/diy/ - Do It Yourself

>>864154
learn to do it by hand first.

needle + wires + pieces of cloth

understand the basics of sewing cloth and then try to see how a machine version does sewing. If you can get the basics down, you would be set. When you do it by hand, you guide the needing around the cloth. When you do it by machine, you guide the cloth around the needle.

>>864154
>I particularly want to make clothing.
>$100

Buy a decent vintage sewing machine at a thrift shop. (just because its old doesnt mean its good)
Learn the basics of bobbin and thread tension, and learn to sew patterns

From there its all about building finesse and skill (and learning how to handle each material different).

Its actually really basic, but the learning curve is steep

>>864158
This. Also check CraigsList. I paid $40 for a Singer 401a in very nice condition and some people consider it to be the best consumer level sewing machine ever made.

For a beginner and strait stitch machine will do though. No need for fancy stitches and many older strait stitch machines will come with a zig-zag attachment plus tons of other accessories.

Fuck it, post the craigslist in your area and I will have a look and shoot you some links to some nice machines in your price range.

>>864156
>>864158
Thanks for the advice. I guess starting by hand and then thrifting would be better so I don't drop too much money before I have any clue what I'm doing.

>>864166
That's pretty kind of you. My nearest CL is Columbus, Ohio.

>>864270
Not that guy, but id go for this one
https://columbus.craigslist.org/clt/5185151692.html

This is a japanese all metal machine (no plastic gears to break, stupid strong)
No idea what brand, could say zenith/dressmaker/seamstress/deluxe or any other number of rebrands.

I own a dressmaker that is very similar
Pic related, I have a pink one badged Dressmaker.
Mine sews denim well, it would sew anything you need

Just make sure thats its in full working order.

>>864270
First up we have a Singer 603 for $40. It comes with a table and what looks to be the standard accessories plus some odds and ends. Its a pretty good deal for $40. Mid century modern from the mid 60's.

I mentioned that the 401a and 403 are considered some of the best consumer machines ever made. The 500 and 503 were the same machines but with a exterior refreshing to make them look more modern. Thats when the slide in quality started. They had some issues with the fancy exteriors breaking (access doors mostly) but were still excellent machines. Well the 603 has mostly same internals as the 403 and the 503. It major change was a neat feature where you could wind the bobbin inside the machine! Very handy, when it worked. It was touchy. Also, as you can see, the exterior isn't as nice as the 401a I pictured above. Still though its a good machine and if its in good working order its well worth $40.

>>864281
Next we have what looks to be a Singer Model 600. An early one before they called it the 600. Its $50 and doesn't come with a table but the 600 its a slightly better machine than the 603 and this one appears to be sold by its original owner.

>>864277
You aren't getting any benefits over the two Singers I've listed so far. They also use metal gears. No nylon gears or belts to worry about. Plus its some odd generic Japanese model. They started flooding the market back in the 50's and getting parts and accessories for them is next to impossible.

>>864283
Finally we have a Singer Model 337 for $75. This was a standard zig-zag machine made in the UK for a couple of years in the mid 60s. Solid, durable, bulletproof no frills machine. Not as feature rich as the others I listed above but theres less to go wrong. Internal motor like the others (no belts) and metal gears like the others (more reliable than plastic) but missing the fancy zig-zig cams of the others. It comes with a table and some nice accessories (buttonholer).

I would go with the $40 machine first, with the $50 being a second choice and this being a third. No matter which one you choose TEST THEM BEFORE YOU BUY. Just because the seller says they 'work' when they turn on doesn't mean the sew! Take some thread and some scrap cloth with you and actually sew with the thing. If it looks a little off thats fine as they often need their tensions adjusted but make sure they can at least make a stitch before you pay money. Theres more to a sewing machine then making the needle go up and down. Honestly though they are probably fine. These machines don't break.

What about an old black with gold or brass coloring singer sewing machine? I had one in almost brand new condition with the table and everything. I threw it out so I was wondering if it was a good machine or not.

>>864283
I've found most of the Japanese machines were based on the older Singers and are mostly compatible with the accessories.

