Do you need an industrial sewing machine? Take a good look in your basement and perhaps you already know the answer. Down there under the dusty covers and dark shadows, there are the many wounded soldiers of your exploits and garage sales. Unless you are an antique dealer or a collector, why would you want to clutter your home with any more unused machinery? Some women buy sewing machines like they buy jeans. Don't believe me?
Run to your nail salon and ask around. You will find that the average women have 6 pairs of jeans, some will have more. I am guilty of this, at one point of my life, I had 12 pairs of jeans and 6 sewing machines (1 Singer, 1 Toyota, 1 Juki, 1 Janome, and 2 sergers..). I'm not sure if you know, but Toyota actually does make sewing machines –as well as cars, trucks and just about everything else. Then I started to ask myself –what possessed me to accumulate so many pairs of jeans and this amount of sewing machines?
The answer was quite simple, I was not entirely satisfied with the product. I kept looking for a pair of jeans that would look good and are comfortable, and I kept buying cheap ones in the hope that one day I will find the one. I did find a couple, but they never lasted more than a year, and I was left once again hunting for the perfect pair. Until one day I had to move to a tropical place. My needs changed and with it the need for 12 pairs of jeans. If I take 40 dollars and multiply it by 12, I have enough to buy a pair that is made with the best design and shaping capabilities.
Like the need for a better pair of jeans, our need for a reliable sewing machine arrives in the shape of the mountains of projects forgotten and put aside because we were not happy with the look of the buttonhole or the zigzag doesn't work anymore or the machine is skipping stitches when sewing bulky items, etc. etc. Notice how after a marathon of sewing, your domestic sewing machine is never quite the same? This is because home sewing machines are not meant to be used for an extended period of time. Do you want a sewing machine that can do everything? Everything? Really..? What does that even mean? Can it attach lining on its own while playing Bach in the background? There is no such thing as a perfect sewing machine that does everything. With time I have learned that 95 percent of the stitches I will never use and that professional-looking buttonhole is everything.
So now, do you need to buy an industrial sewing machine?
Like with many things, the answer is “It depends.” You could certainly argue that an industrial sewing machine is what separates the amateurs from the professionals. Here are a few other considerations:
- Do you want to declutter your home by getting rid of mediocre machinery?
- Do you want to supplement your income with your sewing and need a reliable machine with a professional-looking stitch?
- Do you want to combine different types of material together for accessories?
- Do you work with canvas, jeans, leather or sequined fabrics?
- Do you sew every day for more than 4 hours a day?
- Do you own an embroidery machine and are thinking of making quilts and handbags?
Then the answer is yes!
As with my sewing machines, I traded my jeans for a nice pair of well-fitted dark color 7 for all mankind jeans slimming illusion –I like the illusion part the best– and, Yes, I have only one pair now. Expensive for sure, but worth every penny.
How many sewing machines then? I think of machines as the brush of a painter. You can use your hands or have just one, but the true and full answer is 3. One serger, one domestic machine that makes flawless buttonholes, and my workhorse –an old Pfaff 563 that is reliable and noisy like a tractor, but it sews many layers of fabric together, thick leather and finishes the job efficiently and quickly.
How many sewing machines do you have? Would you consider an industrial one? Do you have the perfect sewing machine for your needs? Leave a comment on the box below. We'd love to hear your opinion.
I just discovered that you can even find industrial sewing machines on Amazon! Below are some options.
If you're thinking about a new sewing machine, you can find lots of great reviews over on Sewing Machine Reviews. If you find one of your existing machines in their list, go ahead and leave a review so you can help other readers with their decision.
I agree with you completely. I have a semi-industrial, home sewing machine & a serger. This year, sewing more garments, I picked up a coverstitch! I felt like I was all rounded out until I read your post! My home sewer is a Pfaff & I would have jumped at the chance of the industrial Pfaff, even used, what a buy, I want to hear everything about it! Good for you! I wouldn’t pass up on an old featherweight either! Thanks for sharing….
