Comments on: Industrial sewing machines

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?

By: Kathleen

Kathleen — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 13:56:03 +0000

Pattern Review is a better resource for getting help with home machines. My Adler (which runs on regular household current) draws a bit over 5 amps at top speed. By comparison, my household vacuum cleaner uses 12 amps. The only thing that trips a breaker in my 100+ year old house is the dryer.

By: Annie Kim

Annie Kim — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 07:19:58 +0000

I am a home sewer looking for my first serger. I work mainly with lightweight knits.

I would love to get an industrial machine for the handling and reliability…. I am concerned that this very old house that I live in won’t be able to handle the electrical requirements of an industrial.

I’ve heard only very good reviews of the Brother 1034D, which Walmart sells for $200. I don’t know how well it works with lightweight knits.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

By: Dorothy in Arizona

Dorothy in Arizona — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 03:50:29 +0000

I have a Yamata walking foot industrial and it is so loud I almost need to wear ear protection. It sews great – is just so loud.) I also have another regular industrial sewing machine (not a walking foot) and it sews like a dream.

By: jane

jane — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:13:34 +0000

Hi Jennifer — I’m like you. Recently bought an old Pfaff 145 that I know is good for heavy canvas, but i havn’t sewn anything light weight with it. How has your experience been? I plan to give it a try anyway, but I’d love to hear any suggestions you might have.

Jane in Seattle

By: sfriedberg

sfriedberg — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:31:41 +0000

Pam, eBay prices are currently running $1,000-1,200 for new machines, and that seems consistent with a couple of trade websites I checked. I see one used on eBay $700, which would be a respectable price. Used at $500 would be a rock bottom price.

I should add, my pricecheck wasn’t restricted to the -2 model. A lot of the ones I ran across are -4 or -5 models. Don’t know how much of a difference there is between the models, or if that affects price.

By: Pam

Pam — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 16:35:20 +0000

How much is a Consew 206RB-2 on a stand worth?

By: LizPf

LizPf — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 21:10:00 +0000

I’d like to put in a good word for the home sewing machine.

Not everyone here is in the industry — I’m not. I’m a home sewer, doing a variety of projects, mostly clothing and household objects. [I hate the term "home dec".] I don’t have the money or space for several industrial machines.

A year ago, I bought myself a new machine. I wanted a high quality, simple machine that does the basics very well, but doesn’t blow its reliability on silly features. [I don't do machine embroidery or quilting, and have no plans to ever do so.] I could only find one machine that met my needs, a Viking 775. It’s sturdy, has adjustable presser foot pressure, a locking reverse stitch, and needle up/down. It makes good buttonholes. Yes, it has eight bazillion stitch patterns, but a good quarter of them are actually useful for garment fabrics. [And since my kids are interested in anime, I may have use for the kanji alphabet ]

This machine is perfect for my needs so to me it is the “best” machine. Unfortunately, it has been discontinued, replaced by yet another “quilter’s special” that probably has a special setting for toilet paper covers.