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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
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which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: Sewhappie
Date: 01-17-2007, 01:09 PM (1 of 19)
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All of us here sew, be it begginers or ol' timers with many, many years under the belt. So we do know how to handle a sewing machine. Given that.......... If you had the chance to design a sewing machine what would you want on it and not want on it? |
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001 Total posts: 1427 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 01-17-2007, 01:39 PM (2 of 19)
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I have a workhorse Pfaff about 5 years old and I love it the way it is. I would probably use a few fancy decorative stitches if I had them and the needle down thing would be cool. I love and would never do without that built in walking foot. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: lendube
Date: 01-17-2007, 02:07 PM (3 of 19)
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I would meld my old Singer Stylist 534 with my current H.V. #1+ Emb. machine. While H.V. is in the shop for a tune up I've been using my old Singer and I realize it has a few features that I really love and don't have on the H.V. #1 I love the wing nut that enables me to change needles easily. The H.V. requires a screwdriver. #2 The Singer has a better system to change out feet. I always feel like I'm breaking the machine with the H.V. The Singer is just an all metal set up where you lower the shank onto the foot and it pops in. #3 I just like the metal construction. It feels sturdier. #4 I've seen an auto thread cutter feature on the Janome that seemed real handy. Curious to see what folks like and dislike. Oh yes, I love the "needle down" feature and speed control. Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: Pudge99
Date: 01-17-2007, 02:54 PM (4 of 19)
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I would also mix the old with the new. I want the computers and everything but give me the sturdiness of the old treadle. Item # 1. Flatbed cabinet 2. More metal than plastic 3. IDF (built in walking foot) 4. Treadle straight stitch available for power outages 5. Most definately the wing nut over the screwdriver for needle replacement. 6. Make it upgradable ie buy a base unit that does the basic straight and zig-zag stitches and as your skills build you can buy more stitch functions 7. An automatic needle threader that works 8. A thread cutter that makes a clean cut would be nice too 9. A high tech pressure activated voice that says. "This is not a sewing item please remove it from my cabinet and step away. You have exactly three seconds to leave the vicinity before the tomato pin cushion explodes. 3...2...1..." 10. I like how my Pfaff has big feed dogs. It grabs fabric from in front of the foot and pulls it under. 11. I like my snap on feet. 12. Needle down button is nice. 13. I would like it to be easier to do self maintenance. I hate paying ther people to do things for me. 14. Clear markings for seam allowances from 1/4 up and I want them to be the length of the machine base so I don't have to put masking tape all the time. I could go on and on but my hubby wants me to come play pinball with him. Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: wghmch
Date: 01-17-2007, 03:31 PM (5 of 19)
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Just a FYI about why most mfgr's have switched to using a screwdriver to tighten the needle clamp. Unfortunately, it is just not possible for many people, and carelessness by others, that results in finger tightening not getting the needle tight enough. There have been thousands of instances of needles dropping out while the machine is running, and then you run the risk of a broken part or getting the broken needle in your face. With the high speed of machines and the high cost of lawsuits, most mfgr's would rather force you to use a tightening method (screwdriver) that is far more likely to set the needle securely. Bill Holman |
User: wghmch
Member since: 03-04-2003 Total posts: 249 |
From: Sancin
Date: 01-17-2007, 06:16 PM (6 of 19)
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I have several machines but I really am liking my Janome quilt 6260. * I really don't need all those button hole stitches. * I miss the use of cams from my old Elna Supermatic as one could always add decorative designs as they became available. * I also miss the serpentine stitch. * I would love a knee control vs a foot control. Easier on the back though not necessarily easier to use. * I do like the down foot feature. * While I like computerized machines, I hate it when they so control the stitch that they don't allow enough stitch length. I hate not having a 0 stitch. * I agree with the metal vs plastic. * I find screw drivers very awkward to use due to the space allowed to use them. My current machine provides me with a short screw driver to remove the face plate, but I have arthritic and bulky fingers making it a time consuming process and make me glad I don't have children in the house. * I would like manufactures to decide on standards of size for parts. I realize they are in business, but at my age I don't want to buy a new machine for feature that wasn't available at the time I bought it. I would like it upgradable. * I would like to see better lighting. The light under the arm only allows a narrow light. I end up using a task light most time I am sewing. * I wish all machines had a stitch regulator that I am hearing about that people are using for free motion machine quilting. It sounds like it would be good for machine embroidery as well. Was it on this discussion list that a European student was writing a thesis on what was required on a machine? I wonder what the outcomes of her survey was? *~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895 
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From: Pudge99
Date: 01-17-2007, 08:38 PM (7 of 19)
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Oh, I forgot about Knee control. I need that too.
