Do You Need An Industrial Sewing Machine?

need industrial sewing machine

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?

sewing machine brands

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!

need industrial sewing machine

 

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.

Best sewing machine reviews online. Read before you buy!

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Lucia Q. Santos
Lucia Q. Santos

I know I need/want one! My quilts would go soooo much faster. Hope to win this one???

Amy
Amy

I have one sewing machine and which I would love one that could newest like the new likest. I love to sew, I that hasn’t been the stopped of me be able to do what I what, I just to hasn’t to must adjustment.

Cathy Teske
Cathy Teske

I need an industrial machine to do a proper professional job on rolls of premium leather hides that I was given. I need to make the giver proud that they chose me to receive the leather!

Sonia Morrison
Sonia Morrison

Oh yes! My Singer with the plastic gears just does not like trying to sew through all the layers in the bags I want to make. I would love to make some leather coats too but there is no way my machine can handle that. My old serger is still going strong though. Nothing like spending time sewing and creating something unique, it is calming and satisfying. Just ignore the mess all my creativity makes though!

Honey
Honey

I have a Bernina 830 that I wouldn’t take anything for. We have sewn many miles! I had a singer and had seen using singers before but it didn’t begin to do what the Bernina did. I have sewn since I was a kid. First job was seeing bras in a factory on singers Loved it! Then I sewed and made oil field canvass, boat covers among many other things.again singers. Next job was making Sani-panties for female dogs in heat!!! Loved it! It was after all this I sewed for a lady that had a little shop making clothes and doing mending and such on Bernina, industrial and home machines. Then I went to work in a chemical plant for 19 years and not much time for sewing. I did do a little patching for the folks there and our unit pickup seat was in such bad shape I talked the bosses into letting me take the seat cover off for a pattern and then covered it with horse blanket and I recovered it it home on my Bernina. When the plant shutdown I retired out and came home to sew. Along with a serger I purchased a Juki 241 industrial machine! I had to improvise sometimes as the lady that sold it to me for only $500 didn’t have everything That went with it but she had enough to get me going. It had been in a factory where they made bus seat. Love this machine! Again we have seen a lot of miles from upholstery to tarps and then some. I also have a Bernina 930 if the 830 ever decides to give it up. I also now have two sergers and a Brother embroidery machine along with a few others people give me because they think I might need another. A new Juki industrial would sure come in handy!!

Marda DeCamillis
Marda DeCamillis

I have a 20 year old Bernina and a 45 year old Kenmore – both are great. I have also picked up a EuroPro at a garage sale site for my granddaughters to learn on. Now that I am retired, I am hoping to do a lot of quilting, so an Industrial Machine would be great!

Barbara Hilton
Barbara Hilton

Oh how I wish you’d had this contest a few years ago. My now retired hubby owned a roofing business and was constantly needing jeans repaired. I began to put leather on them for two reasons: the repairs lasted longer and the leather actually gripped the roof better, holding him in place. I needed a good heavy machine to sew the 1/8″ thick leather patches on and never really did find one. I went thru several ‘cheap’ machines until he finally retired. I love my Elna and my Brother serger and my old ‘clunker’ and use them constantly

Ruth Chapman
Ruth Chapman

I think having an industrial machine would awesome! It’s not a question of do I need another machine, I know the answer to that. However, to the question of do i want a new machine , “yes, please” !

Carol Webster

Well… I have a Jones 1940’s treadle, a singer Featherweight, Singer 430, a Bernina 830, a Pfaff 260, a Pfaff 1475 and a Pfaff Dorina plus a Viking Husqvarna Embroidery machine which is just too expensive for me to afford to repair it just stopped working one day and refuses to do anything other than straight stitch and a Husqvarna overlocker/coverstitch machine! I wasted money buying the embroidery machine plus it’s attachment as I sew mostly tailored garments, which I would love an industrial machine for!!

