All of my sewing has been on mechanical machines. When I started out, that’s all there was. I first sewed on my Mum’s Singer 401g, then I was given a machine of my own for my 21st present, a Singer Capri 163. I had that for decades until I got a Janome Décor Excel II back in 2010. I had always hankered after another Singer 401g and eventually managed to buy one, so I sold the Capri.
So, now I have the 401g and the Janome, both of which have a very ‘hands-on’, operator-is-in-charge-at-all-times, nothing-happens-unless-you-make-it-happen, style of use. I am in the habit of cutting and trimming threads at the beginning and end of each seam, easing the flywheel where necessary (particularly on the 401g, both those machines I have used could be reluctant starters – I was told this is due to the direct drive), using the flywheel for needle up/down as required, raising and lowering the presser foot when I want to. Using reverse stitching, changing stitch width, length or tension with levers or sliders, changing cams for patterns manually, adjusting presser foot pressure, all these are done manually with knobs and levers. I was even bowled over by the one-step buttonhole foot on the Janome when I got it. Automation!
From time to time I look at the modern machines and I am beguiled by their bells and whistles, shiny lights and general all-round cleverness. At the Harrogate show I saw a very quick demo of some of what the Juki DX5 can do. It cuts the threads and fastens off (in a choice of ways) with a nudge of the foot pedal; it can be set to stop sewing with presser foot up, needle up or down; there are far more stitch patterns and fonts than I will ever use; a choice of buttonholes in various widths and styles; stitch patterns can be pre-programmed and stitches selected at the touch of a button etc. etc. It has a high quality feed mechanism, a slide-adjust straight stitch plate and has a ‘float’ function for thick and tricksy fabrics. It runs smoothly and quietly and is no doubt an excellent machine. It is also very expensive.
Now I know very well that a new machine, no matter how clever or pricey, will not turn me into a better sewer. It’s operator skill that counts. Boo. I can’t buy that.
Putting price considerations to one side for now, a major concern is that if I ever bought a modern machine I wouldn’t like not being in charge. One of these machines would demand a whole new sewing style. I would need to learn new ways of doing things. Reliability is also something I worry about. Simple things can usually be mended if they break. Computers, not so much.
I would love to hear your comments and experiences, good or bad, of using these bossy computerised machines of any make or model, not necessarily the Juki.
What adjustments did you have to make to your way of sewing? Did you find it easy to change the habits of a lifetime?
Is it the case that you can’t turn the flywheel (forwards or backwards) on these machines? If so what happens if you do so out of force of habit? Do you damage the machine?
Is there still a manual lever for the presser foot or do you have to rely on the electronics?
I have read that the threads can form a slight nest at the start of a seam, given that you don’t have to hold a few centimetres of thread to the back when starting to sew. What happens if you pull out a few centimetres of thread? I do that to knot off the points of darts, for example. Does that risk damaging the machine?
I won't be at all upset if you put me off, I think that's what I'm looking for in truth....