Sewing machine thread

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I have this one, and every time I use it I bless my sweet mother for taking it with her from her family home. The seams are beautifully mechanical, and the feeling of sewing with it is the best.

Which do you prefer, electrical or mechanical machines and why? I'm getting a new machine soon and I'm not sure if I should get an electrical one.

>>8923130
I mean electronic or computerized, sorry English isn't my first language.

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My parents' gift for my 20th birthday. It's a fragile little thing, but I love it. I might end up buying a good old mechanical for tougher tasks though, my friend has a Singer that sews through pleather like a breeze.

>>8923130
I prefer machine over computer because if something goes wrong, it's generally easier to fix. Or at least cheaper if you take it in to fix. With a computerized machine, there's a number of things that could be wrong, and if it's an electronic problem, it's harder to fix at home, if at all.
But then again I've worked with old machines most jobs I had, so I'm biased.

>>8923133
So far I am liking my computerized machine. I've had her for 3 years and she's been wonderful at getting stitches exactly how I programmed them to be.

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I have the Singer HD 5532 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine. I got it 3 years ago for Christmas and its been a solid machine. I've made 5 cosplays on it plus other alterations and crafting projects and sewed through everything I've thrown at it (including my finger one time...)

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Berninas are the absolute best. I'm so in love. Used to use a 1008 but now I have been using a 215 and I will never go back if I can help it.
>>8923147
oh my god I used one of those once they are beaaauuutifullll
>>8923204
3 years? good I guess. I've never used one of those that hasn't broken for dumb reasons
>>8923130
I prefer mechanical because they're easier to fix but

>>8923204
I have the same machine, and I've never had a problem. I've had it for about 5 years. Aside from changing out needles, been great to me.

>>8922317
Kickin it old school.

>>8923420
Love berninas!! I have a cheapo brother right now but I've been eyeballing a 580 for a while now. I work at a bernina dealership if anyone's got questions about them

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>>8923443
>Aside from changing out needles, been great to me.

Go on amazon and buy yourself a bundle of needles for your machine. Choose a common size like 80/12 or 70/10 which sews a lot of things. It's like $11 for 100 needles.

Change your needle out every 2 or 3 projects. You'll be easier on your machine because sharp needles sew better and you'll avoid skipped stitches that old needles cause sometimes.

>>8923130
I prefer computerized. There are pluses and minuses to both. It's really personal preference.

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I have 2 overlock machines now. The 1034D is what I've had this whole time & has all the extra features. The Simplicity one what inherited. It runs like a dream & is a little easier to thread. But it doesn't have as many features.

My main machine is the DZ3000, which has been good to me. it has a ton of stitch features which I really haven't taken advantage of.

>>8923813
Bless the 1034D. Such a great machine for such a cheap price.

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Singer 401a built into a table.

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It is basic and I got it for only 50 bucks used. It is still fast, I love it and it is mine. Bought it 4 years ago.

It took me a while to look for a cheap unit that had a vertical thread spool holder and a vertical bobbin plate.

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>>8923813
I got my first serger not that long ago. I was originally going to get a 1034D. Then I saw Wal-Mart had the 1634D and decided to give it a try.

It was a bit intimidating at first but once I got used to it, it's pretty nice to have a server. Thankfully the inside of the machine waslabeled pretty well and the book made it fairly easy to figure out how to thread.

My regular sewing machine is a huskystar e20. It's in storage atm but my MIL lets me use her singer.

>>8923825
For real, it's been a champ.

>>8926829
Learning to thread a new machine is always intimidating. My Simplicity was slightly different from my brother, and if you miss one part is can fuck up the whole thing.

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Upgraded from top to bottom recently but even more recently just got a Heavy Duty Singer 4423

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Mine is a Pfaff smarter 130s, I just got it recently. I love it, it's pretty basic but it has all the features that I need (still a beginner), and it's fast, silent, sturdy and easy to use. The color is pretty cute too!

>>8928316
Whats the make/model of the top one?
Its so0o0oo adorable im drooling i wanna buy!

>>8928802
Those tiny ones aren't worth the money, in my experience. They were item of the month at a store I worked at and they got pulled after a week because so many of them came back.

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its a white 999, pic from google. shes not kawaii but shes a heavy metal fucker and has never let me down - minimal maintenance

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I found a Singer Tiny Serger at Goodwill for $8, seems like everything's there and as far as I can tell, it works. I want a real serger so bad, but it's not in the budget at the moment. I figured for 8 bucks it wasn't a bad deal at all, just need to take the time to figure out how to use it properly..

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There's no material this fucker can't pierce. Alfa is goat. If any Spanish anon is reading this. Get it. There's a more complete version (purple) and a simpler one (mint), but i have this one, t'he pink one, and I love it.

