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Subject: Machines Author: Anonymous [ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ] Date Posted: 15:50:23 03/10/01 Sat [ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ]

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[> Subject: Machine Embroidery & Seam Work Types Used Author: Anonymous [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 21:45:27 03/12/01 Mon What kind of machines do you use to make your dresses? Replies: -I use a Pfaff 463 Industrial for all my seam work, and a Singer 20U Industrial for my satin stitching. -I have a singer industrial zig zag machine. It is a model 20U33 It does up to a 9mm satin stitch. I have 2 of them, one as a backup. I also have a bernina DC serger, and a Bernina 1630 machine, but is not an embroidery machine. I think unless you are going to do school dresses in quantity, you don't want an embroidery machine. All of my work is done free hand guided. None is computer generated. -I have two Consew industrials. I don't know the model #s but the one I got used and cheap is a wonderful machine that goes to 13mm. The new one is a pig that skips and will not stitch close together. It goes to 9mm. I use it for straight stitch and backup embroidery. I also have a Janome Memory Craft domestic and a very basic Singer domestic serger (14 years old and running fine) -I have a Viking 1+, but I actually made my solo dress using a Babylock that cost about $100 at a JoAnn Fabrics! The poor thing died at the second to last seam, and I finished it on a friend's really old Bernina. -I use a Brother BES-116AC (machine) and the BE-100 (digitizing software) and do all of my own digitizing and that way I get original designs without having to embroider everything by hand. It was expensive to begin with but since I also use it to do embroidered satins for wedding gowns and communion dresses, the machine is almost paid for. --How many needles does that machine have? Is it the one that does one colour at a time? ---You have to change thread colors but the machine stops after each one. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> Subject: Simple Machine Recommendations Author: Anonymous [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 21:21:10 03/13/01 Tue I am going to buy a new sewing machine (hopefully this weekend) because my prehistoric, simple Singer recently kicked the bucket. If you had $300-400 to spend. What kind of machine would you get? Should I just get a standard model of decent quality, or should I look at used reconditioned machines that have more bells and whistles? I am NOT a very experienced sewer, but have sewn some clothes, and crafts and made a SIMPLE Irish dance dress for my daughter. (Hand embroidered--I have never done machine embroidery). I am assuming, that for my price, I won't be looking at machines that can do embroidery, correct? I know some of the machines can do incredible things, but they cost thousands of dollars...I have NO idea where to start...so I will be at the mercy of the sewing machine salesperson. Replies: -If you plan to make another Irish dance dress find a machine without the automatic pressure sensor. You need to be able to release the pressure considerably to stitch down applique pieces. Also look for a wide zigzag stitch. Most models go up to 6mm . Some go to 9mm. I have not looked at the lower price models so I can't recommend one .. Bells and whistles are not necessary. A blind hemstitch is good to have too and decent buttonholes. I have the top of the line Pfaff and can't do a complete dress on it. Look at Bernina and Huskavarna White. The newer Singers are not the quality of the old ones. -Check out the website www.allbrands.com they have lots of info that might help you to decide. Also try the message board www.sewingworld.com there are lots of sewers on there who can help give you great tips. -Took the plunge...(OP) I don't have questions this time...I'm just excited and want to tell SOMEONE ... Well...taking my little bit of knowledge (thanks to Pat) and a hope that the saleswoman was a NICE person...I trotted off, and came home with a used Viking, Husqvarna 940. It was in very nice condition, and looks like perhaps the person who owned it didn't use it very much. I thought the price was quite reasonable. It is SOOOO nice to use, has lots of fun stuff like computerized, one button decorative stitching, and lots of presser foots, (feet?)that make sewing soooo much easier. Also, it had all the features that Pat recommended. And certainly is MUCH MUCH easier to sew with than my old machine. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> Subject: Survey of which machines everyone is using Author: Anonymous [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 21:47:23 03/13/01 Tue I am looking for a new sewing machine that does the 9mm satin stitch, so that I can do my own embroidery (for Irish Dancing dresses for my daughter as well as general use). After my initial research I am favouring a Pfaff (possibly 7560). What does eveyone else use, and what are the advantages/disadvantages of the machine you use? Replies: -Viking 1+: Disadvantage is that it only does a 6mm satin stitch, but it is a great sewing machine. It is a workhorse! I do a lot of regular sewing on it, and made myself a solodress this summer (I don't compete anymore, but needed a dress for a week of shows). The dress is just a body (no sleeves and no cape), but I made it in about four days and the machine never hiccuped once. As for the machine embroidery, mine only does the standard hoop, which is about a 4" by 4" square. I also have a plus hoop, which can stitch designs that are about 3.5" by 7". I find that I haven't used the machine embroidery for solodresses, but you could if you got really creative (i.e. lining up the same design in a row to make a chain). My 1+ sews beautifully and I have never had a problem with it. I bought it used and have had it for a year and a half and have never once had to take it in to be looked at. -I did my first several dresses on the Pfaff and the 9mm is essential. 6mm just gets lost in the velvet. I have a Huskvarna also but gave up using it for satin stitch due to the width. There is a Bernina semi industrial that also does 9mm and I here it is well worth getting. As for the actual embroidery unit the area is too small on these machines unless you want to do a lot of lining up placing, digitizing etc. Very frustrating. If you have any thoughts of selling dresses the warranty on a domestic machine could be voided if they think it is being used for business. I would look at the Bernina first as you MUST have a machine that allows you to control the presser foot pressure. -I USE A BROTHER LE286( THINK THAT THE NUMBER) IT IS AN INDUSTRIAL SATIN STITCH MACHINE THAT GOES FROM 0 TO 12 ML IT CAN LOCK AT ANY POINT, IT HAS NO PRESSURE FOOT AND ALL EMBROIDERY IS DONE FREE FORM WITHOUT A HOOP. -The Pfaff does a nice satin stitch but unless you have another machine that allows you to reduce the pressure foot pressure you will be totally frustrated. It can also be VERY finicky with metallic threads. Stitching the appliqué pieces in place requires minimal pressure to no pressure. It CANNOT be done on the Pfaff if you are working on velvet.. Also I found when I switched away from the Pfaff the embroidery caused less distorting of the fabric which was again caused by too much pressure on the foot. I also have a Singer 20U63 industrial which does 12mm satin stitch. I do almost all of my embroidery on this. It does have feed dogs. it takes a lot of practice to do free motion so be prepared if you go that route .try one first. I know a couple of dressmakers who gave up on their new machines. In defense of the Pfaff it is a fabulous sewing machine for everything else -Pfaff 7570: the 9mm is great. I do alot of appliqué and they have an "open" 9mm foot that really helps you see where you are going. No problem getting through all the layers when attaching the skirt to the bodice. Their embroidery unit has 2 size hoops and also a larger hoop that you can buy separately. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> [> Subject: Singer 20U & Juki LZ391 & Silicon Dispenser Author: Anonymous [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 09:44:56 11/08/04 Mon I'm looking for a new machine. If you have any suggestions please help me!!! I've been sewing for about 25 years so I think it's time to take the big plunge! -I'm renting Singer 20U. Word "industrial" a joke! Sure it's fast, but we can't go fast w/o probs! We've had thread breakage, needles snap, timing gets thrown off, keeping tension correct is real "fun", it doesn't like wide satin stitch, etc. I think I had less frustration w/ my 30 year old home model. Do we expect too much from 20U?....wish there was some other fast mach. for just zigzag. I don't need expensive embroidery features, but a good satin stitch. Glad I'm only renting! -I am the opposite, have used a 20U for the last 9 years & wouldn’t want any other make, tried a copy but it was awful, original machines are hard to come by now though -I have a Singer 20U70- and am constantly having problems with the tensions and such. I think it vibrates so much it shakes itself loose- I also think my repair guy doesn't know what he is doing, so I'll be looking for another one. But If your having trouble with thread breakage, try a silicone spray made for the textile industry- spray it on the tread every so often- Works like a dream even with cheap metallic thread! --Try putting foam strips between the machine and the table. I did that with mine and the noise and vibration decreased considerably. -I've had a 20UX143 for over 4yrs. now. I can't say how much I value this machine. I suppose just like cars there are lemons. I would ask if those who are having difficulties where the machines were made. My machine was made in Japan and is one of the last few good ones or so I've been told. The only time it ever gave me any difficulties was this past summer and that was due to the timing being off. Even if it is just a bit off it will cause thread