Date: Mon, 13 Mar 1995 18:18:51 -0600 From: Laura J MacCary To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: Knit: sewing machines-long A couple of weeks ago I posted to the machine knitting list and the knit list asking about sewing machines to use with knits. I asked what brands are good or bad, and if the owners have tried sewing knits with their machine-like sewing a steek, for example. I added that I need a machine that is not physically demanding to operate-I'm recovering from carpal tunnel syndrome, and had trouble with a machine which required twisting a stiff knob to change stitches. I also mentioned that I have a Singer (which was a wedding present from my grandfather to my grandmother in 1924), and that I bought a brother sewing machine recently and returned it because it didn't work. My price range is $200-300. I got thirteen responses with lots of helpful suggestions. I really appreciate it. Here is a summary of what I got: 5 people said definitely buy a used machine, as I could get a better machine for the same price. One person suggested buying from newspaper ads, two suggested buying from a shop with a warranty, and one suggested that if I buy from an individual I should take the machine to a dealer and have it checked out (this costs $15-$25) BEFORE I buy. Two people pointed out that if I want to be able to sew heavy fabric, I need to take some with me to try out. One person said don't buy a machine if the store won't let you try it out. Several people agreed that for what I'm willing to pay, I should be able to get a good basic machine. (I wasn't sure). Janet recommends "Sew News" as a good source of reviews and comparisons. She also mentioned that she saw an ad for the "Sew News" 1995/1996 Sewing Machine Comparison Chart. The ad said it's a "feature-by-feature comparison chart of 58 available machine models, send $2 and a business-size, self addressed, stamped envelope to Sew News Sewing Machine Chart, Box 1790, Peoria, IL 61656." I'm looking forward to getting this. Here is a list of brands with votes for or against, plus some comments: Bernina- 3 votes for. Described as a real workhorse. Two people recommended buying a used 830 or 930, which should go (used) for about $400. One owner says this machine sews bulky fabrics well. Bernette- 1 vote for. This is the cheaper model by Bernina, with more plastic parts. Price was described as $350-$500. Brother- 1 vote for, 1 against, and 1 neutral. Described as OK for a first machine. One owner says it didn't sew well, but she made a lot of stuff with it and felt it had paid for itself. Elna- 2 votes for. Another workhorse. Elnita- 1 vote for. This is the cheaper model Elna, again with more plastic parts. It cost her about $200, I don't know if it was new or used. Janome/Kenmore- 1 vote for. Apparently some Kenmores are made by Janome and some are not. Kenmore- 1 vote for, 1 against. These people didn't specify whether their Kenmores were made by Janome or not. One said her Kenmore could even sew leather, but added that Kenmores have tension problems. Pfaff- 2 votes for. The owner says the top of the line model uses buttons to change stitch patterns, making it wrist-friendly. Singer- This brand got the most (and the most emphatic) votes both for and against. I had to break it into old and new singers: Singer, Old- 5 votes for, none against. Another workhorse. One person recommended I buy attachments that could make my old singer do more things, rather than buying another machine. I'll look into this. Singer, New- no votes for, 4 against. These machines were described as disposable and made of plastic. They don't hold tension well. One person said their dealer told them they see Singers the most often in their repair shop and as returns. Singer Merritt-one person highly recommended this machine. I don't know if it's old or new. It has switches to change stitch patterns, which sounds wrist-friendly to me. It cost her about $200, I don't know if it was used or new. Viking- 1 vote for. White- 1 vote for. I hope this helps someone else as much as it helps me! I really appreciate everybody's advice, and when I pick something I'll let you know what I get. Laura lmaccary%ccc@hub.fhcrc.org