What task does this machine do?
 

We're thinking it's a hemmer.

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Inquiring minds ( mine and hers ) want to know.

Joe

my guess is a blind hemmer. Been years and years since I used one - can't see if it's got the curved needle to know for sure. But it looks like it's got the arm to swing the curved needle left/right to make the chain stitch.

Looks like this homeowner grade sells new for $225-$400 range. If your making drapes and stuff like that, they can really come in handy for finishing the sides along with the hem.

Cathy,

I wonder if you could hem quilts with that machine?

Thanks for the information.


Joe

Why would you want to hem a quilt? The hem would show on the back. You really need to bind a quilt. Or you could sew backing & top right sides together, leaving an opening to turn right sides out. And then close the opening by hand. And then topstitch around the edges.

Pat,

I was just curious about it really. My thoughts was to hem it so it would stay put, then put the binding over it.

Just a thought.

Joe

Hi Joe! Some quilters I know zigzag the edges together before binding...keeps all the layers together.

Are you completely well now? Sure hope so! Pat

I either zigzag or do a straight stitch all away around before I bind which for me works, makes it sew I do not have to worry about the backing folding over when I put on the binding. . Some people also do that and wash their quilt prior to binding. I did that once. the reason why some people do that is so that the quilt shrinks so they can cut it even prior to binding.

Pat,

Not totally recovered from the shoulder problems. The rest of me seems to be getting there.



We have quilted those we made first, then put the binding on. That held them together for the most part. But the edges were not straight. I still have my "All Machines Denim Quilt" to finish and I want to make it straight around the edges.

Joe

Maybe for draperies???

That is what my wife said as she looked at the pictures. She used a similar machine at a sewing shop in Phoenix many years ago.


The poem in your sig line, any idea how old it is? I remember my mom saying it or something very much like it. Especially the first part, "He drew a circle that shut us out.."

Memories from somewhere long ago.


Joe

Hey Joe,

It's pretty normal to have to square up a quilt after you "build" it.
My steps are:

1. Pre-wash
2. Starch
3. Press
4. Cut
5. Re-cut several pieces I mis-cut, usually requiring me to press again
6. Piece
7. Thread the machine
8. Piece
9. Load a full bobbin
10. Really Piece this time
11. press
12. Rip the stitches, fix all the seams where I "oopsed"
13. Press and cut more pieces where I went through with the seam ripper
14. press
15. go stand outside for a few minutes, when I overheat due to pressing
16. stitch the new pieces into the quilt
17. press
18. install borders
19. press
20. sandwich (or load on the frame)
21. quilt
22. pull the huge bird's nest
23. put the presser foot down
24. quilt stitches I'll keep this time
25. square the quilt
26. bind the quilt
27. Wash the quilt
28. Fix any "oopses" I didn't spot before
29. Have a nap and or adult beverage depending on the number of repeats on steps 5, 12, 13, and 22.

The biggest problem with using this on a quilt is it's very easy for it all to come undone. I can just see a child picking at the thread and - wow- where did all the thread come from? - opps, the insides are showing now! It is just a chain stitch.

I think it would work for a wall hanging if you wanted to fold the front over to the back and have no edge seam showing - which is about the same as you do on the sides of draperies. We used one on sheers to heavy fabric with lining, so I bet you could use it one a quilt.

ArchaicArcane - I can really relate to 21,22,23. I've been using my new Bailey and quilt frame and forgetting to put the pressure foot down is my number one problem! With the hopping foot, it looks about the same whether it's up or down.

At least with that machine, it's real easy to remove the bobbin case and hook - to get all the thread out and start over.

That's exactly when I have the problem too. I don't do it on a DSM, but I even had to put a note on my frame to remind me. You're right, the difference isn't particularly noticeable on that foot. So far I've been lucky. I just get immense eyelashing, I haven't bound up the hook mechanism yet. :)

I believe the poem was written in the early 1900's, cannot find an exact date. I have always loved it and think it is a good philosophy for living. :)

What you are wanting is an over lock or serger machine. It will do the things you want. The blind hemmer is only good for putting hems in garment or drape with wide hems.
where you turn the edges to the back of the fabric so the thread doesn't show on the out side.