I have 10 or 11 machines, mostly vintage ones that I rescued and restored. One is my Mother’s Singer Featherweight that I and 5 sisters learned to sew on. The only contemporary one is a Brother 420. My two favorites are my 1941 Singer 201-2 straight stitch, and my early 70s Kenmore 148.1937 used mostly when I want zig-zag. I am mostly making quilts, so straight stitch is adequate.
I have 2 machines, one is a Kenmore that is over 30 years old, and I just bought a Sailrite LSZ industrial, love it. They can replace any part on the machine, great customer service, no problems with it at all. Limited stitches, But it is a grizzly in tackling heavy jobs, yet can also do light work.
After reading these comments I feel better about owning 3 machines. lol
I have my mother’s hand-me-down Elna from the 1960’s. Worked fine until it fell over sideways and now won’t work correctly even though it’s been to the doctor.
A Brother cs6000i, which is what I purchased when I actually got into sewing a few years ago and which does ok but I’m now beyond beginner level and needed something to actually do what I need it to do.
Last December I purchased a brand new Necchi, it wasn’t sexy but I loved all the stitches, the weight of it, and the included magnifying glass. However, it only lasted a few days before it started giving error messages, the motor burned up, and my sewing area smelled like burning metal and plastic. (I was making bias tape out of quilting cotton when this happened too! Hadn’t even gotten to quilt on it yet!) Returned it and then had to fight for a refund from the seller. Sigh.
I just ordered a Juki HZL-5300 which hasn’t yet arrived. So, I’m on pins and needles waiting for it and hoping it won’t give any problems. Wish me luck!
I definitely need one. I have a brother FS120, a bernina 1008 and a 1080 love them both, 2 sergers need repaired, a Janine and a Pfaff. A brother embroidery machine and an all singing all dancing Pfaff expression 3.5 and my beloved baby lock air serger (can’t remember the number)
Omg that’s terrible!! Seeing it like that is shaming me. But I’m going a lot of bag making now and using leathers, tartans, tweeds and cottons.
I can’t justify getting one though as I’m now disabled and money is very tight
I have 3 Sewing machines, all Viking, my oldest is over 40 years old, but a mechanical workhorse that makes excellent buttonholes with the attachment. I also have one of my sister’s Viking machines which is newer, by maybe 5-10- years. She has two and only uses one. I borrowed hers while my was being repaired but discovered that since she seldom uses it, some parts were “frozen.” I’ve had it repaired and alternate using it with my Viking and a newer Viking, computerized machine that I used when I went from school to school. It’s lighter weight, has a slow speed, but doesn’t do all the fancy things the other two machines do. If I take classes where I need a machine, I can take it because it’s lighter weight and can sew straight as well as a limited number of zigzag stitches. At one time I considered purchasing an embroidery machine, but at this point I don’t need all the fancy capabilities that those machines have.
Hello, I currently own 26 sewing machines. Yes that’s correct-26! I love the old ornate machines. They are work horses like an industrial machine. They will sew through leather, canvas, layers of jean. I have a large amount of old Singers but my number 1choice of today’s sewing machines is Janome-which I have 5-the 9400, 10,000, Serger, Cover Stitch, and a sit down mid arm. Two I have owned for over 20 years without having a single problem. I also own a Pfaff Embroidery machine which I also love for ease of use. Plus it isn’t fussy on thread types. I get the old ones cheap, clean them all up and they all work! My ultimate favorites have to be the handcrank sewing machines which don’t require hydro and they are pretty to look at! I currently have 5 of them.
I have a 1907 treadle that still works with the puzzle box of attachments and original instruction booklets-I learned to sew on a treadle so I had to have it ?. Got it for free.
Not bragging, hate to see them go to the landfill. I would forward pics but can’t here.
I think it’s great. I have a Bernina 570 SE Tula Pink and run it crazy. I still have my Bernina 350 as well. Love it too, I’m content. 🙂
I have 2 machines- one heavy duty singer and another- Brother. I have yet to use the Brother as I have not been able to get the bobbin to work.
But YES, I DO need another machine! I love to sew and an industrial would be lovely!
