SewExtremeSeams

At the risk of asking a dumb question or for a clarafication, I would like to ask what the difference is between high shank and low shank? I have Singers 301A, FW, 15-91, 66, 99, a Bernina 830 (of the 1975 era) and a Bernina Artista 200. I also have a Vintqage Necchi made in Italy but don't have that model info handy at the moment. I have other machines but am hoping that at least two of those machines have different shanks so I can visually compare their differences.

I like the site you gave for the darning foot/FMQ foot and would like to get one... but the right one.

Right now I do FMQ on my Bernina 830. And, plan to do FMQ wtih my 301A. Well, probably will bring my 15-91 into this scene also.

Thanks. :oops: :shock: :-D

emmah

The "high" or "low" shank is based on length of the the presser foot leg part. If you lower the presser foot lever and measure the distance between the screw hole and the plate of the machine bed, the "low shank" machine distance is closer to the plate. Most low shank attachments will fit a low shank machine. (No matter what brand)

SewExtremeSeams

The "high" or "low" shank is based on length of the the presser foot leg part. If you lower the presser foot lever and measure the distance between the screw hole and the plate of the machine bed, the "low shank" machine distance is closer to the plate. Most low shank attachments will fit a low shank machine. (No matter what brand)[/quote]

Thank you so much. I will pack that info away in my brain.

:-D

Phyllis nm

yes both are the same, i think shoe patch is all they ever were.it is 28" wide not very tall till i put rollers on it. it head can be removed and sit on any table and use the hand crank. or you can use the treadle like i do. it will sew any direction, there is a round plate above the needle with 2 ears on it. that is how you direct your feed. [ it will pinch a blood blister fast if you put your hand above it].there are no dog feeds on it. it takes very small bobbin. i added a wooden plate to the back to mount my lights to. and two different versions of table tops when i need them. this arm is 12" deep and 1" wide at the needle, they make longer ones. i am new and on page 385, so i jump back and forth to read. most of my machines are commerical. i did free hand chain stitch emb & chenille for years. and as you can tell i type one handed.
thanks for your help.

irishrose

Sew Extreme, this might help. http://www.clotilde.com/pages/which_foot.html

Once you FMQ with the 301, you won't go back. The bobbin sitting vertically feeds with no turns, so there are fewer chances for 'birdnests' on the back. I bought my quilting foot from April1930s shop.

Chergram, April and her husband specialize in FWs. Sew Classic has parts available, too.

Crossstitcher

Yes there are quite a few attachments for the 221. If you can get a hold of a manual it will show you all the different ones and how to use them.
You can go on ismacs.com and download a manual for free if you don't happen to have one.

lovelyl

If you go to The Sew Box's web site and scroll all the way to the bottom of the first page, you will find a link to a pdf file on determining your shank size:
http://www.thesewbox.com

SewExtremeSeams

Thank you IrishRose and Linda Lovely. Both sites that you suggested were just what I needed Visually. Plus, Clotilde's site gave a pretty complete listing of all the sewing machine models and what their shank sizes are. It will be a frequently reference point for me "if" I acquire any more machines. LOL Thank you both again! :-D :-D

Weedwoman

I saw on thesewbox.com she sells a darning spring. Anybody ever ordered one of these just for the heck of it?

miriam

Ha! Only $4. (I looked it up.) If it is anything like the doohinky I have it would be a blast to play with.

It looks like if it didn't work out on the sewing machine it might make a cool earring.