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: lendube
Date: 01-17-2007, 09:31 PM (8 of 19)
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Oooo, a knee control. That would be nice. That's funny. I'm trying to remember where I worked on a machine with a knee control. I do believe it was the one in Home Ec class in 19 aught 8 or so. And thanks, Bill, for clearing that up. Too bad though. Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: Sewhappie
Date: 01-17-2007, 11:10 PM (9 of 19)
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Funny how you mentioned that the manufactures feel that using a screwdriver is safer for installing a needle. I can recall many times where I thought that I had the needle in securely with the screwdriver method only to have it drop out of the needle arm while sewing, and not always right away. I guess I would want to convert features that I like on a home machine with the strength and speed of a Industrial Machine. I have been spoiled with Industrial Machines and miss working on them. 6. Make it upgradeable ie buy a base unit that does the basic straight and zig-zag stitches and as your skills build you can buy more stitch functions This would be a great idea to have. |
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001 Total posts: 1427 |
From: wghmch
Date: 01-17-2007, 11:50 PM (10 of 19)
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"Funny how you mentioned that the manufactures feel that using a screwdriver is safer for installing a needle. I can recall many times where I thought that I had the needle in securely with the screwdriver method only to have it drop out of the needle arm while sewing, and not always right away." The end of the screwdriver that is metal and kind of flat goes into the screw. Bill Holman |
User: wghmch
Member since: 03-04-2003 Total posts: 249 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 01-18-2007, 08:20 AM (11 of 19)
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The end of the screwdriver that is metal and kind of flat goes into the screw. Thanks for clearing that up, Bill.  Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: MaryW
Date: 01-18-2007, 08:31 AM (12 of 19)
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Roflmao!!!
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: HeyJudee
Date: 01-18-2007, 10:35 AM (13 of 19)
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I love my machine but I have a knee lift for the presser foot and never use it. My one wish would be to have a foot control that would stay in place...e.g. suction it to a solid floor or have something to hook it to a carpet!!! I use velcro tabs on the bottom but they keep coming off...and it starts moving. 
TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366 
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From: Sewhappie
Date: 01-18-2007, 10:58 AM (14 of 19)
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The end of the screwdriver that is metal and kind of flat goes into the screw. That just sounds like something a GUY would say!!! They think they are sooooooooooo funny!!!!!!!!! Bet it was a woman that had to point out the difference in the two ends of that screwdriver in the first place!! PLUS where to stick it!!!!!!!!!! 
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User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001 Total posts: 1427 |
From: Pudge99
Date: 01-18-2007, 12:39 PM (15 of 19)
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Judy, Chasing the foot pedal is why my machine must have the knee control. I have never heard of your knee lift presser foot but that sounds cool too. My knee control was a little lever that folded down from the underside of the cabinet you push it with the side of your knee and away you sew. Oh it was such a dream. I was one of the only girls in Home Ec who used it. I could never figure out why the others didn't. I got more sewing time in because I wasn't chasing that stupid foot pedal everywhere. Currently I don't have any machines with that feature  Been thinking of rigging something similar but haven't yet figured out how.
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: HeyJudee
Date: 01-18-2007, 08:06 PM (16 of 19)
Gina, yep the knee lift that I have will lift the presser foot. Should be great for free motion quilting since you can lift the foot without taking your hands off the quilt...but I've never gotten into the habit of using it!  Before Xmas I saw a gadget at Fabricville that is to prevent your foot pedal from moving. It was like a piece of carpet with a plastic backing with the spikes to stick in the carpet. But it was $20 and I don't believe that it will actually work...I think the pedal will still move off it. Has anyone tried one of these gadgets? TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366
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From: lendube
Date: 01-18-2007, 10:16 PM (17 of 19)
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Just thought of something else I love about my main machine. The little beep that reminds me that I'm running out of bobbin thread. I just sewed at least 10 inches of a very difficult seam without bobbin thread!  Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 01-18-2007, 10:48 PM (18 of 19)
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Don't bother with the $20.00 pad for your foot pedal. I bought one and it slid all over the carpet and I finally put it up in the closet. Take a mouse pad and velcro dots and velcro your control pedal to it. It stays put and is terrific. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: PaulineG
Date: 01-19-2007, 07:08 AM (19 of 19)
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I just sewed at least 10 inches of a very difficult seam without bobbin thread! Lennie I hate that!!!!  It never seems to happen at other times - I always notice beforehand.That should be in every machine. Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
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