Jeanette Collins
Jeanette Collins
Reply to  Carol Webster

I wish I may, I wish I might……Yes, please! I’ve only been sewing about 7 years now but my poor little Brother just doesn’t seem to be happy when sewing anything heavy. I enjoy making leather bags but have stopped because the stitching doesn’t seem right. Quilting is just as difficult and I am limited to smaller projects. So I say again…….Yes, please?!?!!

Ingeborg E Sander
Ingeborg E Sander

The comments about the old Pfaff machines brought back some some memories: I once sewed a boat cover for a 13 foot boat that was pulled by car from SC to CA in 1966. The cover was made from two types of fabric that I bought at Charleston Air Force Base. They were getting rid of fabrics (all kinds) that they no longer used in the Armed Services. I used a green nylon fabric that was rubber coated on the back (rain-proof) and duck (canvas) material. The seams ended up being 6 layers thick. The boat with it’s cover on made it all the way to California when it started taring up. The motor finally gave out and needed replacing (which I could not afford at the time) in 2006. I sewed everything from curtains, children’s clothes, and some fancy dresses for myself (besides the boat cover) on that machine. I still miss it.

Patricia Delwiche

I feel like a rookie — I have only two. An old Singer 66-16 that was an antique when I bought it used when I was in high school. I love it! It goes forward and backward, that’s it, but with a buttonhole attachment, it makes the best buttonholes. Now that I’M an antique, I also have my mom’s Elna Super, which I think of as my new machine, but it is probably 30+ years old. It uses cams to make all kinds of fancy stitches, which is fun but not terribly practical. It is starting to seize, so its days are probably numbered. I would love to have a serger, and an industrial machine would make sewing on blue jeans, leather and canvas a lot more feasible.

Wanda Phillips

I have a single needle embroidery machine that I love but hat having to remove the embroidery attachment to sew. I think an industrial machine would be the perfect addition especially for heavy canvas and jeans.

Elizabeth
Elizabeth

I have 2 machines. One is a 1955 singer model that I learned to sew on when I was 10 years old. The other one is a lower end Janome which is 19 years old. I do most of my sewing on it and do all my own maintenance to keep it working top notch. I make my own jeans and also sew leather projects and is slow going on the janome so it would be awesome to have an industrial machine. I would also love to have a serger.

Sharon P Rodriguez
Sharon P Rodriguez

An industrial machine is my dream! I currently have a Brother for every day use, a server which I use often, and a lightweight machine for my young grandson’s to use as they are learning to sew at 8 and 9 years old.

Margaret Grottenthaler
Margaret Grottenthaler

I clearly need to start a sewing machine collection! I only have 3 and two of those are just portables. I have a Bernina 880 which does most everything, but I do some sewing of soft home furnishings for $ so would like something that gives a very professional finish.

barbara woods
barbara woods

I have five that I use, My featherweight I use the most but would love to win!

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Maryrita
Maryrita

I have an old Singer I purchased used from Singer. Its beige n Dk Brn / Straight stitch/reverse/zig zag.. My daughter was a baby when I bought it. She is now age 52. The machine is an old work horse. It gets persnickety at times, so I turn the tension down to zero, lower the stitch width and length to nothing and I start sewing…increasing the tension, etc. I’ve never have had it serviced and it works well.
In addition, when my youngest moved out of home at the mature age of 16, he asked for the machine as he can sew The machine went missing when he moved to another city./province. 4 years later a friend phoned him and asked if he wanted the machine back? It had been accidently moved with his roommate belongings. Yes, my son has it in his home and we still use it.
I have a Brother CE 5500T ( for emergency) and a newer Bernina B 330 that I am still in the midst of learning to use the memory….I, too, am looking at a Juki that I can purchase for 300 from a seamstress who is also a service-woman (LOL) and who has a few industrial sewing machines. I wish all my sister/brother Sewers the very best in this new year

Deegie
Deegie

I thought I was “turning into my mother” a few weeks back, when I realized that I keep eyeing machines at flea markets, etc. (and occasionally obtained one). The difference is that I actually sew, and she only ever did because it was cheaper to make my clothes than to buy them. Once I started sewing, she might have done some mending, hemming, and the like, but never really LIKED to sew.