I had a Bernina industrial/domestic and had to sell it when I downsized. I loved that machine. I cried when it went out the door.I have a Bernina 830 embroidery machine and a Brother portable for “on the go”sewing. The Bernina is too heavy to take to classes.
Not exactly sure what you mean by not getting the bobbin to work, so I can only suggest that you are using the wrong bobbin.
I have a few too many sewing machines….!!! I have a sailrite, a brand new computerized juki HZL, a juki serger, a Johnson ruffler, and a coverstich machine that all work. My favorite machine is my old singer professional…which after 25 years is now sitting on the floor waiting for me to find a repair shop!! I also have an older phaff sewing machine, and a Reliable and an old babylock server. The last 3 sit in my closet bc they need servicing!
I do sew about 5/12 hours a day….I make dance costumes and work with sequin fabrics, and spandex. The closet I’ve come to buying an industrial machine is my sailrite.
At the moment I own two machines. I only have the two, because my older machine is just that…older. I purchased an electronic machine and I am happy with it for my purposes. (Quilts and quilting, small projects and gifts for friends and family. I have only owned three machines in my life. The first being one I received for my sixteenth birthday, which I passed on to a friend in need and I think it is still going!
I’ve actually done professional, mass quantity sewing on my Huskvarna Viking from 1999. I’ve still never had any problems with it. I’ve never taken it in for repair or adjustment. I have an industrial machine but seldom need it because my viking can handle most things. Without giving me attitude later on.
I have my mother’s 1968 Husqvarna that I use for zigzag/decorative sewing, & my 1988 Simplicity for everything else. Neither does well on jeans, but just okay on quilting. I’d love to get rid of the Simplicity & get a better all around machine.
Thanks for sharing this blog.
Wow. Yes I need one. I have sewn for many years and my Singers and Bernina has held up although there are some struggles with layers and lots of sharp needles. So, after al this time I am Looking for that Industrial sewing Machine. I have often put in 8-12 hours a day 4 days a week. Depends on special occasions coming my way. Thanks for the tip it helped make my decision.
Wow! Debra you do sew a lot! Love to see what you make.
I am looking for a sewing machine that would sew fabric like the scuba diving material??
I use a regular industrial sewing machine (Juki, Pfaff, ect..) and it will bunch up and if I stretch it it tears where it was stitched, what I am covering is wheelchairs and some of the seats are hard to cover because of the deformities, and I stretch the material and glue down the material. Thank You for your time.
HI Johnny, Have you tried a regular machine with a walking foot?
You might want to look into this machine, Sailrite® Ultrafeed® LSZ‑1 BASIC (110V) Walking Foot Sewing Machine
I have an industrial Sailrite and love it. We purchased it while building a car. It did a great job on the interior upholstery.
After many years, 40+ I gave away the sewing machine my grandmother gave me when I graduated from high school. over that last 10 years I have gone through many sewing machines. I would watch craigs list, facebook anyplace to find an industrial machine. I finally bought a Sailrite Fabricator – a little pricey but it will be my last. I love the servo motor and while many claim to sew thick material they mostly fall short this machine has taken everything I have thrown at it. I also have a Bernina B780 and a Bernina Serger. They each have something that they excel at. I am not willing to give any of them up.
You could use either a teflon coated foot, or place tissue paper over the area where the stitches are going and sew through the layers (layers in order: tissue paper, scuba fabric, scuba fabric, tissue paper). After sewing, remove papers similar to paper-pieced quilting.
I am glad that I found your article. I go through sewing machines like they are disposable lighters. I answered “yes” to most of the questions on your list. It’s just so difficult for me to shell out the money needed to purchase a professional grade machine. Sewing 8-10 hours a day, 5 days a week should be enough reason to take the giant leap and just buy one. Maybe Santa will come through for me this year 😉
Hi, Jana, there are second-hand alternatives, the key is to buy one that answers your needs. I have a second hand one, an old horse that can go through thick fabric like is nothing. I paid 600 dollars, it is not easy on the eyes and noisy compared to the newer ones but does the job marvelously :).
