Bernette Seville --- compares with the Bernette 46. Good basic machine, metal parts and holds up to going back and forth to classes. I got the machine to teach an 8 year old how to sew basics and to use for classes. I have higher end machines for my fancy stitching, but the basic one works like a trooper as long as onbe cleans it when needed (every three bobbins on a quilt) I use a soft watercolor brush or makeup brush to clean the lint out of the bobbin area and feed dogs frequently.

The Kenmores in the 158. series are classics that can't be beat! I even bought a walking foot for mine for piecing. And I've bought a couple of backup machines....:p They'll do about 10 "fancy" stitches, depending on the model. Some use cams, some don't (just turn a dial to choose), again, depending on the model.

Check with LQS for machines that have been traded in. The old work horse machines are some times difficult to find. Keep trying.

Sure wish I still had mine. My dad bought it for my mom in the late 60's and she hated it. Too many "fancy" things on it for her. She gave it to me and I used it to make clothes for my daughter. Made a couple long, formal gowns on it when that was the style in the early 70's. Going out for dinner; wear a long gown. Wow, glad that formal dress code is relaxed! (maybe too relaxed now!) Traded it in on a new Designer One back in the early 2000's. If only we had known.......

Where are you located? I have 17 metal Kenmores in ready to go shape, featherweight, redeye, white, morse,
Viking, and more.

What Kenmore models??

We aren't suppose to buy and sell things on this part of the forum. I would recommend looking on Craig's List in your area. There are quite a few people on this board who repair and then sell on CL. That said, there are TONS and TONS of older sewing machines that will do what you are asking. Many have been mentioned. However, you need to look for something in good condition not just a model name or number. When you buy a straight stitch machine check the sewing on it to make sure it sews a nice stitch. Check to see if it has been cleaned of lint and dried oil. Some people want one that does zig zag - check to see if it goes in zig zag and does reverse. Does it bother you to sew on a machine that has the needle to the left? Check needle position. See if the stitch length and width still adjust. See if it turns freely. Check the wiring to make sure it isn't broken or frayed. Check to see if it will sew through heavy and light material. If you buy it on CL you might find someone who works on them and will be willing to work on it if something isn't right. If you don't mind doing your own work then you can get something for cheap and learn to do the clean up and repairs yourself. As far as cost goes expect to pay a few dollars more for one that has been cleaned up for you but the ones needing work can be all over the map for prices and can be found at yard sales, thrift stores, Craig's List and Ebay. As far as personal favorites, I like a good Singer 403 or 503 - they are simple to use and maintain and do everything the more complicated 401 and 500 do - those are good machines too though. Then there are Kenmores. I've seen some problems with Kenmore reverse and control knobs. There are some really good older simple White, Brother, New Home, Montgomery Ward, JC Penny and other non-Singer machine, too. The costs will not be huge. There are any number of old Japanese machines. I would look for the ones with drop in disks rather than a built in camstack. We have a huge amount of info here about the vintage machines. It could take a month of reading to look at all there is here on Quilting Board.

I have a Singer 401 that is a real workhorse and has a wonderful stitch. I love to use it. I purchased it in 1959. I had a Bernina 830 (original 830). I loved it. I finally sold it because I had too many machines. It was a great machine. I have seen both of these machine models on ebay and other places on the internet.

I have a Kenmore I bought in the 80's. It was a display model at sears and my husband brought it home as a surprise. I think it was around $600 at that time and I was angry that he paid so much. That machine will not die. I have had it in twice to be cleaned an checked over "just because" It was the best money we ever spent. It is heavy and all metal. Can't imagine what I would pay today for such a work horse.

I imagine many Bernina stores will also have used 830 Records for sale, too. It is a work horse and all mechanical ! Mine is still running beautifully after 40 years, too!!

I have a 1970's Kenmore 1703. It will sew through just about anything plus it has cams if you want decorative stitches. It sews better than my newer Brother and has better looking stitches.

I had two sewing machines (domestic) that would NOT let me quilt on them. They made continuous loops no matter how I set the tension, stitch length, speed, or change of batting. So I made a small quilt sandwich, took it to a sewing machine store and tried out all their demo machines. The best one I found (perfect for this) was an inexpensive White that did all the moves correctly.

Lots of great advice has been given already. I just want to add that if you are wanting to do quilting as well as piecing I suggest that you get a vertical bobbin rather than a horizontal/drop in bobbin. Most people find the quilting to be superior on the horizontal bobbin machines. e.g.: Bernina 830 Record, Singer 15-91, Singer 301 have vertical bobbin with a bobbin case. Of those three, only the Bernina 830 Record has zig zag capabilities.

If you were in Northern IL I would recommend Necchi Newhome in Rockford http://kellyssewingctr.com/home. They have a lot of used machines and an excellent repairman. You can pick up a good machine for $79 on up. We also have a quilting group that has a lot of fun!

I had a Kenmore workhorse in the 1970s that was wonderful and someone, somewhere is probably still using it. Recently sold my 1963 Singer Rocketeer (501) and got a Bernina 1130. All of them did/do basic stitching and some fancy stuff, too. All are great machines. Any of the machines these knowledgeable ladies/men have mentioned would do what you need. Good luck, I'm sure you'll find the right machine.

Singer 237 is zig zag and straight stitch only, weighs in at 32 lbs. I treadle my machine, it came with a motor that was bad.
Sharon

I realize this is n old post, but just in case -
I LOVE my Viking (Husqvarna) 630. The 610 is a little older model with not quite as many features, but still a good solid machine. There's a model number between those 2 numbers that is good too.
When the repairman said my old Singer was plastic and I wore it out, in about 1989, he said this was a workhorse with the all metal feature you described. It was sold to schools, back when schools taught sewing, so it had to hold up.

I've been able to get them off ebay for about $80.
I've been using it since, and the last 5 years used it for FMQ. I have NEVER had a tension problem with it. Of course, it knows it's my baby so that might be why!

It has a vertical bobbin and a needle up/down button. And a speed button. It seems to like all thread, including the cheap stuff. Never needs oiling, though I do clean it religiously

I have 5 630's I've gotten off ebay because I suspect there are many parts in its inerds that are no longer available. That way, I have the parts. However, they all work so well, and my original never seems to break my daughter has been instructed that is she ever needs another machine, I've got one for her

I have two older reliable all metal, mechanical sewing machines by Pfaff. I have the Pfaff 130, with the "coffee grinder" which is actually an add on here in the U.S. by the dealer, and is an attached embroidery unit. I bought this machine used from a Pfaff dealer after he serviced it, and my very favorite thing I like to do on it is FMQ. It is rock solid.

My other Pfaff 262 I bought brand new in 1969. It has the dial to call up designs other than just zig zag. Since I had owned it that long, I was already experienced in using a workhorse. The only thing you have to remember to do is oil these machines regularly since metal is running with metal. But they are awesome. It is the machine to the right in my avator picture.

Check Craig's List and http://www.shopgoodwill.com. I've seen several decent looking machines in both places. I even bought a Pfaff 1471 with all of its feet for $50 off Craig's list.. All it needed was a good oiling and it's running like a dream! What a find!