Looking for a GREAT machine!!
 

I'm looking for a machine that could sew through a THICK quilt about 5 or 6 layers of dense fabric. I want to make a REALLY thick heavy quilt...

Any suggestions??

Thanks much!! :)

Lots of the old machines easily sew leather, canvas, etc, so I would think a thick quilt would be no problem. My Singer 185 or 503 would probably both be good candidates.

Darren

My New Home 556 strolls through, lets see, that one seam was........ 10 layers plus the batting. I was expecting trouble with that middle seam connecting the two halves of the quilt but realized she had already gone over with no complaint. Sorry, too much bragging.

I would think the Singer66 would go through anything.. Put a new needle in, and she should be good to go..

I've done seams of 4 layers of heavyweight denim and of upholstery velvet on my Featherweight...She did have a bit of difficulty with the banner that was painted heavy canvas, plastic, and velvet however.

My 401A is definitely a work horse, one of the reasons I love it so! 6 layers of denim, no problems!

I never get tired of this video, but here's a video my SMG did about my FW after he rebuilt her motor--proof that even the littlest machines can power through that stuff!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eY44I1rfe8

My husband is a black powder renactor and makes a lot of stuff with heavy canvas. The go-to machine is a 1970 Viking 6020 with its low gear. Of course most any older all-metal machine would be a good choice. Choosing the right needle for the job will make the difference.

Definately need a strong motor and the RIGHT needle to go through heavy stuff. Probably a Jeans needle would do it....16 or 18 to be sure.

Try a Japanese 15 clone - sturdy machine and inexpensive

I would say a Singer 15-91, but I'd be referring to one I'd refurbished to make sure everything was up to snuff. While a well-tuned all-metal, vintage machine would surely be equal to the task, the problem in recommending a specific model is that it all depends on the condition it's in. I've received several 15-91s that, straight after the purchase, were in terrible shape and barely sewed. Another powered through everything like a tank with almost no adjustments.

Everything from the condition of the machine, the condition of its motor and even how its foot pedal is tuned will affect how the machine performs. My advice would be to buy a machine in person, not online, and test it out before buying to be sure it can do what you want it to do.

Also coming into play is what else you want it to do? Heavy quilts? Will you want dropping feed dogs for fmq? Do you want it to handle heavy thread? Does it need to have decorative stitches ? Do you need Zig Zag? Does it have to have reverse ? I can think of numerous machines that fit one or more of those, very fit have all. What feed type? Needle, drop, walking foot, combination.
Make a list of the features you want, or have to have and we can suggest more closely.

Dan

Really good advice, Rain. I have a whole bunch of them in various condition. I wouldn't want to turn loose on a couple of them - I will be spending a lot of time on your blog just to get the wiring right.

THANK YOU for all the responses!!!

I have found the following for sale on Craigslist and would like to know if anyone can give me feedback on any of these specific machines. I plan to make several thick quilts, just because I like them thick and heavy... I will also like to make upholstery items, curtains, couch cover and canvas curtains for the patio...

I don't have a work horse machine, but have always wanted one... I am finally ready to take the plunge and get one that I can use for years and years...

Empire precision

Necchi Jolson YM-7

White 764


Singer 285

Singer 301A

Singer 327A

Singer 348

Singer Stylist 413

Singer 417

Thank you VERY, VERY much!!!

Heavy quilts - yes
dripping feed dogs for fmq - don't know what this is...
heavy thread - probably for canvas curtains
decorative stitches - not needed
Zig Zag - helpful
Reverse - VERY helpful


Thanks!!

Thank you Rain!
I am in California and not planning a NY trip... :)

Thank you for the reply redmadder. I'm not familiar with New Home 556..

It's ok, if you have a good thing, brag about it!!! :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tj6XaW-Wk98
Singer 285k

http://www.singer301.com/
Singer 301 information

Thanks Miriam!!! Very interesting... :)

Oh--you misunderstand, I'm not trying to sell you a machine! I was trying to warn you that someone could recommend a specific model for you, you could find that model, but then discover the machine you bought was not in peak condition and thus not up to the task. While you're on the right track by soliciting specific models to check out, I'm basically trying to make the point that you oughtn't buy a machine sight unseen, but should instead test it first with the actual fabrics you'd like to sew. Even with the models we recommend here, I think you'll find at least a few of the actual machines you'll look at will choke on the work because the previous owner did not keep it ship-shape.