Thank You for this article. I’ve been debating this question for the last few months. And the answer is : YESSSS I need an industrial machine. I was thinking of buying a home machine with a little faster motor etc… It won’t cut it. Nothing I sew is light duty. I have 5 machines now that are all good at different things. I really need a workhorse for sewing upholstery and hand bags. I’m thinking sailrite or one of the clones. I’ll also search for a good used industrial machine like yours.
Let me know what you end up getting, I am curious 🙂
I disagree with the part about having many machines because one is not satisfied with what they have. I have 4 machines and a serger that I use regularly and am happy with them all. I like having multiples because I like sewing machines. One of them is perfectly sized for travel as well. I won’t have multiples of much of anything else, but so love sewing machines and think they are like art.
I think I just blew up my Viking Sapphire ? I sew in average 3 straight hours each evening at full throttle…should my next purchase be industrial?
Wow. That’s a lot of sewing. Love it. To me, it sounds like an industrial would really make sense for you. Industrials are made to run pretty much non-stop so a good one would have no problems. If you can’t find one or don’t have space, you should probably go with a top quality machine like Bernina. You may want to read this: https://so-sew-easy.com/fans-bernina-sewing-machines/
I have 19 sewing machines and a serger. My absolute favorite? My grandmother’s Singer Treadle that I learned to sew on when I was 7….wouldn’t trade it for the world! I have brand new Brother but it’s just not the same. I get to sew and work out at the same time! LOL!
I am perfect happy with my machine, which is a Brother CS 6000i. It is a quilting machine, but I have even used it to sew through outdoor fabric and jeans to make purses! It serves my purposes completely also because I hand embroider and know how to crochet.
It takes a while for me to finish my projects, but binding even a king-sized quilts takes almost no time to do.
I don’t have the space for an industrial machine, but that doesn’t stop me from dreaming about having the Brother Dream Machine II embroidery machine, since I could put my own images into it and embroider much faster than I can do by hand.
I just cannot afford it (yet).
I hope you will soon, sounds like yo found a gem. I will have to have a look at your machine.
I had the Brother CS 6000i and liked it. The bed was kind of small which made it difficult to handle larger items, and there wasn’t a foot pressure adjustment. I gave it to my daughter and upgraded to a little bit larger Brother (Simplicity SB1239)–larger bed space and you can adjust the amount of presser foot pressure. I wish I had taken the time to do a sampler of all the decorative stitches because I recently discovered that it’s not doing one of them completely. That was disappointing. I plan to do a sampler of all the decorative stitches and bring it in to the shop to see if they can fix the problem(s).
Check around with various dealers and ebay for a deal on the Dream Machine. I did, and found a previous-generation Dream Weaver machine (the Dream Machine without embroidery, which doesn’t interest me) that a dealer was selling for less than half price, and he gave it a ‘tune up’ plus the full guarantee as it was a demo machine. It came with everything a new one would and more. I’ve had it for about 2 1/2 yrs now and it’s a gem!
And if you’re thinking you don’t want and ‘older’ model, think again. I was curious and went looking at Brother’s current version of mine and discovered there’s not much difference, just a much higher price.
Something to think about anyway. Good luck!
I have been a machine hoarder!
I do think that I need a used industrial machine! I enjoy making bags. The last one I made (a carryon weekender) had many layers and felt close to the limit of what my beloved Janome MC8900 could manage to sew through with a 120 needle!
I am looking at used Sailrite’s but have not yet located one I can afford…
I do love my Janome MC8900 and it close to being the ‘perfect’ machine for me. I have a Babylock Imagine serger that I love and a small, lightweight, Janome for classes.
A friend of mine gave me a 185j Singer. Very lightly used if used at all. All it needed was a new belt and I took care of that right away.
Now, I wasn’t even interested too much about sewing and now it’s like I am obsessed! I look forward to any excuse to use my beautiful little machine! ( it works like a charm!) Most of my friends are well experienced so I have wonderful tutors and even on-line tutorials. This little machine is very simple and straightforward, I mean, they aren’t made like that anymore. However, ladies back in the day used this cast iron wonder for all the family and household needs. I’m learning so much I can hardly keep up. But I would like another machine that has more features to it. It’s just that there are so many out there and I guess it’s a little overwhelming because I really want to get into making bags and soft leathers and denims. Is my little old singer up to that?