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I have a Kenmore 385 from 2003 that my mother gave me when I started sewing.
I'm always so proud of her when I sew through huge layers without a problem.

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singer serenade. my first sewing machine and it still does it's job after about 3 years or so. aprox 100 euros and can sew quite thick material. also have a serger from singer.

>>8928802
http://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/mini-sewing-machine/569220-1000
Not worth it desu, it can only do very very basic stitches

>>8922317
I'm so jelly. Every time I bring up a new project my dad tells me about my granny's old machine. She was a seamstress but lost all her papers in the war. And when her husband bought her a new machine she told him to take it back. She used her first machine as long as she sewed. Bums me out that I started sewing after she died.

Back in topic. I use a Brother XL-2220. I've had it a few years now and it's a great machine. But I'm considering an upgrade.

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>>8923204
Have had mine for almost a year now. I sew heavy fur material and have put at least 300 hour on it.

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I-i should probably clean my machine again, it was stored in the basement awhile

I recently got this vintage machine that's built into a wooden table. Its a brother, and I'm honestly so lost on how it works

>>8932712
It didn't come with any needles, and I have no idea what model of brother it is. So I'm not sure what size I need

>>8923813
>>8923825
I'm eyeing it right now. I sew a lot of lycra and fur and I'm considering a serger, my machine does the trick but I've heard an over locker is great for stretch knits.

Is it worth getting? Oh and can I use it for applique on stretch knits. I usually cosplay capes so there's a lot of that.

>>8932885
It's worth it for seeing stretch knits & spandex. It's also worthy having for finishing your garments. You can make Ruffles with it too.

As far as I know You can't use it for appliqué. However here's a nice tutorial for stretch appliqué http://crashcult.blogspot.com/2011/01/costuming-stretch-applique-tutorial.html?m=1

>>8922317
I have the exact same one, I adore it

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Husqvarna Viking, cannot recommend this enough!

Does anyone have a good recommendation for an embroidery machine? Hoping for one under $500.

>>8936852

You beat me to it anon, I'm looking into my first embroidery machine as well. Here's what I've found:

Brother PE 525 is $300 on Amazon and has good reviews. Con: limited to a 4inch by 4 inch embroidery area.

Brother PE 770 is $590 on Amazon, seems like the most recommended starter machine. Comes with 8 by 5 inch embroidery area and you can buy additional, larger hoops.

I'm leaning towards the 770 myself. I mostly want to embroider plushie eyes, but I love Urban Threads designs as well. Any other gulls have recommendations?

>>8937401
Oh thanks anon! That's actually what I also want to use one for...haha! I've personally heard that the Brother LB 6800 is also good, but limited to the 4x4 as well.

>>8937430
No problem! If you have a Joann's near you, they might have some floor models for you to look at. You can also look up sewing shops in your area.

The LB 6800 is both an embroidery and a sewing machine, so if you need a sewing machine as well, I'd pick that over the two machines I listed, which only do embroidery. I already have a sewing machine, so I decided to go for just the embroidery machine.

>>8937435
Oh thanks for that information! I already have a Brother sewing machine so really no need for a second. There's both a Joanns and a Hancocks nearby so I may spend a day checking out options. If you make a purchase anytime soon please followup with a review!

>>8937440
Will do, anon! Good luck to you, too!

>>8932477
Ahh that's my baby too

>>8926791
I have the exact same one.
Parents bought it for me for xmas years ago. Still going strong.

Looking at all these babies is making me realize how much I need a new sewing machine.

>>8928187
Lol wha?

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I just bought this 1940 Singer 66-18 today for $40. Came with accessories and the original manual, only missing the thread spool pin as far as I can tell. I've only tried out a quick test stitch and while it probably needs some oiling it ran great.

Speaking of sewing machines. Any idea what the average cost to get a tuneup on a machine? I should really get maintenance done on my machine when I get it out of storage. It runs okay but hasn't had a tune up in years.

>>8939255
I just need a machine, period. Can't keep mooching off my friend.

What's a good sewing machine for a super noob, gulls?

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>>8939605
I've been using my MIL's Singer Simple 3221 machine. I honestly really haven't had any problems with it, and it's not terribly priced.

>>8926791
I have the same machine. It's served faithfully for the past 10 years, and I'm not gentle on it either. You can do half-assed embroidery stitches and it's wonderful on spandex.

I'm looking to hopefully get my first machine soon, and I want some advice. What are the 'good' machines? It seems like each 'big name' brand produces shit machines now from how people complain about Brother, Singer etc. Are there any good new ones, besides going super vintage? I'd ideally want a machine that can do a bit of everything so once I get to a past-beginner level I don't have to buy another right away. Is there a certain brand that puts out really nice machines that'll last, or is my only option to look for older models? I'd like if one doesn't cost an arm and a leg, but I'm open to suggestions and would rather save for a nice one that'll last instead of buying a cheap-o one to have it break or constantly need repairs. I'm interested in eventually starting cosplaying and also 1490s/1790s/1860s clothes too, if that hopefully gives a bit of indication how 'tough' it needs to be.
>What is your longest lasting machine? All-time favorite? Most hated?