I have always wanted an industrial machine and a blind hem machine. But always beyond what my wallet could afford. I am currently looking for a treadle base to use with my Singer Fashion Mate – since the motor is on the outside of the machine, it would be an easy alteration.

However, I have had machines that I thought were just worn out, when I found out that you need to take them to the repairman once in a while to have them cleaned and adjusted. I have had many BAD repairmen, and I think some of them did more damage than good. I have learned how to take my machines apart enough to clear all the thread, lint, etc that gets stuck inside and keeps it from working well, know where to put oil, and where to use white lithium grease. AND I now have an absolutely fabulous repairman.

So, for the machines that don’t seem to be functioning correctly, have them looked at before giving up on them.

At the moment, I have my Kenmore that I bought in 1987 (which is my favorite), a Necchi that I traded with my mom, a Singer Futura II (that doesn’t like me), the Singer Fashion Mate (mentioned above), a Simplicity Serger (for t-shirts and turtlenecks and sometimes general sewing), and a Brother PE770 embroidery machine (which makes me want one of the larger embroiderers!).

I received (gratis) a very early Singer Touch and Sew 604e (only does straight stitch). I took it to my repair guy and will be picking it up sometime next week. I am looking forward to trying it out.

John Yinging
John Yinging

As an older freelance designer, I have a lot of machines. For most work, I use my Juki 5410 industrial, needle feed,straight stitch machine. I have lots of feet and needles that will complete most of my sewing tasks. I have an industrial three-thread Rimoldi serger that is great for stretch fabrics, but also good for wovens; its fast and serges even slightly heavy weight material. I also have an industrial Juki four thread, but that’s out in the garage, and doesn’t get much use. (Also out there is a Reece 101 keyhole buttonhole antique that needs expensive refurbishing if I ever get the time and money) My favorite domestic machine is my Pfaff 260 that handles just about any fabric, but I use it when a project needs a lighter touch or zigzagging. Next to it is my Pfaff 130 blackhead, the machine I first learned to sew on back in the early 70’s. It was my Mother’s who probably bought it in the 50’s soon after I was born, and I inherited it, and now use it mostly for buttonholes with a Singer/Greist attachment. Other industrials include a Pegasus W600 coverstich, Brother Walking foot for leather work, Singer 211 needle feed, and a Pfaff 138 zigzag, Others include a table-top blind hemmer, an Osann Fur machine (over 100 years old), and probably my most expensve machine, the Bernina 1100 serger that does just about anything. Sure Industrial machines only do one thing, but they do it well and are engineered to work 8-10 hours a day, 7 days a week, that’s why you need several machines to do professional industrial work. For most home sewing needs, vintage all metal machines are the way to go.

Cost? I bought the Pfaff 260 in the early 2000’s for $25 from a thrift store, but had it serviced by my mechanic for another $50, since then I broke a main shaft while sewing through too much bulk. After a significant repair it has been sewing like a race horse. The Juki I managed to find on Craiglslist from a local Vietnamese contractor (nearly all the sewing contractors in the Seattle area are Vietnamese) who gave it to me for 300 dollars. After the usual servicing, no problems except for many broken needles, a common problem with needle feed machines. The Brother walking foot, which I got for a song from a fellow freelancer ($500), has paid for itself many times over

Conclusion: If you are doing professional level sewing, get at least an Industrial single needle and serger, after business picks up, think about a blind hemmer, and walking foot. If you want to specialize in knits, you’ll need a coverstich machine. Always have a vintage all-metal zigzag machine for its versatility and reliability. and lastly, find and spend the money on a local sewing machine technician.

