Can anyone recommend a sewing machine?

[FLV]

Can anyone recommend a sewing machine?

As titled really.

General use would be for modification of riding clothes (shortening enduro shorts for example....).

Mending the odd thing.

I wouldnt mind a go at making some bikepacking kit.

Massive expensive machines need not apply

Cheers

[mfezela]

If you are a complete novice: Get a machine with variable speed - nothing's worse than a machine that is faster than your skills; Take a couple of lessons - sewing is so easy when you know the basics, and not if you you try to fudge it.

Straight stitches are the strongest, so question whether you need the 100s of different stitch patterns on modern machines.

If planning on MYOG, needle power is important. Cheap machines won't have the power to penetrate multiple layers of, for example, cordura.

I would suggest you buy an used machine with a known service record. Older Elna, Singer, Juki, Frister+Rossman machines are almost bombproof.

Sewing / quilting clubs are usually a good source of used machines and excellent advice.

FYI Your first project shouldn't be silk lingerie, no matter how tempting ;-)

[Bearbonesnorm]

I use mine a lot Dave generally sewing Sil', cuben, spinnaker, webbing and the like. It's a Singer but really nothing fancy and I got it from Lidl. 'Tis a Singer Serenade - there's a few Serenade models, I believe mine is a 'Tradition 2250'. Probably £140 quid on-line or cheaper if they come back in Lidl

I would also say, invest a few quid in quality needles and only ever use good quality thread. Me, I like Gutermann.

[redefined_cycles]

Can I just add to what Stu said above Dave... If you're using a gutterman thread then just be sure that your needle is just as good on quality as its some pretty hardcore stuff is that...

[belugabob]

Subsidiary question, if you don't mind.
Is there such a thing a sewing machine with a variable speed that you can set independently of the foot control.
Mine has speed on the foot control, but I find it too difficult to maintain a constant speed - especially when stopping/starting, to manoeuvre the material

[Bearbonesnorm]

s there such a thing a sewing machine with a variable speed that you can set independently of the foot control.
Mine has speed on the foot control, but I find it too difficult to maintain a constant speed - especially when stopping/starting, to manoeuvre the material

No idea but my experience is that it comes with practice.

[mfezela]

Many of the Elna machines are equipped with a speed control on the control panel.

This is my 1982 Elna Stella.

Excellent in most aspects but not so good for quick reverse selection (it's a stop, select reverse, sew, stop, deselect reverse, proceed procedure) nor restricted area under free arm.

I also have a Frister+Rosmann 64 for large, not intricate, sewing jobs. Faster, but less adjustable. And a god awful 1970's orange colour.

[belugabob]

May look into the Elna machines - thanks

[FLV]

Complete novice yep.

Thanks for the tips.

[FLV]

Right. I'm going to order one.

I've faffed around on the internets and either found no deals at all or deals on which I have no clue on what I am looking at...

Heres a couple of options,

Singer Tradition 2250 Compact £140
https://www.argos.co.uk/product/4602222 ... ine:6:16:1

Singer 1306 £100
https://www.argos.co.uk/product/5019429 ... ine:4:16:1
Whats missing over the 2250?
No push lever revers (no idea)
4 less built in stitches (huh?)
no Zipper insertion (Maybe I might want this someday?)

Brother LS14s £80
https://www.argos.co.uk/product/4602576 ... ine:2:16:1
Whats missing?
More stitches (eh?)
Lower power (this cant be good for going through thicker fabrics)

Now. My heart tells me to get the 2250 as its been reccomended, however is it worth the £40


Youtube said it would teach me to use it, and my mum has a machine and can use it. But she's not willing to part with it (and lives far enough away that I fancy my own)

Initial use: shortening shorts from thier super rad enduro lenghts
Second use: Might make some bags in the future
General use: mending rips etc,


Cheers all

[redefined_cycles]

Might make some bags in the future

I'm in the same boat. Keep looking at my well used wildcat and thinking when/if I'll have the skills to make one myself (made a baby bag for the little uns Isla). Would have tried (again) with the missus machine but its (wouldn't usually use this but needs must) s*it...

Good research there Dave

[redefined_cycles]

One reason why not to go for a compact Dave (I thought this all on my own on yesterdays ride) is that BPing bags can start becoming quite bulky wuite quickly and its a pest getting the extra material to fit inott he opening when making stiches from that angle. Although my theory is probably gonna be broken straight away as someone in the know speaks up...

[FLV]

Just discovered theyre not available anyway

[Bearbonesnorm]

No push lever revers (no idea)

'Tis a ueful feature ... I have to say, mine's never let me down even with some hamfisted use. It doesn't feel 'cheap' or poorly made but quite solid and robust. Obviously not when compared to an industrial machine but I like most folk, would have little call for that.

[FLV]

Bought one. It should arrive tomorrow.

First job, shorten some fox shorts that are a little too enduro.

Additional bonus, the wife thinks I'm losing my marbles.

[Cheeky Monkey]

Additional bonus, the wife thinks I'm losing my marbles.

Start calling it a "thread injector" and see what she thinks then

[ledburner]

How did you get on with your 'thread Injector'?

[ledburner]

How did you get on with your 'thread injector?

[FLV]

How did you get on with your 'thread injector?

Really well. Been injecting threads left right and centre

I got a Singer Tradition 2250NT, the price seems to have gone up recently but I paid £120 I think.

So far, I've mended loads of cycle kit (mainly Kalf shorts )
Made 2 small frame bags, a pencil case, a padded frame wrap that velcro's in place for the roof rack and a frame mounted pole bag.

I like it.

[ledburner]

Great, you're getting lots use from it. you can now add Thread Injection Technician on your C.V.!

[FLV]

Great, you're getting lots use from it. you can now add Thread Injection Technician on your C.V.!

I prefer the term Thread Injection Officer.

[ledburner]

Haha
, All the gung-ho, bug hunting out survivial guys on the hammock forum (into MYOG Tarps etc). The self appointed macho 'Thread Injection Technicians' have just made a T!T of themselves... 'Cause it cissy to sew...

[ledburner]

Sewing tips for T!Ts or TIOs.
#1 It's tempting to increase the top tension to ideally get a balanced stitch. Where its top & bottom threads cross is inside the fabric stitch hole. Also consider loosening the bottom tension.
Following a conversation with a retired industrial sewing machine about increasing tensions he said "... for durability, alway go with the loosest tensions you can getaway with."
This is especially noticeable on light fabrics .
Eg silnylon Tarps. It shows up as wrinkling and threads will snap when the seam is tensioned.
#2 Always lock the seam by starting an finishing seam by several stitches in reverse.
If starting is problematic, start 10-15 mm forward. Start the first stich by hand leave the needle down. Raise the press foot. Rotate the work ½turn/ 180°, lower the presser foot. slowly sew to the end. Rotate the work as before and sew slowly until it is established under the presser foot feeding normally.
To sew slowly you may need to assist turning the hand wheel...
#3 Always use sharp needle, needles are cheap vs the cost of a machine repair/ replacement..