>>864285
It was. The old strait stitch Singers were great little machines. Not a whole lot of features but they last forever. Some are even quite valuable. Most are worth $50-100 though. They made millions of them. Had to tell without a model number and a picture though. Either way, if it was rust free you trashed it for no reason.

>>864154
Disagree with advice about learning to hand sew first. You need to know how to close things out, but I've sewn dozens of articles of clothing over the years... I suck at hand sewing and hate hate hate it. I machine close virtually anything.

A vintage machine is a good start as long as it works properly... I use a modern (probably from WalMart) $99 Brother machine I was given as a gift. It's belt driven, but works well. Basic; does straight and zig zag. I oil it and it goes. I also have a vintage Singer (1960's) that I never use... figure I'll dig it out when the Brother croaks. Both are easy machines to find parts for. I see sewing machines somewhat regularly at thrift stores for >$40 now (never used to.) Just make sure it works prior to buying; getting a machine professionally serviced can be expensive, assuming you can find someone to do it.

In terms of what to sew; I'd do a pillow first, and get to a fabric store and start familiarizing yourself with buying fabric by the yard. Once you've done that, would suggest either pajamas or a fleece jacket. PJ pants are easy, and use most skills you'll need. Fleece is, IMHO, the most forgiving fabric you can sew with. Get cheap, easy patterns, and use cheap / on sale materials.

Many WalMarts sell fabric (one of the cheapest sources) and Joanns regularly runs ~50% off 1 or all item sales, so no need to pay retail.

In addition to the Brother and older Singer, I have an older serger, an antique walking foot machine and a toy Singer from 50's. Point is, just get a sewing machine that works, b/c once you get into it you'll start collecting machines (just like bikes, guitars, these things multiply seemingly without effort.)

>>864281
>>864283
>>864284

Hey, while you're IDing machines, I've got a Singer Fashionmate 237. Wife's grandmothers old machine. Can you tell me anything about it?

>>864508
It was made in Singer Italian plant in the mid 1960's. It was a basic zig-zag machine and came in 2 versions: an early one and a later one where you could adjust the presser foot pressure and lower the feed dogs. It retailed for about $90 originally ($650-700 in todays money), making it a cheaper machine for the time. The insides are all metal but the cases have some plastic on them. They were considered good machines for their price point and were well made.

you could start sewing very simple thing at first such a rectagular pillow case or pillow for example.

Dont forget to zigzag the fraying borders or the fabric.

After that pillow case with zipper, then you could move on and buy actual patterns. Start with something easy such as a skirt. And try to avoid jersey fabrics.

Since we have experts in the house,

Would u need a special machine for sail repairs? I remember using one for this year's ago, but can't remember if it was a particular type.

The material and the thread are very heavy, so it needs to handle that...

Cheers for advice

>>864679
Thanks! It's quite heavy... ~40 lbs.
Can't get over what some of this stuff cost in today's money. Wages in USA have not kept up with inflation, but it costs less to buy most item now. There are only a few things that have resisted cost savings... airplanes, college education, health care are the top of mind items.

>>864872
Yes, kind of. I actually know a sailmaker that did one of the world cup boats for US. Retired now; he has a few machines, but the one I remember that's specific stitches a big zig-zag, 3 straight stitches one way then 3 the other. All his machines are commercial models (motor on floor, integrated sewing desk, etc.)

That said, really no idea. I suppose an upholstery machine would be about right for heavy thread / thick fabric.

>>864507
This. Hand-sewing is an entirely different art and used for different practical uses.

Fleece and a sturdy woven cotton with no stretch are your best bet for starting out.
Hell, get a few metres of calico for next to nothing and just fuck around making lines of stitching in it. Just get a feel for the machine.

Is there an online guide for getting into sewing from absolute ignorance up to sewing your own clothes?

>>865266
Well, check eHow and Instructables. They are surely to have something you need.

Kinda on the topic, any of you guys into upholstery? :3

>>865266
There isn't really much to say about it.
Just start small and work your way up.
As this thread mentions, begin with stuff like rectangular pillow cases and repairing ripped seams.

Always look at how clothing is done, and work your way up to more complicated projects.