How well do featherweight machines handle layers?
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Philomath, Oregon
Posts: 2,076
How well do featherweight machines handle layers?
I only currently have one machine and it’s a big embroidery machine combo. I love it but there are two things it’s not good at; thick layers and traveling.im looking at getting a second machine that i can take to classes and use on thick seems (I like to make bags) how do featherweights do with thick layers? Any recommendations for machines that would fit the bill?
#2
Banned
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Victorian Sweatshop Forum
Posts: 4,096
I think my FW would be the last machine I would choose for making bags. It is a tough, stout little machine but with a .4 amp motor on such a small machine it just doesn't have the power you need. Some of the bags I make have thick seams that my powerful vintage Japanese machines sometimes have trouble with.
Cari
Cari
#3
Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: New Hampshire, USA
Posts: 94
I am in exactly the same boat...big combo Brother machine, and the desire to take classes. My combo machine is great at thick seams, but it is a heavy critter, and even with a rolling tote it is a bit much to haul around. I set out to find a smaller one made by the same manufacturer, in the belief that they would be somewhat similar to operate, but even more importantly will share feet.
Two days ago I found a smaller Brother machine on Craig'sList. Using an electrical inverter, I was able to test the general function of the machine in the parking lot where the seller and I met up. But I have been too busy since then to test the feet theory. Keeping my fingers crossed. Also hoping it handles thick seams! But I paid very little for it, so it won't be a great loss if not.
So, my suggestion is to find a smaller version of what you already have.....
Two days ago I found a smaller Brother machine on Craig'sList. Using an electrical inverter, I was able to test the general function of the machine in the parking lot where the seller and I met up. But I have been too busy since then to test the feet theory. Keeping my fingers crossed. Also hoping it handles thick seams! But I paid very little for it, so it won't be a great loss if not.
So, my suggestion is to find a smaller version of what you already have.....
#4
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Philomath, Oregon
Posts: 2,076
I think my FW would be the last machine I would choose for making bags. It is a tough, stout little machine but with a .4 amp motor on such a small machine it just doesn't have the power you need. Some of the bags I make have thick seams that my powerful vintage Japanese machines sometimes have trouble with.
Cari
Cari
I am in exactly the same boat...big combo Brother machine, and the desire to take classes. My combo machine is great at thick seams, but it is a heavy critter, and even with a rolling tote it is a bit much to haul around. I set out to find a smaller one made by the same manufacturer, in the belief that they would be somewhat similar to operate, but even more importantly will share feet.
Two days ago I found a smaller Brother machine on Craig'sList. Using an electrical inverter, I was able to test the general function of the machine in the parking lot where the seller and I met up. But I have been too busy since then to test the feet theory. Keeping my fingers crossed. Also hoping it handles thick seams! But I paid very little for it, so it won't be a great loss if not.
So, my suggestion is to find a smaller version of what you already have.....
Two days ago I found a smaller Brother machine on Craig'sList. Using an electrical inverter, I was able to test the general function of the machine in the parking lot where the seller and I met up. But I have been too busy since then to test the feet theory. Keeping my fingers crossed. Also hoping it handles thick seams! But I paid very little for it, so it won't be a great loss if not.
So, my suggestion is to find a smaller version of what you already have.....
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Illinois
Posts: 9,018
I have a babylock that is supposed to accept thick seams-using the foot with the little black button on the side---- sometimes it works, sometimes NOT! And if I'm doing piecing, I have to remove the piecing foot and fiddle with the 1/4" seam - my old Viking takes whatever I give it, no prob...and my long gone singer touch N sew would sew over a railroad tie if I asked it to. I really think these new machine are way too touchy......or maybe it's just the brand I have,,,,thinking of replacing.........
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Davenport, Iowa
Posts: 3,907
Look fr one of the older smaller Janome machines. I have one that must be over 20 years old called "Harmony" that was made for Sears back then. It's a little work horse. Also own the Janome 1600P and MC6500P.
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Florida
Posts: 5,973
I think you are on the right track looking for a vintage machine that is all metal no plastic. But I don't think the featherweight is the one for the thick seams. Yes, it will probably do it. But it won't like it. At least mine wouldn't.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
J Miller
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
29
09-30-2016 12:38 AM
foufymaus
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
7
10-29-2013 11:06 AM
SingerSewer
Main
10
06-22-2013 06:24 AM
EmiliasNana
Pictures
25
01-10-2013 09:06 PM