>>8939639
I've been thinking of getting this one. It's p cheap, and it seems like people like it.

http://amzn.com/B00VV4ZWBQ

>>8939976
Quality tends to mean solidness of construction, and ability to sew through thick layers of fabric like denim, bag handles, and thick quilts. If you aren't doing those, a cheaper machine will probably work fine.

My mother swears by Phaff. Look at the Passport 2 for their entry models.

I myself have a Bernina 430 that is a seriously awesome machine. Berninas are expensive as fuck, though.

Other brands: Babylock is famous for servers. More expensive Brothers are good. Husqivarna Viking are solid medium high tier.

>>8936848
I used to have that machine! It was my first, my aunty was getting rid of it but it was close to death when I had it; one day it ended up blowing up in smoke but I loved it when it was alive.

Your stickers are so cute!

>>8922261
Ah I have that same one. I remember my parents bought it for me like in middle school in the height of my weeb phase

>>8939976
You get what you pay for when it comes to sewing machines, at least in my experience. If you buy a singer that costs 80 bucks new, it's gonna be a piece of plastic shit even if the brand itself does make quality machines as well. So yeah you should save up a bit and invest in a higher-end sewing machine that will last you for years.
I would personally recommend Pfaff as well but I feel like each brand has good and bad machines, a brand name in itself does not guarantee quality.

>>8922261
>>8922261
What sewing machine should I cop that isnt like 300-400+ ??

I want to offer to my mom in her birthday and also learn how to tailor my own shit
where to cop machine and where to learn?

i googled and it seems the Brother CS6000i is the best bet but cant seem to find a place to get it

>>8940755
>>8940755
forgot to mention

I want it to simply tailor my clothes, like pants and shirts

>>8939976
>>8940135
If you want to get a Bernina or Pfaff but avoid spending more than 500 on it, maybe look into getting a Pfaff Smarter or Bernette. They're not produced by Pfaff and Bernina themselves afaik but they still kind of belong to the brands and apparently they're decent - definitely good for beginners (if you like computerized machines).
I'm getting a Bernette sew&go 8 for my birthday.

Thinking about buying an overlock machine,

is it worth it?
Any good ones to recommend?

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>>8937440
Bought the 770, anon! Works great so far, except for the automatic needle threader. Easy to thread by hand, though. Will post pics of embroidered eyes when done.

>>8942512
That's awesome thanks! Did it come with a program to convert files or did you have that shape already built in?
Apparently all Hancocks are closing down and they have the Brother HE1 for a good price. I'm going to go see if my store has one in the morning.

>>8940755
I got a basic Janome for simple cosplay sewing, fitting my clothes and shortening my pants - there's no use getting a $400 machine over a $150 machine just for that

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>>8942522
Thanks! Bought this shape pattern online, put it on a usb stick and plugged it in. The machine did not come with any software, although I've heard there's Thred for free embroidery software.

Here's a closeup of the finished eye. I'm really happy with it! One thing I'd caution is to use a high quality thread. I used Madeira Rayon and I had 3 breakages while embroidering. Easy to rethread, though. Oh, and use tons of stabilizer or the bottom bobbin thread will show on the top. Good luck with getting your machine!

>>8942512
Very Nice!

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I just ordered a cheap sewing machine online but went antique shopping today and found this machine. It's either a Singer 99 or a 99k, I'm not well versed on the differences between them or how to tell them apart. The lady selling it wasn't in but wrote that it does work but I couldn't test it out at the time, and it's selling for $225. Would it be worth that much, or would I be better off sticking with the one I bought yesterday, a basic Singer 1304?

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>>8943359
>and it's selling for $225. Would it be worth that much,

I checked current ebay listings and price ranges from 175-225. So ask the seller if she could lower it just a bit, eg:
>lower your price and i'll also buy your other stuff blablabla...

typical haggling techniques

>>8924978
Hey, we have the same rig! Awesome machine, learned how to sew on one that was passed down from my great grandmother.

You do know that they can be removed from the table right? Why anyone would want to for anything but cleaning is beyond me though.

>>8943808
Hm, I think it wouldn't be worth it to haggle with her unless I could get it under $150. The $175 on ebay comes with way more and looks to be in way better condition, so I'd be getting more for my money with that one.
Thank you for the help!

>>8940078
Wouldn't expect it to last a year though. Don't expect a good machine for less than $150.

>>8945562
What's the big difference between that machine and, say, this one, which was recommended earlier?

http://amzn.com/B0085SRIC2

>>8922317
I have one like that! it's been in my family for like 100 years!