I'm only familiar with Singers--obsessed might be a better word--and out of the models you've listed:

The Singer 285 is widely considered to be junk. It's a 3/4-sized machine that's noisy and poorly designed & built compared to what Singer produced in their prime.

The 301 is popular, but it's a slant-needle machine. That means the needle doesn't go straight into the material, but comes in at a slight angle. So with very heavy work, you may get some deflection, which could prove problematic.

I don't have any experience with the other Singers you listed, as they're outside of the range of Singers I collect and fix; I only go after the well-designed, sturdy and all-metal models. For domestics, I'd recommend that you look at a 15-91 and/or a 237 or 239. You may find the latter two are noisy, but they're solid.

If you're looking to buy something new that will definitely do the task, I'd recommend looking into a Sailrite machine. They're an American company that makes machines (in America!) the old-fashioned way in that they use cast-iron bodies. Best of all, they deliver a walking foot feeding system in a domestic-sized machine:

http://www.sailrite.com/Ultrafeed-LS...h-Walking-Foot

hope that helps,

Singer sewing machine 327A can be treadled - don't know what size needles it takes

Singer sewing machine 348 - it is belt driven - don't know much else

Singer Stylist 413 - look to see that the plastic gears are ok or you can replace

Singer 417 - may have plastic hook gear and other plastic gears
I look for all metal. The plastic gears some times can be repaired.

Rain has a wonderful blog (beware you can spend hours) about the old black sewing machines and you can sign up to be a follower!!! He is one of Ray White's students. (Ray said so and was bragging on Rain)
http://vssmb.blogspot.com/ (link to Rain's blog)

I have had and have all kinds of Singers and the older ones (pre 1970 or so) are mostly great. I have been sewing for 40+ years with industrial style machines and working with couture design houses so I have used them all over the years. I like the slow and precise stitching older Berninas have to offer and they will go thru thick fabric but I recently acquired a Pfaff 1222E. This machine has more power than any home style machine I have ever used. You will get many personal opinions on this subject.

Do be aware that ALL machines with plastic parts will go for about 5 years and then break.

My question....why do you need to make a quilt that is 5/6 layers of dense fabric and are you going to make tons of them which would be a reason to "purchase" a machine that will take that load..........

Thank you Rain! I understand you are not trying to sell me a machine... If I were in NY, I would come talk to you... Sounds like you know your machines.

I am not that familiar with the vintage machines, that is why I'm asking for experienced recommendations!!! I REALLY, REALLY appreciate your feedback!!!!

You mentioned "I only go after the well-designed, sturdy and all-metal models", I and looking for a well-designed, sturdy, all metal machine that is quality and will last for years and years... :)

Thanks again!!! I am open to any suggestions and recommendations!!! :)
---Frankie :)

Personal preference... Not tons of them, probably around 8 to 10 of them... ;)

Thank you Miriam!!

Quiltbuddy,
Tell me more about the Pfaff 1222E. Any ideas where to find such a machine? Are you able to sew lighter fabric as wells as heavy with this machine? About how much would a machine like this cost??

THANKS!!

I made a jacket from a medium wale corduroy with my Singer FW and she did a beautiful job through all the thicknesses. I used a size 16 jeans needle, no skipped stitches at all. I used my Bernina 1031 for zig zagging the raw edges of the seams. The fabric cost a grand total of $5 for 2 yards of fabric.
You can see a picture of it here: http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/...45965719rygnnj
Sharon W.

Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. The only way to find one is to advertise, ebay, and/or craigslist. A post by miriam said not to buy plastic parts which is very important. These machines do have plastic cams and otherwise all metal but I have not had a problem with mine. This machine will sew lighter fabrics and I can't imagine having to pay over $300.00. The really good older machines are starting to go up in value because of all the new plastic, computerized, expensive machines they sell today. PatternReview.com gives many reviews for older machines without becoming a member. Have you thought about those new metal home sewing machines that are sort of industrial that sell for about $800.00? Can't think of the name right now but many quilters love and use them.

Even though the new machines are all metal they aren't the quality the old machines are. I foolishly have an all metal Consew walking foot - it is industrial.... give me back my antique one any day - the machining work is so much better on the old ones. Better metals to begin with as well.

I purchased a Euro Pro that states it will go through 8 layers of denium and it really does!! Then you can turn around and stitch through satin. No adjusting tension. Love it!!:thumbup:

So what did you get?
 

Did you make a choice yet?