What sewing machine do I use?

I am often asked what sewing machine do I use, so I thought I would my machine information with you.  These are the machines I use and if you are interested in getting into clothing alterations check them out.  There are three machines that I consider a must and the fourth machine, I could not do without but that is because of the type of client I have.  I will put them in order of importance.

1.  Sewing Machine - Non Computerised - my favorite is the Janome.  The MW18 or MW3018LE is the model type.  The reason I like this machine is because it is a workhorse.  The machine itself is heavy, so there is no bouncing around the table (like some brands), and it has all of the important stitches including automatic buttonhole. I have had my Janome for many years.  In fact I bought my daughter-in-law one and my mum.  My mum always used Elna, and whilst I had them in my shops, I switched to Janome, purely because when I went looking for a new machine, the Janome shop was in the same shopping centre as my first shop. Janome Australia

2.  Sewing Machine - Computerised - If you want to get into fancy stitching, the Brother Innovis 400 is a great machine.  I picked mine up from Echidna Club.  Echidna are opening shops all around Australia, and are a great company to deal with.  Gary is the owner and is one of the nicest people you will ever deal with.  My machine has a large table which makes it great when sewing those larger projects.  It came with a walking foot and has that amazing feature called automatic cut off.  Boy does that save some time.  One of my clients needs mass production work done on their polo's and shirts.  I use this machine because of the automatic cut off feature and the fact that it has the table because it helps keep the garments clear and clean.
If you are looking at buying a machine contact Echidna Club

Note - Both machines have their advantages.  It depends on what I am sewing.

3.  Over locker - I have the Janome 204D which again is your basic over locker.  It does everything I need.  It will give you a nice overlocked edge.  For most of my clothing alteration work where I am over locking hem edges and sides, I remove the needle from the right hand side and leave the left needle in.  I remove the thread from the second left position.  This gives me a nice wide over lock which looks professional.  It also does a nice rolled hem.  And I have purchased additional feet including the elasticator and the gathering foot.  I am sure most over lockers have the ability to add feet.  When sewing stretch fabrics like sports wear and/or when making for myself I set up the four threads as the second from the left is the safety stitch.  No need for a normal seam.  Just place right sides together and sew.  They currently retail for around $450.00

So they are my MUST HAVE sewing machines.  Now we get into the area of machines that are wonderful to have because they save you a heap of time, but are not essential to start.

4.  Blind Hemming machine - Semi Industrial Blind hemming machine - I do a lot of corporate work.  For example I might have 50 trousers, 30 shirts and 30 dresses to shorten hems.  There is no way I am going to sit there and hand stitch, and nor am I going to use the blind hemmer on my sewing machine.  It might be a great option, but it does not produce the type of blind hem this machine gives.  It uses a specific thread called Gral which is a continuous filament polyester thread.  The company that produces the thread is called Coats who are in Australia.

My blind hemmer is a Tony.  I purchased it through Elizabeth Sewing Centre in Brisbane.  But if you Google - Semi Industrial Blind Hemming machine Tony - you will find a dealer near you.  Wouldn't be without mine.

5. Cover stitch machine - I have owned a few off and one.  I have a way of shortening tees and stretch fabric that create an imitation cover stitch, but the real machine is worth having.  They create two stitches or three on the right side and overlock the underside.

This one retails for $800.  But I have seen them for less - around $600.  Probably not the same style.  If you alter a lot of stretch then these are great machines to own.

6.  Punching machine - Felting machine - This is my indulgence working overtime.  This machine has no threads.  The needle is like the shards on the end of an arrow.  Lay fabric down, threads on top or anything else you want to felt into the fabric, and punch away.  It pushes the threads into the fabric.  Great for embellishing (when you have the time)  Retails for around $350

So there you have it.  The machines that I use.  No industrial sewing machines for me.  I have a workbench which is about 2.5 meters long, 62 centimeters wide and fits four of my machines.  Then I have a horn sewing cabinet with my non computerised machine on it, and a Horn cutting table with both ends extended 99.9% of the time.

It is not a massive outlay to get into clothing alterations, because most people have a standard sewing machine lying around.  And or you could pick one up at a garage sale or on Gumtree or eBay.

Happy altering

Judith Turner