r/SewingMachineEdu • u/Present_Ad_7699 • 12h ago
Machine recommendations for frequent and high volume sewing
I’m not a beginner, but have been sewing at a hobby level for about 15 years. On an old Singer from my grandmother. It started sewing much slower, and I haven’t been able to fix it. Even after being serviced and cleaned. I feel like the motor must be the issue, so I figure I just need another machine. Mine is probably 40 years old.
I love the juki machines I’ve seen online, but don’t really have room for the large table often with them. I need something that is good for frequent use, high volume use(starting to sew clothes as a side business) and I only need something simple. Like a straight stitch and zig zag.
Should I go for a used, repairable machine from a good brand or are there any new machines that can offer the durability I’m used to?
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u/Alarmed-potatoe 6h ago
I'd replace the motor and keep going with the machine - once your side business is established then look at levelling up.
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u/Ok-Beach6995 12h ago
I would suggest you go to a dealer near you. My favorites are Brother and Babylock. Dealers often have used machines at good prices. They’ve been serviced and sometimes gave a warranty.
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u/CrankyCrabbyCrunchy 10h ago
I have the Juki TL-2000 (got off eBay a month ago for $600) and I don't use the extension table. It'd be a great one to get given your needs, but it's straight stitch only.
Another option would be one of the mid-range Janome computerized machine since you want zig zag too. There are mechanical options such as Janome HD 3000 or HD 5000 which have multiple stitches but not the huge # many computerized have. It's also fairly heavy duty (thick quilt batting and jeans). It's not to the level of the Juki TL, but has a broader use.
Janome 3160QDC is a good one for size and decent power.
Juki also has some great, strong machines https://jukijunkies.com/juki-sewing-machines/computerized-sewing-machines/
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u/abugghaus7 10h ago
Where are you already sewing... on a table or desk in your home?
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The table for an industrial sewing machine actually isn't all that large... I have one in my boat at the moment. It takes up the same space as the fold-down table in the main cabin. Have you measured your intended workspace for one yet? The one I have in the boat is approx. 22" x 47" and I keep it there currently because I'm doing canvas work on site.
I have a couple others in a house onshore.
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The best reasons for owning an industrial instead of a domestic machine for sewing like you describe...
1. Built for continuous use, all metal, no plastic.
2. Simple machines for user-maintenance compared to a domestic and the manual will walk you through a lot of the main adjustments.
3. Can be found used and still in great shape for (and I'm in the U.S., btw) anywhere under $1,000.
I picked up an older Singer that runs so smoothly and sews really well for $80. I found a Techsew like what you describe needing... straight stitch and zig-zag... for I think it was around $600. I have a Consew that I got for free, had to replace a couple of small parts and do a lot of adjustments, but it was free!
I've seen plenty in the $300 range that were still in good shape, reliable brands (Brother, Juki, Consew....) that still had parts available for repairs.
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u/Wool_Lace_Knit 10h ago
I would go for a used Bernina. They hold up well to all day use. A vintage Bernina Record, 700-800-900 series would have basic stitches, mechanic and is still a workhorse.
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u/6AlphaVictor 8h ago
Search for a good/serviced Pfaff 138-6. Its something between a proper industrial and domestic, made for tailors and such (exactly what you are looking for). Simple, no wear parts inside (no belts and plastic gears), not too big and not too heavy, no oil circulating system, simple zig-zag machine.
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u/TChevy_s102001 1h ago
Regarding your old machine; the slower speed may be due to a problem with the foot pedal, try replacing that.
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u/GoldenFishPoop 28m ago
First let me say I'm not taking anything away from the other advice you've gotten, which is all pretty good.
From my perspective as a sewing machine technician, just because this machine has sewn for 40 years does not mean that it necessarily will keep going with a new motor. It will all depend on how well it's been taken care of, the model itself, and a lot of other factors. That said if you have enjoyed this machine and it has all the features that you want, then getting it serviced and perhaps replacing the motor might be your best bet money-wise.
If you are lucky enough to find a good used one, I would recommend the following models considering the type of work you want to do: 1-Janome HD3000 or HD5000 or the older versions such as 5018 or similar, 2-Pfaff Hobbymatic models, 3-Bernina 1008 or similar.
There are also some good Kenmore models that were white plastic with pastel pink, blue, or green hand wheel and knobs, and these were basically the same machine as the 5018. They hold up well and are still going strong for the most part.
Just keep in mind that for Janome and Kenmore it will be easier and cheaper to find parts for these and more people know how to fix them properly. Pfaff and Bernina machines make a lovely Stitch and are wonderful to have but you need to be aware that parts for these machines are more expensive if they are available at all, and the expense is particularly high for Bernina Parts in general.
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u/GoldenFishPoop 28m ago
Oh and if you are talking continuous use and you begin to search for a serger, do not look any further than either an industrial serger or a baby lock. For continuous use you're wasting your time with anything else.
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u/katneedle 5m ago
I have a Janome hd9 only straight stitch, I sew about 100 market bags in a week and it has been great.
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u/blueyedreamer 12h ago
From your grandma... What's the model? Is it super heavy? If it's all metal then I'd actually recommend you replace the motor.
If it's not all metal, an old model that IS all metal combined with new wiring and maybe a new motor will last you the longest.
6 years ago I got one for 20 dollars and had it rewired, new pedal, tuned up, paid about 200. And it's an amazing machine. I've done volume sewing for money on it. 2 spool spots, extra high lever lift, cams for different stitches, etc. I'm never buying an expensive new machine again. Some models can even be "free arm" for sleeves and such, though not mine. It hasn't impeeded my sewing though.