Awilda
Awilda

I had 2 Brother machines and I gave one away. Currently, I have 1 Brother, a Singer Simple that I inherited, a very old green metal machine in a wooden cabinet that belonged to my mother, a baby Janome and a Brother Serger. Seeing this in writing is making me think. That being said I took classes years ago and used a Juki industrial and loved it. I would definitely consider getting one in the future.

Sandra Williams
Sandra Williams
Reply to  Awilda

I have a Bernina 770QE, a Bernina 800DL, my mothers old Singer featherweight, and a New National approx. 1890 hand crank. Just gave my first sewing machine away to a young girl learning to sew. I would love a industrial matching. It would help with the purses I make.

Elle
Elle

I have a good domestic, a good but aging serger and a coverstitch. I’m set.

maxermoo
maxermoo
Reply to  Elle

Elle, what kind of coverstitch machine do you have? I’m currently looking for one and am trying to get feedback from anyone who has one. I’d love to get your feedback. Thanks!

Sonia Byrd
Sonia Byrd

I have 2 sergers (Brother 1034d and BabyLock Eclipse), 2 BabyLock sewing machines and a Singer commercial machine that I bought from my tailors estate sale that I’ve yet to figured out to thread.

Linda K
Linda K

I have one sewing machine, Pfaff tiptronic. It is light enough to take to classes and I purchased a Sew Steady Table to use at home for a larger sewing base. I mostly make quilts, piece and machine quilt on it. I have also made bags, curtains and cushion covers with this machine. I sometimes have machine envy-a feather weight for classes, an embroidery machine for new challenges, but all – in- all, I will be sticking with my Pfaff.

Linda
Linda

I learned to sew in Jr High on singer machines and was inspired by a great Home Ec teacher in high school. I practiced on my Mothers old singer treadle machine. I currently have 3 singer machines 1 of which is an old treadle I bought for sentimental reasons. I have 2 sergers 1 Janome I bought to do rolled hems and 1 singer. I also have a hemming machine. My husband who use to do car interiors has 2 industrial singers that are sitting idle in our basement. My machines are now used primarily for hemming, small craft projects and repairs. All this and I still have to restrain myself when I see a machine at a yard sale or flea market and have to wear blinders when I go to Joann Fabric. The sad part is it is I no longer have anyone to sew for and I find it is less expensive to buy my clothes. But oh the lure to be creative still lingers deep in my sole.

Vlierbloesem
Vlierbloesem
Reply to  Linda

True, it is cheaper to buy ready made clothes. But that was always the idea behind the clothing industrie: cheap new clothes for those who cannot afford tailormade.

Victoria
Victoria

I have 1(2lion) I use in sew in my apartment. But it work isn’t neat enough. I envy those of u who has more than one sewing machine(efficient one),I’m hoping to save up to get one before the year runs out. Will keep managing the one I have. I really need and industrial machine

Vlierbloesem
Vlierbloesem

An industrial machine is good for a sewing sweatshop, where every one has its own task at the dedicated machines. Most is done with sergers, and strait stitch only machines, one makes button holes, one uses the button attach machine, one stitches the cuffs automatically, and another is for bias tape sewing.

A good quality household sewing machine does most of these tasks. For sewing at home I think it is best to have 1 sturdy metal vintage household zigzag sewing machine, 1 modern electronic sewing machine for buttonholes and special stitches, 1 good serger.

Suzanne
Suzanne
Reply to  Vlierbloesem

I agree with you. I don’t sew to produce lots of clothing or handbags or whatever, I sew for the the creativity of making something my own (such as a quilt) and just because I love to do it. I have several vintage machines and three modern units, plus a serger. I don’t need anything else for what I do.

Halima
Halima

I wish I had that many machines that actually worked. I have 1 machine that is an Empisal brand, don’t know if you heard of it, and am having difficulty sewing with it. Am looking around for another but i want to make the right decision this time and really dont know what to do.