Only 2 machines of which 1 is heavy-duty for sewing coats & purses. Miss my machines while I transition.
I need an industrial sewing machine, as I’m trying to start my own bag making business. I have four domestic sewing machines but they just can’t handle thick and multi layer tasks. Problem is, I don’t know what to buy…..
I design and make bags on a consistent basis in my free-lance design business. My workhorse for all my heavy duty projects is a Brother LS2 walking foot machine, this machine is capable of sewing belt leather, which I have done. Cost will be from $1000 to $1,800 new. But for 20 years I had a Singer 111 walking foot that you can get on Craigslist for 300 to 500 bucks; it doesn’t have a reverse, but those vintage machines can sew just about anything to do with bags, and you can get parts and accessories easily on the Internet. An industrial walking foot is what operators use in a factory 9 hours a day, 5 days a week, so you can’t go wrong using one in your home.
I am not a collector, but am now the proud owner of a Brother trilogy! I have a regular sewing machine, an overlock, and finally, just got my grandmother’s industrial sewing machine! I am still trying te get to know “her” though,
Yes industrial sewing machines are an aloof bunch and takes time to know them, once you do will become the star of the show. You have great equipment!
Yes, I too have a staggering large amount of machines. They range from regular sewing machines, servers and a quilting machine. But I don’t have an industrial sewing machine. Something I would like to have. I recently purchased a new machine that had the statement of working like an industrial type machine. Yeah that didn’t turn out good…
Many machines make that claim, but they never deliver. Hope you find an industrial machine you are happy with.
Regards,
Mayra
Oh dear…i currently have 10 sewing machines, 1 overlocker/coverstich and 3 overlockers, as listed below:
Bernina 380
Pfaff 1163 industrial lockstich sewing machine
Pfaff select 1530
Pfaff Quiltstyle
Bernette London 3
Juki TL-98P
Singer treadle (2 units)
The Standards Sewing Machine Co treadle
Highlead industrial walking foot GC0318-1
Pfaff 4752 4 thread overlocker
Pfaff 4842 4 thread overlocker
Siruba 747D industrial 4 thread overlocker
Merrylock 3000CL
and i love them all. Each is special. All except my pfaff select 1530 are set up for regular use. The pfaff select 1530 needs to have the needle position calibrated. The centre position is not at the centre.
i suppose that qualifies me as a sewing machine junkie. i have been collecting them since 1993.
WOW! And I thought I had a few.. You must have a favorite though?
Well Mayra, maybe i have a few. I love the pfaff 1163 industrial for it’s speed, gusto and beautiful consistent straight stitches….the bernina 380 for the convenience and variety of functions offered without compromising on it’s beautiful stitch quality…….the pfaff quiltstyle for it’s beautiful stitch quality and integrated dual feed system (a winner with napped fabric and multiple layer stitching)……the singer treadle for free motion embroidery (beautifully forms stitches….so organic…i could go for hours because treadling allows me to set my own rhythm)….and the juki tl-98p is the latest addition to the fleet….still on honeymoon….but i am sure it will be a favourite too. As for the overlocker…the pfaff 4842 is my favourite because it is unfussy and it purrs softly while giving beautiful balanced stitches every time…. with minimum or no tweaking at all. I would use the Siruba 747D whenever i have loads to overlock…..the speed cuts the time more than half.
I guess i collect them all because i need the right machine for the project. I make garments (with woven and knit fabrics), bags (combining fabrics with genuine leather trimmings), quilts and curtains. I also up-cycle stuffs (old banners, plastic bags, tarp) into useful homedec items and bags.
Rather than like buying jeans, mine is more like buying shoes….i would like to have a few shoes that are comfortable to wear so that i can rotate them…..they will last longer and i am guaranteed of happy feet every time. Sounds fair?
Happy sewing everyone!
I would like to know your favorite too!
