Sewing machines for rookies

[sickles107]

I inherited the unfortunate disease of making and fixing things myself if at all possible. Welding, wood working, electronics, mechanics, etc..

While these are handy skills to have, those that know, you usually end up spending much more time and money than you would if you just paid someone or bought something, and moved on with your life. Though there is something to be said about bringing your own ideas to life and maintaining self sufficientcy and craftsmanship.

Regardless, I have decided to add sewing to the mix, to bring some hunting gear soft goods ideas to life. Woulf be mostly working with 500d cordura and molle webbing.

For the experts, would i be on the right track to buy a machine like this and have at it to start learning?

SINGER® Heavy Duty 4411 Mechanical Sewing Machine | Michaels

Find the SINGER® Heavy Duty 4411 Mechanical Sewing Machine at Michaels. The 69 Stitch Applications include basic, stretch, and decorative sewing techniques, perfect for all types of fabrics.

www.michaels.com

 

[rabbithuntr]

Wife is talking about getting a new one I wouldn’t mind if it could handle some heavy duty materials.
@pods8 (Rugged Stitching)

 

[WoodBow]

I suffer from the same disease.

I have been sewing for about a decade. I have even made complete pack frame systems. I remember sucking at it but finding guys online making pro level stuff and I was like ok if they can do it, I can do it. And I was right.

My advice is do not buy that thing. It is anything but heavy duty. Shop around on fb marketplace and goodwills. You can get an old all metal machine for $50 or less. If you are OK will spending a few hundred bucks, shop around for an old industrial machine. You'll buy one eventually anyways if you take to it. I have gotten 3 industrial machines for free so far. You just have to search. Im no expert but you can even text me to ask about machines you come across. 9032757238. Being able to work on stuff really broadens the possibilities with getting good deals on machines. I will add a couple.of pics of the most recent one I got for free. And a pic of it restored.



I have a vintage domestic machine that I will give you if you are near me. Im in east texas.

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[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

Wife is talking about getting a new one I wouldn’t mind if it could handle some heavy duty materials.
@pods8 (Rugged Stitching)

If you want a machine that can do decent on some layers and have some other stitch options go to goodwill type stores and look for old metal gear machines. Like a tan kenmore from 60-70s for example.

If you want to step up your game on thicker materials most of the industrial type machines are one trick ponies. IE straight stitch walking foot for example you can adjust stitch length, tension, go forward and backwards, that’s about it. But that also covers many needs just fine. Juki is the brand name in that realm with many clones, I happen to have a kingmax.

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

A machine like that would be handy for repairs to reach into some areas a table machine just can’t do. Have you mounted up a motor on it yet?

 

[WoodBow]

A machine like that would be handy for repairs to reach into some areas a table machine just can’t do. Have you mounted up a motor on it yet?

Yep. It came on a table with a clutch motor. I put a servo in it to play with. There is a thread about the machine here on this page. I picked it up to use for stuff I can't do with a flat bed. But turns out it only has 3 stitch length options and all are very fine. So im deciding whether i should sell it or make the mods to extend the stich lengths. I saw the same machine sell on a leather forum for $800. On the same forum I saw someone make a new gear to double all of the stitch length options.

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