Comments on: Industrial sewing machines

By: Brina

Brina — Sat, 26 May 2012 00:48:24 +0000

I’d call the Sailrites either a hybrid or a true heavy-duty domestic.

By: Brina

Brina — Sat, 26 May 2012 00:45:47 +0000

No, Alison, they are industrials (see below). The Pfaff models I mention were and are often in factories, set-up to do a particular process, say binding or cording.

The only machines I would consider semi-industrial are machines like the Bernina 950, which have a number of stitches you can choose from, use regular Bernina feet but is set up in a stand with an industrial motor. I’ve seen these advertized as both commercial and industrial.

In my experience the term “commercial” is synonymous with industrial. Anyone advertizing “industrial strength” or “heavy duty” machines is trying to sell a tricked out domestic machine as something it is not. It may sew through cans or 12 layers of denim, but really should not have a study diet of that kind of work. Machines may be marketed for the “spectrum between industrial and factory use” but basically there are domestic machines and industrials and the sort of hybrid-creatures I call semi-industrials above. Industrials are build to take the kind of use they would have in a factory–running 8 or more hours a day, 5 or more days a week. Even if you only use them to alter clothing at a dry cleaners, they are still industrials. Now if it’s a crappy industrial, that another thing entirely. And also some people use domestics for commercial purposes, like small sewn manufacturing concerns. But the machines are what they are.

By: Alison Cummins

Alison Cummins — Fri, 25 May 2012 15:48:25 +0000

Brina,
Would those be what are referred to as “commercial” machines, on the spectrum between domestic and factory use?

By: Brina

Brina — Thu, 24 May 2012 03:32:01 +0000

LizziD,
There are any number of industrials that do both straight and zigzag. One example is a Pfaff 118. Most of these machines are sold as artisan machines or marketed to tailors or alteration rooms. But they are bonafide industrials. For the most part though these machines are not made for heavy or Xtra thick materials–so hard to say if they would work for your projects/materials. The Pfaff 438–although an older machine– is made for heavier materials and still does both zig and SS.

Sailrite and some other companies make portable machines that are supposed to be comparable to industrials–I’ve not tried these machines and don’t remember right off the top if they both zig and SS.

Motors, you decide on whether you want a servo–quieter or clutch.
You can try some of the Yahoo sewing groups for more info on industrials.

Good luck.

By: LizziD

LizziD — Wed, 23 May 2012 18:03:12 +0000

Thank you so much Kathleen. Just getting started on my research, this has helped! And thanks for the link, going there now. :)

By: Kathleen

Kathleen — Wed, 23 May 2012 13:09:31 +0000

An industrial won't do both a zig zag and straight stitch, only one or the other. An industrial also isn't portable. You can do research at PatternReview on the home machines.

By: LizziD

LizziD — Tue, 22 May 2012 23:59:20 +0000

Ladies (and gents?), HELP! Just come into a bit of money & desperate to invest in a decent machine! I’ve killed so many domestic machines running them hard, I’m SICK of the darn things!!! I make a lot of craft/art/textile pieces. I want something that has a solid motor, quietish, must be able to straight stitch & zig zag, need variable stitch length and a high raise on the pressure foot (I work with faux furs, thick fabrics & quilting). Sick of not being able to even get my quilting under the pressure foot of a domestic machine! Portable too if possible. Can anyone help, or suggest a good place to research? Be very, very grateful. Many thanks XX

By: Joelle Hodson

Joelle Hodson — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 04:59:20 +0000

Yet another thing to add to my to-do list: research machine purchase. I’m starting to sew more knits which makes the list of potential machines longer. I’ve used a large industrial coverstitch machine at work (alteration shop) and found it to be a very picky machine. I’d like to have one that’s easy to use but is reasonably priced.

By: Donna

Donna — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 15:59:10 +0000

My first introduction to industrial machines was total intimidation. Once I got past that I bought a Mitsubishi at the recommendation of the shop that serviced the schools machines. Later I picked up a used Remoldi overlock and can’t imagine sewing without either machine. I also have a blind hem machine. I recently purchased the Janome Horizon to replace my old Janome. I do need all these machines and the the Horizon is the first home sewing machine that really got everything right for a home machine. And just for fun I have an Elna Lotus to take to classes. I can even put it in a suit case.

By: Autumn

Autumn — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 04:00:57 +0000

i recently purchased a juki industrial serger, mo 3616, 5 thread, i love it! though i cant for the life of me figure out how to thread it so it can perform 4 thread overlock. my manual dont show me how either but i was watching a youtube video about the machine and the video showed this machine is capable of 3/4/5 thread..help..anyone?