Vlierbloesem
Vlierbloesem
Reply to  Halima

Choosing the right machine for you depends on your needs. A good stirdy vintage machine will do most tasks you need. These can be bought secondhand for low prices. A new electronic machine can be found at a low price too. When you have the vintage machine for most tasks, including stitching thick cloth an multiple layers, you do not need the expensive electronic machines with high power.

My main sewing machine is the vintage 70´s mezal machine of a fantasy brand made by Brother. For spareparts I recently bought a second one for €20,-.

My vintage serger is a 80´s Bernette. A stirdy, mainly metal machine. Expensive at the time, but nowadays these can be obtained secondhand for low prices too.

My newest machine is a Singer 6180. This one was cheap (€100) and good enough for light sewing. It makes beautifull bottonholes.

Jackie
Jackie

i have 3 machines, one is just a baby machine but has stopped sewing, i have one domestic sewer which works well until i need to use thick fabric which it doesnt seem to like, and a Janome overlocker which i just love to bits… so yes would love to have a industrial machine to add to my family of sewing machines!

Lesley Brough
Lesley Brough

I saw your headline picture and I have one of those [in my dolls house], along with 4 in my sewing area and at lest 2 older models one that uses shuttles and an overlocker. Somehow I doubt that I will be getting any more or my husband might decide to leave home.

Suzanne
Suzanne

I sew for enjoyment, to make gifts, and produce items such as simple clothing for children in Africa and colorful pillowcases for children in our local hospital. I love making quilts and usually do a couple hours of sewing every day – but not always on the same machine. I have nine, so I guess I qualify as a machine “junkie”.
At my age (pushing 70) I neither need nor want an industrial machine. My vintage Kenmore “boat anchors” easily sew through 4+ layers of denim and canvas if I happen to be making jeans, slipcovers or such, and my modern Brother Dreamweaver is just a joy for quilting, making clothes – wovens and knits – and the occasional handbag or wallet. It also sews through garment weight leather very easily. As a retiree, I rarely do ‘deadline’ sewing and don’t need super speed – my machines make excellent stitches and are fast enough for me.

Sarah
Sarah

I have and electric with some basic stitches (buttonhole, zig-zag, stretch-stitch), but the machines I use the most are my vintage Singers. I have a total of 4–two model 66-1s (one in a treadle cabinet, the other a hand-crank), and two model 99s that I converted to hand-cranks as the motors were shot. I prefer them as anymore, I don’t have much need for the electric’s fancy stitches. Yes, I do get it out when I need to sew buttonholes or need to zig-zag, but I just prefer my vintage machines

huckleberryeyes
huckleberryeyes

Oh, yes, I do wish I had a serger for cotton knits.

Suzanne
Suzanne

Does your Brother have any stretch or zig-zag stitches? I have a couple of Brother machines, they all have these stitches and in my experience they work well for knits. And there is a presser foot available especially for knits; it’s sort of a walking foot but ‘walks’ similarly to the way a quilting or darning foot does – using a lever that’s pushed up and down by the needle bar. It’s very helpful; I have one and use it regularly.
You also might want to try some ballpoint twin needles for hemming knits. It does takes some practice and and some tension adjustments, but the end result is similar to a coverstitch finish. I use twin needles on my favorite Brother machine and the knits turn out very nicely. Yes, a serger is faster but that doesn’t bother me. I own a one and haven’t used it in a long time – I rarely need it anymore.

huckleberryeyes
huckleberryeyes

I have an old New Home that sews through 6 layers, Pendleton Blanket (for coats) wool 4 layers, lining and interfacing. When I try to use my Brother on it (same company) it will not sew through so I use it for cotton, silk, and linen. Oh, and buttonholds, the New Home doesn’t do great buttonholes.

marie keller
marie keller

I drive/sew with a Mitsubishi at my day job. I’m totally convinced I need an industrial sewing machine at home. Though my home machine has surprised me on what it can handle it’s so much prettier on a machine made for the job.

