How much longer is my search for a FM machine going tocontinue? I have been on this treasure hunt and have finally narrowed my choice down to two machines and leaning very heavily toward one of them but both are almost identical. I was having dinner out with my son and DIL last night and was telling them about this search and during the conversationthey inducated it would be nice for the machine to be able to be used when they needed to repair a damaged horse blanket and also on upholstering projects. So now I'm back into searching with these two latest addition tossed into the 'want' list. Anyone have any suggestions for a machine to cover these three things (FMQ/repairing torn horse blankets as well as doing a bit of upholstering)???????? HELP! (Yes, I am yelling for help!) Thanks to anyone who has a suggestion.

Well, I have a Viking SE, it will FMQ, piece, embroider and has no problem hemming jeans. I also make tote bags from upholstery fabric and use flat felled seams, so that's several layers of heavy fabric. Check with a dealer to see if a trade-in is available.

I don't know what's involved in repairing horse blankets (or even what horse blankets are made of), but would a straight stitch only machine such as a Juki 98 or 2010, or Brother 1500/BabyLock Jane be sufficient? These are supposedly more heavy-duty that most domestic machines, though still not industrial grade. They have 9" harps and are reportedly great for FMQ.

I would suggest they buy their own machine and get the machine that works best for you for machine quilting!!

I agree. It was between the Juki 98 and the Brother 1500 when I was looking for a FMQ machine. I got the 1500. Since I wasn't going to do any regular sewing on them, I didn't check to see what all they could sew on - you could check the specs to see.

I whole heartedly agree. Let them search craiglist and so forth for their own. I don't think I'd want to be using my quilting machine on dirty horse blankets, etc...

I agree that your kids need a machine of their own..I wouldn't want to be sewing a heavy horse blanket on an expensive quilting machine. I was at a laundry mat and they had huge signs that said "DO NOT WASH HORSE BLANKETS OR ANY ANIMAL BEDDING IN OUR MACHINES" They had an attendant there watching what people were loading into the machines. I was there washing my quilts and she came over to look at them while I was putting them in the machine. They are ones we use on the beds not for animals. crafty_lind_b

I tend to agree with others. I would think some of the "old-old" working machines are actually better suited for the children's needs - where your free motion would be more computerized. They are expensive machines and taxing them isn't always the best answer. The thread used in a horse blanket & upholstery isn't good for the new computerized machines according to my dealer. Uses are totally different and new machines aren't set up for that heavy of a thread needed.

Maybe a used Juki just for these kind of extras? They are work horses and I have seen them used for a very reasonable price :D:D:D

I used to repair horse blankets at the leather shop I worked in. That is the dirtiest and nastiest job I ever had. Even if they are freshly laundered, they still reek, and you end up reeking as well. You gotta really love the smell of a horses rear-end to do this. If your DH and DS really want to do this, let them get their own industrial machine and set it up in the garage, but NOT in your sewing room. I am serious as a heart attack on that point! :-)

I think that I wouldn't attempt to stitch horse blankets on a new machine. The chance of hair or dust harming your machine would be an ongoing possibility. I'd suggest an older Singer either a 201 or 15-91 as these are heavy, simple and powerful. I regularly stitch heavy multi layer denim and duck coveralls on my 201 and it doesn't balk, growl, jam or break needles.Last night I made a bag out of upholstery that was lined and quilted and that was no problem either. I also FM on my 201 as the feed dogs drop by turning a screw and pushing a lever and then tightning the screw again. The best part about my 201 is that I got it free and only had to pay $70 to get it cleaned, serviced and re-wired.

My sewing machines and sewing room were my present for graduating college last spring. I already knew what I wanted for embroidery and sewing machine and serger, but then I started looking around for something else. I knew I wanted to do some heavy duty projects (leather and upholstery and so forth) but I didn't want to tax my brand new electronic machine that way.

After a great deal of searching and research I bought a Singer 15-91 on eBay. I paid over $300, and the machine no longer has ANY antique value due to its repainting job, but it had been refurbished till it was literally like new inside out and would be the workhorse I needed. I wasn't getting it to sit around and just be an antique! The only thing it didn't come with was a table, but my local dealer works on any and every machine and he was able to find me a table for that exact machine (he said he gets them all the time and he just gave it to me!!)

The machine runs like a dream, and came with a lot of parts, accessories, stitching samples, and an owner's manual. I absolutely feel like I got my money's worth. I would highly recommend looking at some of the older metal machines as a potential workhorse- you don't have to even get all crazy like I did!

Here's a picture of my baby:

Thanks for all the input I've received. You're right on messing with horse blankets on a machine you'd be doing quilts on. I'm not into horses and wasn't thinking. DUH! Seem to be doing a lot of that DUH-stuff lately. LOL Will continue to check around today then make my final decision. Again thanks!

Let us know which machine you end up with and which one they end up with! :)

About which machine my son ends up with down the road, I'm betting he'll end up with either a Juki, a Consew (if that name is correct)or a certain model of a Singer. He has already done online investigating and because of motors types, whether they're driven this way or that and all that other stuff I tend to not be concerned about he had decided a model of one of those three brands.

a Brother 1500 is a good machine for such projects. Wish you luck with your choice..

Sounds like you are about to bite off more than you can chew. My son always wants me to "do the upholstery" in his car/boat/cushions. I told him to buy himself a industrial or heavy duty machine and learn to sew. I have done a little of this type work and it is a pain.

Don't worry Fayzer, I'm not going to be doing an upholstery gig! I've been there and done that many years ago. My first slipcover job was for our car and have upholstered chairs and a hide-a-bed. Woulde like to do slipcovers for some of my furniture now. My son took an upholstery course at Fullerton JC several years and still enjoys doing things like that. I've decided I'm going to give him money for Xmas toward buying his own machine. LOL I may be old but not totally dumb!!!! I'm debating about buying either a Babylock Quilters Professional or a Brother PQ 1500a. Hopefully will make my decision tonight or in the morning. have one more call to make!

