Question about sewing machine....
#1
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Hi everyone,
My Sister in law asked me what is the best kind of sewing machine she could get for around $175-$375 that could do every day mending and she wants to start making her Granddaughter some clothes, however, today she asked what is the best kind to hem jeans with. For some reason I'm just not able to give her an honest opinion. Could some of you help me out here.
What is your opinion and experience, I have used my Elna for hemming jeans with, but my machine is pretty heavy duty and I usually use a# 18 needle for jeans.
My Sister in law asked me what is the best kind of sewing machine she could get for around $175-$375 that could do every day mending and she wants to start making her Granddaughter some clothes, however, today she asked what is the best kind to hem jeans with. For some reason I'm just not able to give her an honest opinion. Could some of you help me out here.
What is your opinion and experience, I have used my Elna for hemming jeans with, but my machine is pretty heavy duty and I usually use a# 18 needle for jeans.
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Arizona
Posts: 1,134
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A lot depends on how fancy your SIL wants to get with her granddaughter's clothing. An older machine like a Singer 201, Pfaff 30, Necchi BU, or one of the vintage Japanese machines will probably cope better with the jeans than most of the modern machines.
However, your SIL should be able to find one of these older machines for under $100, which would leave her with money to buy a modern machine as well, if she would like to have some decorative stitches and automated button-holes etc.
However, your SIL should be able to find one of these older machines for under $100, which would leave her with money to buy a modern machine as well, if she would like to have some decorative stitches and automated button-holes etc.
#4
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I completely agree with akrogirl about most older machines handling denim better than the newer ones, however, if she really wants to purchase a new machine, check out Janomes - from a dealer not Hancocks. They are really powerful. The #1 dealer in the country for Janome (according to Janome not just me!) is Ken's Sewing Center in Muscle Shoals. They ship nationwide and have wonderful deals. They are also really good about not recommending something you don't need just to have you buy a more expensive machine. I think the phone number is 1-877-kenssew but you can find it on the web.
#5
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I love my simple Janome. I think to start out with, one of the "lower" end machines would be good for her. Something with a couple of different stitches. She can also get a universal foot that will be kinda like a serger for the Janomes. I have one actually. got it from my hubby's grandma. I got my Janome used for 100 and it works great. I also have a singer. If she is not a sewer or has never really sewn before I would suggest something on the "cheap" side that way if she doesn't like sewing, (hehe) she will not have put too much money into this. She can always up-grade as she gets more comfortable with sewing and wants to do more than straight stitches.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Currently Mosquito (which is outside of Placerville) California
Posts: 752
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Janome. Love mine. It made me love sewing again...when a bad machine had once upon a time taken ALL the joy away. So, while I understand sahm4605's view, I also know that a bad machine can destroy a person's desire to learn and explore.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Currently Mosquito (which is outside of Placerville) California
Posts: 752
#10
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Originally Posted by MadQuilter
For heavy seams you can always use a seam buster or a thing-a-ma-jig. It is used to adjust the pressure foot height BEFORE and AFTER the thick seam.
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