Saphire Crystall, which on your list is the coverstitch machine? Is it the Siruba or one of the Pfaffs? I’ve been looking for a coverstitch machine (it doesn’t need to overlock–I already have two of those, along with four sewing machines) and have not been happy with the ones I’m finding, so I’d love to know which of yours does coverstitching. Thanks!
I have two sewing machines, a singer 1941 model 66, a seammaster by simplicity and a serger.
I want to do some jeans and leather work and would love to have a treadle, but I’m not sure where I would fine a working one at a reasonable price.
Can anyone tell me where to start looking in the Ohio area?
Thanks,
Otealua
I have my husband’s grandmother’s (and later his mother’s) fully operational Singer treadle, my mother’s 1950’s Singer, my own Singer Touch N Sew, a Singer teacher’s model, a Singer Featherweight, a Bernina serger (70s), a 730E Bernina, a Viking Serger, a Viking Diamond, my dad’s old portable Singer, my mom’s Touch N Sew (for parts).
I am so happy that I am not alone in my sewing machine ‘hunt & gather’ collection. Unfortunately, I tend to buy machines. I love old metal machines – true workhorses! But let’s just say that I currently have 5 set up in my workroom…. This does not include those that are in the attic or in the husband’s workroom. My husband thinks I am in serious need of a support group. Who out there wants to join me?
I have three sewing machines and a Babylock Eclipse 2 serger. My Kenmore sewing machine was a gift for my 16th birthday in the 80s. In 2012 I purchased a Brother Innov-is 1250D. Two years ago I was gifted a Husqvarna Designer Diamond. I switch between the later two weekly, depending on the project.
Recently I began considering the need for an industrial sewing machine. The verdict isn’t in yet.
I currently own 2 sewing machines (the old one wasn’t working when I bought the new machine so I didn’t trade it in), 1 overlocker (serger to some folk), 1 embroidery only machine. [Husqvarna, Janome, Janome, Brother – in order.]
I truly miss my old Singer treadle that I bought in 1973 as my first BIG purchase after marrying. It did all the heavy work and the light work without a worry. Silly me thought all machines sewed that well when I let my husband trade it in for a zig zag machine in 1981. I still have and use that machine a Janome SR 2000. It is used for all weights of fabric. I sewed all my baby clothes and maternity clothes on the old treadle. I loved it but I wanted to be able to do zig zag. It was second hand from a lady who made sails for her husband’s yacht on it. The other machines that I have bought have all been brand new, even the 2 that were sold or traded in before the Husqvarna was bought. The only one I do not use a lot is the overlocker. I tried to kill it 18 months ago. It has been repaired and serviced, but now I feel intimidated by it. One day when the towels all need their edges redone, I may start to use it again.
I have a Janome 8050XL, a Janome 8002DX which I bought together last summer in an Amazon.co.uk offer. I also have a Brother which I use just for twin needle sewing and leave it set up permanently for this since the Janome seems not to do this. And I also have a small machine which I cannot remember the brand of but is some shops own brand and was very cheap. My mother gave it to me. It is meant to just do zigzag and straight stitch and four-stage button holes and is currently unused because I cannot find how to stop it skipping stitches and the thread jamming up. Possibly it is worn out but it has hardly been used. It simply doesnt want to work for me it seems.
Try rethreading the machine that is having skipped stitches, top & bobbin, and don’t forget to put in a new needle. If that doesn’t work, try having it serviced.
also try good quality thread. some machines dont like the cheap threads.
I have 5 sewing machines, a treadle, a $99 Singer from the late 60s, the thread would always tangle on that one though I used it for years. I gave it to my daughter and got it back, now resides in the basement. Another from the 40s with a button hole attachment that is amazing though haven’t used it in forever, it resides in the attic. # 4 is sitting on top of it, a $200 machine that was a total bust. Now I use a Brother machine that my son picked up at a black Friday sale about 15 years ago for $49. It is a dream, the best machine I have ever had. I do Dress a Girl and make things for my grand daughter and grand son. It gets a good amount of use, is basic and, knock on wood, has never let me down. The sewing, I do, is pretty straight forward, so I am happy with it. I never realized, before that I am a collector!
