Buying a quality sewing machine

Ok, well it's a universal fact (in my mind anyway), new sewing machines aren't worth the plastic they are made from. When it comes to sewing save yourself some mental torture and don't buy any machine made after 1970. Around this time there was a severe decline in the quality of sewing machines. Both of my machines are ancient, I have a 1930's Singer which has never needed servicing in the 20yrs I've owned it and a 1960's Singer which runs rings around anything you'll find in a shop today.

The 1930's Singer was purchased from an opportunity store for $50 in the late 80's. It came complete with wooden cover, keys and every conceivable attachment you can think of. It worked straight out of the box and I've never even oiled it in all the time I've used it. It's made from good quality cast iron, weighs a tonne and can sew awning canvas easily. It's the equal of any modern industrial machine. The only downside is that it sews only a straight stitch in forward and reverse. If you can find one of these beauties don't hesitate buy it!

My upgrade, the 1960's machine also sews a zigzag stitch. It's decidedly less pretty than my black beauty but cost me a mere $15 in 2006 at the local tip shop in Hobart. My mother didn't want to give me this one back since it sews more smoothly and effortlessly than her $800 specialist quilting machine. Also never been serviced or had a problem and is cast iron.

Sadly the Singer brand went downhill once they started making plastic machines. The older machines however are pure gold and will probably outlast you. The best part though is they can be found readily all around the country in junk stores for a few dollars in perfect working order. If it plugs in and runs smoothly, you've found a winner. Buy it and you'll be glad you did for decades to come.

I did make the mistake of once purchasing a brand new Janome. Needless to say it was pure junk right out of the box. Couldn't sew a straight stitch much less a button hole. I put it out on the street in disgust, it was so bad I couldn't even be bothered returning it to the shop.