breakage and loads of frustration. I have to say that a good OSMG is more valuable than anything else. I use a silicone dispenser located on the top of my machine. The thread runs through it and is continually coated with silicone. This works like a charm especially when sewing at high speeds when the needle heats up. --was thinking about getting a new 20u. My friend has an older one that I haven't seen yet (She's 500 miles away) she will sell me. Maybe better to get the older one when I visit her in April? Also, what is the silicone dispenser you were referring to? Sounds like a great idea! ---Go with the older model as long as it was made in Japan. The ones made in Taiwan (I think that is where) apparently are the lemons. The silicone dispenser is a little container with felt pads in it that sits on top of the machine. The thread runs through it as it comes off the spool. The felt pads are saturated with silicone and as the thread passes over them it gets coated with the silicone. --I'm having a lot of thread breakage on the uptake. It's driving me crazy. How did you go about having it fixed? Did you take it somewhere or have someone come to your home? ---Yes, I had the same problem and I called my OSMG (who by the way is younger than I am LOL) and spoke with him over the phone first. I thought it was a problem with the tension so he had be check the tension discs for burrs of any sort. Next thing was to check all the areas that the thread goes through to make sure there were no burrs causing the thread to shred and break. Finding that this was not the problem and the needle was the proper type and size we decided it best for me to bring the machine in. This was quite easy to do as it should just slip out of the stand. When I brought it in I also brought in thread (metallic & poly neon) along with a large piece of vilene with some base fabric and applique fabric already for him to practice on. The problem was with the timing. I have learned that with my particular machine the tension needs to be a bit tighter with the metallics than the poly. -I got rid of my new Singer last year; same types of problems. Too hard to keep in adjustment, VERY loud (wore earplugs to sew!), vibrating itself to death, and thread broke all the time. The word from my OSMG is that the ones built after their bankruptcy reorganization are built in China instead of Japan, and are junk. If you can get your hands on an old one from the 60's, grab it! Loving my old Bernina industrial he found for me. --I had similar problems with my Singer 20U knockoff made in China... My OSMG said it was the bobbin case that was a piece of junk (completely warped) replaced it with a Japanese made bobbin case, announced that the machine is now Japanese made, and I have had no problems since! -THANKS!!! THANKS!!!! THANKS!!!! Thanks for saving me alot of frustration. I spoke to several people who have Juki's and they just LOVE them. I may as well spend the extra money to be more productive than to be frustrated with a problem machine. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> Subject: Pressing Equipment Author: Anonymous [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 13:42:27 03/15/01 Thu I find that I am killing your basic steam iron at the rate of one or two a year. I would like to upgrade to something stronger, and am looking at the kind that has a tank to rest on and can steam for 2 1/2- 3 hours. The brands I have looked at are Rowenta and Europro. Does anyone have opinions on the quality of these, or suggestions toward another direction in this search? Replies: -I have found the Rowenta Professional Iron to be a good work horse. I've been using Rowenta's for the past several years and I am on my second. I am not a professional seamstress though, so it may not last for years if you are using it every day. It does seem as though I am always sewing since my girls started dance though. The Rowenta I have cost $90. Some Costco's/BJs/Sam's Club carry them, that shaves off about $20 off the price if you can find it there. I don't know anything about the other brand you mentioned. I have been very happy with my Rowenta's though. When this one dies, I will replace it with another Rowenta. I started with the Rowenta because I was killing regular irons every year with all my sewing (this was pre-dance too) and a friend recommended the Rowenta. -I have seen the Rowenta advertised on QVC for what would appear to be a very reasonable price. You might want to try there. