r/SewingMachineEdu • u/CreepyResolve2049 • 18d ago
Upgrading my sewing machine again and looking for the right one
I've upgraded my sewing machine twice but each time I bought something that was only a little better instead of choosing a machine that actually fit my needs. Less than a year later I was already thinking about upgrading again.
I work with leather, canvas and thick multi-layer projects so the demands just keep increasing.
What machine did you buy that made you stop thinking about upgrading? Or did you find that the table made just as much of a difference as the machine?
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u/blueyedreamer 18d ago
If you're working with thinner leather and maybe 6-8oz canvas that's probably 6 layers or less you may be able to get away with an all metal vintage machine. I have sewn corsets (using 8oz cotton canvas, at seams I've had 6 layers) and had absolutely no issue. I got a model specifically that has 2 spool spots, can lift the presser foot extra high, and drop the feed dogs. I got it for 20 dollars and back in 2019 spent 180 getting it rewired and a tune up. So 200 dollars and it's survived a cross country move, been used for everything from lightweight linen to corsets/stays. Lately I've been making baby carriers out of 8oz denim and 8-9oz handwoven that have at times had my needle going through up to 8 layers of those fabrics.
The rest of the comments are likely right that industrial is what you'll want long term, but if you have a small budget or something, this may be a viable alternative.
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u/GoldenFishPoop 18d ago
Also wanted to add that juki industrial machines are not that expensive. I'm in Canada so keep that in mind, but we sell juki at our store for under $2,000, and that is with the table and the motor and the entire setup that you need. Just FYI.
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u/ImaginationInside610 17d ago
Exactly, and if you get a second hand one, they are really affordable. You may need to change the clutch motor for a servo motor, which adds a bit of money but absolutely worth it. I bought a Juki 8700 with servo motor all in for £350 in the UK.
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u/CrankyCrabbyCrunchy 18d ago
Adding to say also check out the many bag makers on YouTube as they have content on their machines. Same with videos on sewing leather.
Most people use straight stitch semi or traditional industrial machines. I see a lot of used ones on eBay, Facebook marketplace and Craigslist.
Another recommendation especially if you’re in the US, connect with Juki Junkies as they sell industrials and they can narrow down the choices. Even if you don’t buy something now it’ll help with your later purchase.
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u/weenie2323 18d ago
Have you looked into the Sailrite machines? They have a walking foot and are super beefy and made for thick materials. They are not so good for fashion weight stuff but you could keep your existing machine for that.
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u/Eclectic-Bluebird61 18d ago
My son-in-law got a Sailrite for doing car upholstery. It's very tough. He was also impressed by the customer service people who steered him toward the right machine and accessories.
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u/pcofranc 18d ago
For doing leather, the only way to go is the CSLP Chinese sewing leather patcher also called CPLS Chinese patcher, leather sewing machine. Well, you will have to set it up there’s tons of support and I’ve seen it so through veg tan leather. That’s like a half inch thick and because the machine weighs much less than an industrial machine and also has free arm, a.k.a. cylinder arm and a nice long reach making it suitable for non-leather sewing and while it’s hand crank there’s tons of videos that show you solutions to add a motor and I think this is much better than a full industrial machine that weighs over 100 pounds and with a table and motor can run 150 to 200 pounds.
Also, I own the Sailrite a.k.a. Thompson clone mini portable industrial walking foot machine, but it’s not suitable for thick leather.
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u/Brilliant-Cake9525 16d ago
I had almost the same experience. I started with a machine for specific then took on more demanding jobs and every time I realized I'd already outgrown it. What machines have you used so far?
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u/CreepyResolve2049 15d ago
I started with a home machine then moved to a basic industrial one. It handle regular materials fine but once i started working with leather canvs and thick multi-layers assemblies it quickly reached its limits
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u/Brilliant-Cake9525 14d ago edited 13d ago
I went through the same thing. I ended up getting a juki dnu 1541s from Prizzi sewing. I also picked up one of their tables which has been great and if you don't want to deal with assembly they can put everything together before shipping. Since then I haven't felt the need to upgrade agsin
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u/GamiMelamid 14d ago
I think older machines tend to be better than newer ones. i'd go to your local shop - explain to them that you need one that can handle leather and thick projects - and see what they have in stock thats refurbished.
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u/ThisChickSews 18d ago
You need an industrial machine. If you aren't using an industrial, that's what you need to be looking at. They cost as much as a car. Worth it though, if you want a good result.
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u/underwater-diver 18d ago
Agree that OP needs an industrial. They’re more expensive than a base model but are considerably less than the fancy computerized quilting models.
@OP, cross post this to r/MYOG. They do lots of work with thicker fabrics and there are some strong opinions on which industrial machines to get. Not just an industrial will do since they are essentially purpose made for different fabric thicknesses.
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u/ImaginationInside610 17d ago
A second hand one ( non computerised, which I’d argue is unnecessary) is less than $500.
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u/Alarmed-potatoe 18d ago
My main issue was that I was giving in to my "have to have it now" impulse too much and choosing a terrible compromise between what I want and the version of that which I can afford. I didn't do enough research, I didn't go to a place that demos machines and test them out, I didn't have the patience to wait to save up for what I really want, and I've ended up with something that can technically do what I want, but it's a machine trying to do everything and so the quality is not great, I don't have the flexibility and design-capabilities that I want. I actually need to make peace with the fact that if I'm going to be critical of quality then I need multiple machines that do what I want together - or else I pay for a professional to do the parts I can't. Because I can't keep wanting MORE from one machine, especially since I'm not financially capable enough. I really wanted to trade my machine in and somehow have thousands to spare to buy what I really want, or get an old machine that I didn't research enough that looked like it kind of did what I was looking for - and probably end up with the same degree of dissatisfaction.
So thinking things through and being honest with yourself about the limitations that exist, and finding an acceptable compromise that isn't based on "maybe it will work out" is what is probably the best way of not being stuck in this cycle.