Recommendations for Quiet, Quality, Small Simple Machine???
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: in the sticks of PA
Posts: 2,310
I just love the sound of my 401A, very quiet and has many stitches even without using the cams. When you do use the cams it gives you a few more, only problem is that it is not a lightweight unlike my 301A which only weighs about 16 pounds great for FMQ but no zigzag stitch. Absolutely beautiful straight stitch on both of them.
#16
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,783
Instead of a Featherweight, I bought the Kenmore equivalent, which is the Model 1040, because it also does zigzag stitches. It weighs 20 lbs. inside the lovely rose embossed case, isn't super quiet, but not really noisy either. I'd say it's just average on a noise scale. But the motor is stronger than that of a Featherweight, too. It's an all metal, no frills workhorse, easy to self oil and maintain.
#17
I have a Juki 2010Q that I use 90% of the time for piecing but I occasionally need a zig zag stitch. Can anyone recommend something small and lightweight that's quiet and has just a few different stitches, including stitch length and width adjustments? I'd prefer a non-computerized machine; something that's intuitive to use and of good quality. I was looking at the Juki HZL 27/29Zs, but another member (thank you!) told me theirs was a good machine but loud - so I'm still looking.
TIA,
DebD800
TIA,
DebD800
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Michigan
Posts: 402
The most quiet delightful machine I have ever sewn on is a Featherweight. They can do the zig zags if you have the attachment but are set up as a straight stitch machine. I even have a 1/4" foot. The cost can be low (usually under $300 and sometimes only $100 or less) if you are willing to clean your own machine.
After my second back surgery I have a weight limit of 25# for the rest of my life--which I plan to be another 20-25 years! So I could take my own machine to classes I purchased a Singer Featherweight. Actually I bought three (a 1950 and two 1948's). I love them all. Since they are mechanical I can do all the maintenance on my own.
Just the other day I was piecing on my Viking Diamond and with every single patch I would think, "I wish I were sewing on my Featherweight". After about 6 pieces I realized all I had to do was set this little 11 pound beauty on the table and sew. They are simply a Joy! It is much quieter and smoother than the expensive machines by far.
Grammahunt
After my second back surgery I have a weight limit of 25# for the rest of my life--which I plan to be another 20-25 years! So I could take my own machine to classes I purchased a Singer Featherweight. Actually I bought three (a 1950 and two 1948's). I love them all. Since they are mechanical I can do all the maintenance on my own.
Just the other day I was piecing on my Viking Diamond and with every single patch I would think, "I wish I were sewing on my Featherweight". After about 6 pieces I realized all I had to do was set this little 11 pound beauty on the table and sew. They are simply a Joy! It is much quieter and smoother than the expensive machines by far.
Grammahunt
#19
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 15,506
Instead of a Featherweight, I bought the Kenmore equivalent, which is the Model 1040, because it also does zigzag stitches. It weighs 20 lbs. inside the lovely rose embossed case, isn't super quiet, but not really noisy either. I'd say it's just average on a noise scale. But the motor is stronger than that of a Featherweight, too. It's an all metal, no frills workhorse, easy to self oil and maintain.
#20
I had this thought in mind last year when I went into a sewing machine store and asked for Quiet, Zig Zag, and Light--bought a Janome Sewist, and used it one time, then set it aside because I am so enamored with the work of my old Singers (FW, and 201, used almost daily); then last month decided I would give my Janome a "fair try" and attempted to do some piecing with it. Never again. It was so noisy that it gave me a headache. I figure because I have left it sitting for all these lonely months. It will be given to a grand kid for a birthday or Christmas soon--maybe a little too expensive for such ($350); but I won't be using it again, so I might as well. Beautiful stitches, nice wide zig zag if I wanted it, easily figured out 1/4" seam, no eating the beginning and ending pieces; just sayin'......
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
DebQuilter50
Main
72
01-18-2021 07:22 AM
Ward
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
9
09-25-2016 01:18 PM