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> Subject: Basic 9mm zig-zag survey Author: Anonymous [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 18:28:35 03/15/01 Thu I am looking for a high quality sewing machine for embroidery work, preferably with a 9mm zig zag. I don't really need all the "bells and whistles", just a good, strong zig zag and high quality stitch. What does everyone use? Replies: -I have a Bernina 180, that has the 9mm zigzag, and I bought the embroidery module and software. It's quite an investment, but because I do alot of sewing for the local school, I have used both the software and sewing machine enough to have gotten back my investment. There's a Bernina store just 10 minutes away, so if I run into any problems, I can usually get it fixed quickly. So whatever you get make sure there's someone close by who can help you when you need it! (I've had my machine in the shop, and I have been able to go in and use one of their machines and/or get a loaner.) When I embroider dresses, I do not use the satin stitch because I have seen too many dresses get snagged and look rather tattered after a while. I like to use the step stitch, which gives a nice flat stitch, which stays looking good for a very long time. --What is a "step stitch" and can you do it in 9mm widths? ---A step stitch is an embroidery machine term, I believe. It's a short back and forth stitch that fills an area with a flat stitch. My bernina 180 has multi directional sewing, so you don't have swing the material around everytime you go back/forth. -I use the Pfaff 7570, it has 9mm. I also got the embroidery attachment and software. It has paid for itself. I never have a problem getting through all the layers. -I recommend an industrial which comes in 12mm also/. I have the Pfaff 7570 which is great but the industrial goes sooo much faster and handles metallic threads better and is sooo much cheaper . Also the Pfaff is a domestic machine so if you use it for any kind of business the warranty can be voided. There is a Bernina semi industrial with 9mm which I am told is also very good. Zigzag stitch is the hardest stitch for any machine and will wear on the expensive home embroidery units quickly . -I'm planning on beginning to make school dresses and am looking for a machine. I have an industrial straight stitch now and want to get both an industrial zig zag and a serger. I hesitate using a domestic (regardless of how capable they are) for the reasons you stated. -Is there a specific industrial you recommend? --I use a Singer 20u63. Juki is good as is Consew although they cost more . I know where to buy in Canada but not the US. I paid only 1200.00 Can for a new Singer Used machines are good also as they are all so basic . Ceck to see which models are 9mm and 12mm. Mine is 12mm. If you are lucky you might find a long arm. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> Subject: Pfaff 7530 and a Husquavarna Designer 1 or 2 Author: Anonymous [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 13:17:24 09/20/01 Thu I have been shopping around for an embroidery machine for the past couple of months and have narrowed it down to a Pfaff 7530 and a Husquavarna Designer 1 or 2. I like the Pfaff for the wide stitches, and dual feed. I hear that the fact that you can't release the pressure of the presser foot could cause problems. I like that on the Husquavarna, you can reduce pressure on the foot, but this machine doesn't do the wider stitches. What do you use? Do you have any other suggestions or comments? I need a machine that can do a good satin stitch, and am not interested in all the "extras" that come with many embroidery machines. Any suggestions would be appreciated. -Well, I guess I am a little biased, but I own 2 of the Designer 1 machines. Since I make custom costumes for dance as well as the theater, I decided on this machine as I have been able to go to the internet to upgrade the machine as it is all done with the use of a floppy disk. If you are not interested in the embroidery aspect of the machine, they do have the Designer 2 which has all the same sewing features, sensor lift, adjustable foot pressure, plus if you want, you can purchase the embroidery unit at a later date. The embroidery unit is the same as the Designer 1, but uses a *smart card* instead of a floppy disk. You can also set the machine up with the stitches you will use. I compared the *other brands* to the Husqvarna Viking and found that it sewed circles around the others. The Husqvarna Viking has some 9mm stitches - but mainly for crazy quilting. The 9mm Satin stitch on the home sewing machined tends to tunnel a little because of the extreme width. I think this is why the other companies have not made this a feature. -I have the Pfaff and love it. There is a foot you can buy that leaves the work area of the needle wide open. I think it's called open toe applique 9mm foot. It helps to relieve the pressure on the presser foot problem. Most of the dresses I do are silk, so there isn't quite as much bulk going under the foot either. When I do make velvet dresses, I have been able to get through all the layers in the pleats, but sometimes I have to turn the wheel by hand. Unless you have a big commercial machine, I think that will be the case. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> Subject: Dress Forms Author: Anonymous [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 13:41:58 10/11/01 Thu I found out that Dritz (the only cheap form)discontinued making the child size form and I haven't been able to find someone in the states who has any left. I've found forms priced anywhere from $200-500. I really don't want to spend that kind of $ right now since I'm only working on my first dress. -Try going to the following, they have dressforms for $119 that you can order on line--three different brands http://www.store.yahoo.com/hancockfabricstore/dritmydoubdr.html --I'm really looking for a children's size 8-12. The one's they sell at the store aren't small enough. ---I use the Dritz My Double Petite and made a child's 10-12 dress. There's not much of a bust on it, so it worked well, and it adjusts to larger sizes. I got mine at Joann's on sale for $99. -I got a great one on Ebay a number of months back. Sometimes they're on there and I think I paid around $80.00 for it. -I got one on ebay also for around $70+ shipping. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> Subject: Applique Machine Suggestions Author: Anonymous [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 13:55:58 03/15/02 Fri I'm thinking of saving up for a good machine to do embroidery for dresses. I don;t want anything all-singing, all-dancing, just a reliable machine, which does good quality satin stitch. At this point in time I'm not super fussed about having 9mm width, but it'd be good to have it. Also, I want one that you can adjust the needle position for the satin stitch.. i was looking at some in the shop today, and most had auto-needle alignment, so as soon as the stitch width went anything above 0, the needle went to the centre.. i need to be able to taper/mitre the lines to one side, not the center. What machines would be good.. and can you give me an idea if how much i;d be up for? And would it be better to get one second hand, providing it was in good condition. -I know that the Designer 1 and Designer 2 by Husqvarna Viking both have not only an automatic taper stitch, but an automatic Miter stitch as well. It also allows you to elongate both stitches without loosing the density of the stitch. the satin stitch on the machine is also a true satin--the needle makes a left hand stitch, then a right hand stitch and then advances the fabric for the next stitch. The stitch width for the satin is only 6 mm, but it does an awesome job. Necia -I agree with Necia. I also have the Pfaff 7570 which tapers and has 9mm although it does not taper left and right. Both machines center the stitch though and are very expensive . I use a basic industrial zigzag. It has 12mm and allows you to taper left and right. Takes a little practice but makes a beautiful satin stitch. This machine is a couple of thousand $ cheaper. If you have the money and are not doing a lot of dresses I would get the Husqavarna . Satin stitch is the hardest stitch on the life of a machine and domestic machines are not covered by warranty if used in a business. Also the industrial is soooooo much faster! PatM - Hi PatM, What brand of industrial do you have? Does the Pfaff have a nice satin stitch? --I use a Singer 20u63. I also have the Pfaff and like the 9mm. The only problem with the Pfaff is the presser foot pressure cannot be changed . This is not good for appliquing on velvet where pressure needs to be less. I have a Husquavarna and like all of its features except for the width. I also find that mettalic threads run smoother on the industrial. PatM - use a Singer20U143X which does a 12mm satin stitch. The X means it has an extra long neck which provides a lot of space for the fabric to lay flat while embroidering. This is an industrial machine and can be gotten for a reasonable price. I was able to pick one up (delivered, and complete set up) for under $1000 American. -I am looking at purchasing an 8 month old Pfaff 7570. The owner is looking for $4200 Cdn (about $3000 US) for the machine. It has hardly been used. I am wondering if the machine is a good one for machine embroidery. How wide is the zig zag stitch? Are the stitches neat and smooth? --That's the one I use. I like it because of the Dual Feed feature. Stiches are 9mm. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> Subject: Omnisew Embroidery Machine Author: Anonymous [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 14:00:45 03/15/02 Fri Has anyone used the Omnisew Embroidery Machine that is advertised in the ID Magazine, and has been on display at the last four Worlds. It can do satin stitch to 1/2inch(12mm). Replies: -Have this machine. It is a dream. Stitches are nice and wide, and can be easily manuevered in width manually while sewing. Make sure you get enough bobbins and the needles with it--order extra--it saves time. This is a commercial/industrial machine so it is REALLY fast--and takes some getting used to the speed. Make sure there is someone around that can repair these types of machines--have had mine serviced twice in three years--my fault--got threads jammed and threw off the timing---the stitches are close together, and cover nicely. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> Subject: Silicone Dispenser Author: Anonymous [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 09:38:34 11/08/04 Mon [ Post a Reply to This Message ]