Patricia Pfeiffer
Patricia Pfeiffer

Now I am sorry that I let my husband convince me I had too many sewing machines. I gave away a wonderful 1941 electric Singer with about every attachment available, including one to do hemstitching ( the edging that allowed you to crochet lace edgings on linens). One old serger that would have been best put to use as a boat anchor.
I won that in a contest, and suspect it was the dealer’s solution to getting rid of a unit they were unable to sell ( sergers were not popular at the time, and I never did get it to work).

I had other machines I parceled out to my two daughters. Today I have my favorite, a Pfaff Performance 5.0, two Pfaff sergers, one just an over locker, the other a combination, and my old Pfaff that I got back from my daughter because I was sewing jeans and had one machine set up for regular thread, and the other with top stitching thread, so I am down to only 4 machines now.
I thought I would like to have an embroidery machine, but I really do not need it. My Pfaffs handled the denim well, and a lot of strange things my husband had me sew from heavy canvas. My daughter, the one that sews, bought a Pfaff Performance 5.1, but prefers an older Singer for buttonholes.
The younger daughter doesn’t sew and gave away the old Japanese machine which was the first machine I bought after high school graduation. I learned to sew on a White my mother had that my sister still uses once in awhile. Plus all the machines in 4 years of home ec., mostly Singers.
I did try out sewing before the White on a treadle and I was surprised to read how many are still using them, especially for free motion embroidery. Why are they so useful for that? Maybe I need to look for one???

Karen Poole
Karen Poole

Well, I do have many machines but not because they didn’t work well!! I also have and industrial type machine for my Little Gracie II quilting frame. It does straight stitch only and has a built in scissors and will go through 7 layers of leather like its butter!! I bought it for my quilting frame but use it for other sewing on heavy duty fabrics like jeans! Then I had my original regular sewing machine that my late husband gave me. I purchased a combo embroidery/sewing machine with 4 x4 hoop, but I quickly learned I used it a lot and wanted larger design space so I bought a Brother that does regular sewing, quilting and embroidery, hoops to 12×7. So the smaller embroidery//sewing machine was then designated as my grandsons machine at my house. When his brother started sewing, I bought a used standard machine for him to have at my house. Then I decided my great big sewing/embroidery machine was too big to take to classes so I bought a beginners machine with just a few stitches and very light to take to classes! Oh and I can’t forget my serger! So that makes a total of so I have a total of 7 machines. They all get used for different reasons! Oh and I forgot to add, I bought a second embroidery machine, it’s an embroidery only machine. Now when one is in the shop for repairs or tune ups I still have one to use, plus if I need to make a bunch of embroidered items, like at Christmas I get it done much quicker as I can run both machines at the same time! Plus I have an old Singer Treadle machine, it works but I mainly have it for looks!!

barbara t
barbara t

I’m actually kinda embarrassed to answer this question, but here goes: I have 16 (yes, SIXTEEN) sewing machines. I do not make a living sewing, but I just can’t pass up a vintage sewing machine (plus my others). I do have an industrial machine (actually, it’s my husband’s, but he lets me use it ;), and it’s great for handbags. I have a serger, an embroidery machine, my go-to Janome 6600P, two Singer Featherweights, a Bernina 830, a couple of treadle Singers, a new Janome treadle, my little Janome Jem for my camper, a vintage Husquavarna and assorted other vintage Singers. I’m a sewing machine hoarder, but I just hate to see a good vintage machine wind up in the landfill – they’re not making any more.

Cyn
Cyn

I have about 13 machines, but honestly, they are black Singers for my restoration hobby, I have Sparrow 30 for my day-to-day machine, a cheap Babylock for teaching students, and a 1950 Featherweight for heavy duty work–It’s a champ! I used to dream about an industrial machine, but now I’d rather have a long arm quilter!

Tina
Tina

I love these comments and it really makes me feel like I have found my tribe of sewers. Like many of you, I have many and love each of them in their own special way. Like a sewing machine zen.