Good for you!

I also agree. Don't expect a good quilting machine to do such heavy sewing work. Buy a cheap used one just for heavy repair.

Industrial machine for your horsey stuff...don't use a more 'delicate' sewing machine. Consew industrial for sale at Threads of Time in Danville IL for $1000. Long harp, sit down table, good for all sorts of heavy duty work.

With Horse Blankets and Upholstery fabrics you want a Heavy Thread and a Big needle, and Longer Stitches. Put your sewing machines to the test: How big of a stitch can it make? What is the biggest Needle available for that specific machine?

Thanks for all your helpful tips! That's what I needed. I have decided I'll not be buying this machine for the heavier and, in the case of the horse blankets, dirtier things. In the meantime, I'll check out the place in Danville

Exactly.....I really don't think you want to mess with your quilting machine and try doing things that it isn't designed for. A second and much cheaper machine will do the job for the horse blankets!

I know that there are a lot of machines (Domestic) machines that can handle heavy duty sewing but for their purposes, I would suggest a good used commercial machine.My mom used to be in the reupholstering business and trust me, you do not want to use your good sewing machine for reupholstering (even though it can be done). Industrial machines can handle greater stress and use heavier thread to make the strength last longer.Maybe you could help them search one out.
Just decide on a machine that you feel comfortable with for yourself. The only way to know is to have someone demonstrate and you try it out for yourself. Another thing I feel is important is the service the dealer or maker provides. Do they offer free classes on how to use the machine? What is their service policy? How easy are additional parts procured? Are they expensive? Just a few thoughts. I personally stand by Bernina and Viking and have heard a lot about the new Janome but ultimately, it is up to you.

I was going to suggest a Juki as well!

Good Luck. I agree that you should have yur machine for FMQ and not worry about doing horse blankets. Sounds like they wanted free sewing for a job they wouldn't/couldn't do themselves. I have kids like that!

If you are not looking for a long arm, I would recommend the old Singer model either 15-91 or 201, they both have a direct drive motor, and plenty of heft to do all the things you mentioned. They are both straight stitch and can be had at a pretty reasonable price. Both have the ability to drop the feed dogs which is great with FMQ. Good Luck :-D

Speaking as someone who does a lot of FMQ AND sews up horse (mule) blankets on a regular basis, I don't think there is a perfect machine for doing both tasks. I use a Juki TL 98 for quilting and have a Chandler upholstery machine (any brnad upholstery machine would certainly work) that i use for sewing up those heavy, thick blankets. There's just no way a domestic machine can handle the thickness of canvas or cordura PLUS lining PLUS strapping PLUS that thick edge binding used on horse blankets. On the other hand, the upholstery machine powers right through it. You should also be using MUCH heavier thread and larger needle for horse blankets than you can/should use on a quilting machine.

So, my advise is get your dream quilting machine, and let them get what they need to sew up horse blankets!

Wendy

How about using your old machine for the horse blankets-- and the sparkley new machine for delicious quilt fabric !!

Maybe the old machine could end up at the kids house and they could do the repair work themselves?

My other thought is a nice 'used machine' from a garage sale for the horse blankets. (-am a city girl and have no idea what it takes to repair them-- just an idea)

GOOD LUCK

I've been thinking about a new machine. DH mentioned he wanted to make new seat covers for the jeep and would like me to get a machine that would let him sew heavy fabric and denim. After a little research, he is getting his own machine.

AZWENDYG, I've come to that conclusion also, there isn't one machine to cover everything. BARBARASUE - no, my son and DIL aren't wanting me to get the machine and do their work as it was my idea to look for a do-all machine we could all use. They know how to do their thing. I now know what I'm going to do so will keep everyone posted when I make my purchase. Again, thanks for everyone's help.

You need to have a machine to yourself for when you want it. They can get a cheap machine to do what they need or even get a thrift store find. If yours is yours and you leave a project on it so you can go do something else it's nice to know it'll still be there when you return.
You'll probably spend alot of money on the one you want and getting the tension just the way you want and knowing that the last time you used it the needle was good are things that will be valuable to you.
You don't want to have to adjust it or change the needle each time because you don't know what or if they used it. I'm sure a horse blanket would dull a needle.
Last year when I started quilting again and my daughter wanted to do it; I gave her my old machine; I bought a new one for sewing, and one Viking mega quilter for quilting; I like multi-tasking and this way I dont't have to keep changing out the thread in the middle of a project. My daughter doesn't even sew in my room; it's small and it's mine.

I agree - go to the vintage shop on this board & ask that question. I've seen many posts about the older metal singers that are work horses and they don't cost an arm & a leg.

Singer has industrial machines that would probably work for that, I think they will sew through anything, I agree I would not use my quilting machine on heavy stuff like that, I have a gammill and it is a work horse, but I am very careful when sewing over bulky seams, I don't want to take a chance on breaking a needle and throwing it out of time.

I have to agree with these suggestions....those older Singers are solid metal components and withstand the heaviest use. Perfect for horse blankets and upholstery.

Exactly what I was thinking! i'd get what you want for FMQ and look for a used industrial machine for them to purchase for THEIR needs!

Aren't horse blankets made out of coarse fiber that sheds?
Who is going to do this sewing?
Will you adopt me? :)

I have a Designer SE and I repaired a damaged horse blanket and it was very hard. It also put alot of dirt/lint inside my machine and had to have it serviced. I'd get a Juki 98Q, it sews thru everything like butter and it's great to quilt with.

Yes, yes, yes! They need to buy their own machine for these heavy duty projects.