Sewing Machines

[Barb T]

Used machines aren't always the best bet. Some of the domestic machines (particularly the less expensive ones) made in the last 50 years weren't built to last - they had flimsy or plastic parts, etc. Over time, the tensioners get flabby, parts get worn and misaligned, etc. This isn't true of the more expensive Husqvarna Vikings, Elnas, Pfaffs, and Berninas (my Bernina is over 30 years old and I haven't had one lick of trouble with it), but I have to say it is true of some of the older and cheaper Singers that were around when I bought my Bernina.

So, my advice for buying a used machine is to take along someone who is experienced in sewing to "test drive" the machine for you. Take along a bunch of different types of fabric, and have the person try out every stitch, needle position, and accessory. Make sure that the tensioner actually works and produces a stitch that locks in the center of the fabric. Take some difficult fabric and make sure that the machine doesn't skip stitches. Make sure all the adjustments work as well. Chances are, if it doesn't work on the test drive, you're not likely to resurrect it, and you don't want the frustration that comes from a machine that won't stitch properly!

And, if I were buying a used machine, I'd either go with a really old workhorse as mentioned above (my 1910 White treadle sewing machine still works fine, although it doesn't sew backwards, and I can still get bobbins and needles to fit!!) or pay a bit more and go for a well-taken-care-of Bernina, Elna, or Husqvarna. There's a reason that my Bernina came with a 25 year guarantee....

Cheers,

Barb