Sewing Machine.... what should I look for?

[skittledoo]

I've been browsing Craigslist a bit in search of a sewing machine, but I'm not positive what exactly I should be looking for since I've never owned a sewing machine before.

Basically I want to be able to make my own dog collars, primarily martingales. I'm always finding new pattern ideas for collars when I'm out and about and I'd like to just learn how to make my own fabric collars for my dogs since in the long run that would end up being cheaper than buying a ton of collars I want from various collar makers.

I'm looking for something that can easily go through heavy layers of fabric, easy to learn how to use and preferably not expensive which is why I'm looking into used. I'm hoping to find one under $200 if I can.

I found one someone is selling out here. It's a brother LS-2125i. She said its hardly been used, but from what I'm finding online its a lightweight machine for simple stuff? My guess is it wouldn't be good for collar projects?

 

[Renee750il]

Go to a sewing machine repair shop and look for a refurb, or even check a dealer for a used machine.

 

[keef]

I think you need to be looking for an industrial machine - that would be able to get through all those layers.

 

[Backward_Cinderella]

Amber, if you can call me tomorrow, I can give you some advice, but there is so much I want to say and am just too doggone lazy to type it out. I looked for a sewing machine for almost three months before we found the perfect one and then had to wait to have the money for it (mine cost us a grandbut was well worth every penny. Look into the old cast iron ones if you need something that can handle more than six layers.

 

[Taqroy]

BC what kind of machine do you have? I need to go to one of the sewing machine stores around here and check out their refurbs - I've been meaning to for quite awhile.

I have a Kenmore something-or-other that is actually older than I am. My mom got it in....1983 I think. It's pretty awesome but the thread tension jacks up a lot and it drives me crazy. I'm half - assedly looking for a new one as well so this thread is relevant to my interests.

 

[Backward_Cinderella]

BC what kind of machine do you have? I need to go to one of the sewing machine stores around here and check out their refurbs - I've been meaning to for quite awhile.

I have a Kenmore something-or-other that is actually older than I am. My mom got it in....1983 I think. It's pretty awesome but the thread tension jacks up a lot and it drives me crazy. I'm half - assedly looking for a new one as well so this thread is relevant to my interests.

I have a Bernina Bernette 92C series embroidery / sewing machine. I actually just got rid of my serger, LOL.

That's the problem with a lot of the Kenmores before '85, eventually the tension just isn't the same and without proper maintenance (oiling and whatnot, most newer machines are self oiling. All the older ones I've seen have to be oiled like the one of my mom's I have that was made in the early 60's). You should check out Hancock's on Austin Bluffs and Academy, that's where I got the Bernina from, and they have used machines they will sell to you if you ask, but they're not out on display.

 

[skittledoo]

Typh, I'll definitely give you a call today.

I found a Singer 401A that's listed as in excellent shape. It comes with a table and all the accessories for it and the person wants $100 for it. I looked online and this model has a lot of great reviews and a lot of people are describing it a workhorse and saying its great for some of the more heavy duty household projects like drapes, sewing through canvas etc. I know you mentioned on Facebook that they are loud? I actually don't mind if the machine I get is noisy or not... Just want to make sure its going to get the job done as far as dog collars go. I'm mostly going to be making my dogs martingales, but I'll probably do a few flat buckle collars as well.

 

[Taqroy]

I have a Bernina Bernette 92C series embroidery / sewing machine. I actually just got rid of my serger, LOL.

That's the problem with a lot of the Kenmores before '85, eventually the tension just isn't the same and without proper maintenance (oiling and whatnot, most newer machines are self oiling. All the older ones I've seen have to be oiled like the one of my mom's I have that was made in the early 60's). You should check out Hancock's on Austin Bluffs and Academy, that's where I got the Bernina from, and they have used machines they will sell to you if you ask, but they're not out on display.

Sooooooo jealous!! I want an embroidery machine - despite the fact that I have no idea how to run one. LOL.

Hmmm, maybe mine is from after '85 then cause I've never oiled it. Or maybe it's waiting to collapse in a heap of cogs here soon because I've never oiled it. I definitely will check out Hancock's, I just realized there was one here a couple days ago (altho now that I think about it I'm pretty sure you mentioned it before). Oblivious me is oblivious.

 

[Backward_Cinderella]

Typh, I'll definitely give you a call today.

I found a Singer 401A that's listed as in excellent shape. It comes with a table and all the accessories for it and the person wants $100 for it. I looked online and this model has a lot of great reviews and a lot of people are describing it a workhorse and saying its great for some of the more heavy duty household projects like drapes, sewing through canvas etc. I know you mentioned on Facebook that they are loud? I actually don't mind if the machine I get is noisy or not... Just want to make sure its going to get the job done as far as dog collars go. I'm mostly going to be making my dogs martingales, but I'll probably do a few flat buckle collars as well.

Singers quite literally "sing". I had one that was OK, but the dogs were terrified of it and would hide whenever I used it, so I got rid of it. If you're buying from craigslist, and not a place with a guarantee, do yourself a favor and don't buy it until you've tried it out. Repairs on sewing machines can be ridiculously expensive, and its not worth it half the time.

This is my sewing machine in the happy mess that is my crafting desk.

 

[Renee750il]

I have a Husqvarna 2+2 embroidery machine that I have used to embroider on fairly heavy leather, as well as sewing through two and three thicknesses of it making wrestling costumes. The Husqvarnas are complicated as hell, but they are workhorses.

 

[Romy]

I have a Husqvarna 2+2 embroidery machine that I have used to embroider on fairly heavy leather, as well as sewing through two and three thicknesses of it making wrestling costumes. The Husqvarnas are complicated as hell, but they are workhorses.

Husqvarna makes excellent machines. They're really expensive, however, they do have a budget line called "Huskystar".

I bought a basic Huskystar about 10 years ago. It has done some serious heavy duty work, and a lot of it. The lady who demoed it to me when I explained what I needed sewed through 10 layers of denim with it.

I used it for sewing men's victorian clothes and reproduction civil war uniforms, which meant a lot of super thick kersey wool and canvas. It would definitely have plenty of durability for high volumes of dog collars. It cost me about $300, but made back every penny I spent on it plus a lot more.