Hi, well I’m glad to hear that you all have more than 1 sewing machine because I thought I was a sick puppy for buying different brands for different tasks(thanks for that) I have Bernina 550 for free motion quilting, Ellisimo for embroidery, Pfaff for the duel feed and a Featherweight for it’s beautiful stitch. Now I’m very interested in the Juki TL2010Q straight stitch(industrial) for it’s heavy duty features (jeans) The reviews are all outstanding for the Juki and has a beautiful stitch to boot! I also have Babylock serger. Blessings, JL
Could you please explain why my reasonable comment appears not to have made it beyond moderation and does not appear in the comments? Thank you
Hi Amy, only because your comments contained questions and we haven’t had a chance to answer them yet. We try to give a considered answer any time someone asks a question –but everyone’s just been super busy and sometimes it takes a day or so to get back to everyone. I’ll post the comments now and perhaps another member can answer. Sorry for any confusion. Kind regards, Mayra
I have a working treadle, (my mother’s) 4 all purpose machines, (2 purchased new and 2 used) and 3 sergers (2 used and one still in the box, but bought at a garage sale) Each has its use and I frequently trade off. I sew frequently, mostly re-purposing and repair, some upgrades in window treatments. , and crafting.
Hi Irene,
How do you like your treadle machine and can you sew denim and leather on it?
Thanks,
Peaches
Never thought of an industrial machine until reading this article. I update machines every 5 years, but services are every 2 months. Trouble is industrial machines in Australia are very expensive. Even second hand ones are costly.
Hi Kaye, it may take a little time but industrial sewing machines come up from time to time in Australia on Ebay. Also, keep an eye on Graysonline.com. Not sure what city you’re in but there’s a Juki on auction in Sydney at the moment.
I have 3 sewing machines and like you they each have their task, plus i have an overlocker. I think an industrial machine would be amazing, but where coukd we find one and how much are they likely to cost. Dont they run on air pressure?
Hi Donna, most of the industrial machines I’ve seen including the Pfaff I have run on normal electricity. You could get a new one on Amazon. Have a look here: http://amzn.to/1Ulxjbm or keep an eye on Ebay for a used one in your area. They’re pretty big and heavy so you probably don’t want to have to ship it far. Good luck, Mayra
Any sewing machine that uses air pressure most likely will have automatic thread trimming. You can imagine how much this feature would speed up production in a factory setting, especially on a coverstitch machine. Don’t be afraid of an industrial machine, they’re fast, but you get used to it, and when you sew on a home version, you ask why is this machine so slow!
I have six sewing machines and a serger (old without differential feed). No longer have an embroidery model, as in mid-80’s we bought one that had ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE tension (the dealership had used nail polish to fix the tension discs –yeah, they actually said that to us– when we had servicing done shortly AFTER the warranty ran out). Pardon me, but I thought being able to achieve good tension on a straight stitch was a BASIC NECESSITY in a sewing machine (I guess some dealerships don’t think so). Never bought another embroidery model–took up free motion embroidery / threadpainting instead. I’ve worked on an industrial sewing machine for an designer upholstery class that I took around 2001. I think I might consider acquiring one–but do have a good basic heavy duty machine–a White “Jeans machine” which has a strong motor and retains good tension even after hours of use on a daily basis for weeks. I think without that basic good machine, I’d be much more drawn to looking for a good used industrial model. Nothing replaces good quality stitches!
I also have 4 sewing machines, a 1960’s Singer 401A inherited, a Baby lock Embrodrery, a Viking regular and a Viking Serger, love all of them but would like to get an industrial machne to be able to sew the handbags and make money at that.
I have a Janome 1600P semi-industrial. I love it! It seemed to be a fair compromise, I don’t sew enough to warrant a full on industrial but needed something robust & didn’t want a hundred embroidery stitches that I’d never use. It is a plain sewer only so still need another machine for button holes for which I use my old Janome 16 stitch but would like to trade that for something newer. (what is the perfect button hole machine?). I also have a Mercury overlocker.