Sherricrisp

Does anyone know of a vintage sewing machine that is better at FMQ than a singer 15-91? I don't want to spend a lot of money and I have found a 15-91 for $50. Should I get this, or is there a better choice.
Thanks for any ideas or suggestions.

miriam

What have you got to lose? Has it been serviced? Are you comfortable doing repairs? Check it over thoroughly before you buy it look for parts missing or not moving. Check the stitching. Pay accordingly.

Sherricrisp

The machine was somebodys grandmothers. It looks like its been taken care of (in the pictures). They say it works. I'm sure it will need to be cleaned and checked for wirlng problems. I have not done that before. Sounds a little scarey, but I have been watching YouTube videos. I could probably try it.

Sherricrisp

http://nashville.craigslist.org/hsh/4558461934.htmlThere is also another sewing machine that has caught my eye. It is a "western" and its pink. It is a straight stitch and has a large harp. It is newer and it has been serviced. I can't find much information on it. I assume it is a Japannese clone. If so would it be the same size??

Rodney

The nashville listing is deleted. The Singer 15s are known as good FMQ machines. The Singer 15 is such a good design that a lot of Japanese machines are direct copies and a lot of the more modern machines are also descended from it.
Rodney

nanna-up-north

I have 2 15-91s that I used exclusively for FMQ. I have 2 because I live at our summer cabin 6 months and then, 6 months at the winter place. I quilt at both places.

I used a $$$$ Viking machine for quilting before I came across the 15s. The 15s are so much better at FMQ than the Viking ever was.

Don't hesitate asking questions about the 15-91. Many of us have them and love them.

jlhmnj

I'm not an FMQ'er but I hear much praise for the Singer 301 in this regard. I hear great things about the 15-91 as well. I'd be very cautious about the wiring of a 15-91 being deteriorated unless someone is handy to rewire which is not difficult but can be costly.

Jon

Sherricrisp

Would the 15s and the 15 clones be the same size?

Abby'smom

I love using my 1932 15-91 for FMQ -- nothing fancy but it sews smoothly through the layers and has a pretty stitch--wish I had started using it sooner!!

MichelleP

Do you cover the feed dogs when you Fmq on your 15's, and if so, how? Are there any tutorials here for using the 15 as Fmq?