The Sewing Place

Machine Talk => Sewing Machines => Topic started by: Penabby on April 29, 2020, 13:12:24 PM

Title: New sewing machine trouble
Post by: Penabby on April 29, 2020, 13:12:24 PM
Hi all, my first post. Thank you for allowing me to join. I am not new to using a machine, I know the basics and have used on and off most of my life. I decided to buy a new sewing machine because of isolation I have more time on my hands and sewing has always been one of those things I have always wanted more time to get into. I bought a Bernette sew and go 7 from Singer outlet recently, it cost me £280. The first time I used it I had problems. It wasn't sewing right, the stitching was wrong. It seemed to me that the bobbin tension was wrong when you pulled from the bobbin it was as loose as anything. Anyway after hours of trying things, reading, watching videos I got fed up with it and thought, this isnt right, I shouldnt have so much trouble with a brand new machine, I should be able to just go on it and sew right? I have decided to send it back and have messaged them 5 times now, with no reply as yet. I guess they may be busy, but that has peed me off too, so won't be buying from them again. I have been having a read on here on what people recommend (wished I had done that before buying), and found a Janome 5060QDC for £399, I like the look of it and feel its something I can grow into. I would love to hear your thoughts on my troubles and recommendations. Thanks for looking.
Title: Re: New sewing machine trouble
Post by: KayK on April 29, 2020, 14:04:47 PM
Hello there!
First, how long have you had the machine?  If you have had it less than 30 days you are entitled to send it back, even if there are no problems and you just dont like it.  Does it have a guarantee that you have activated?

The feel of a bobbin thread is slightly different from a top loading bobbin (usually feels quite loose), to one that sits in a case underneath, and please excuse me if you think I am teaching you suck eggs!  Sometimes there is a teeny weeny piece of thread stuck somewhere which causes all sorts of glitches.

Yes, you should be able to sew straight away on a new machine, but in reality they sometimes take a little 'fettling' before they behave!

Janome are a pretty reliable brand of sewing machine, and is often more useful to buy from a 'bricks and mortar' store as they have their reputation to keep up - a lot of them are still open for online orders.

@Iminei is very good with the 'sending it back' sort of thing!
Title: Re: New sewing machine trouble
Post by: Penabby on April 29, 2020, 14:21:24 PM
Hello there!
First, how long have you had the machine?  If you have had it less than 30 days you are entitled to send it back, even if there are no problems and you just dont like it.  Does it have a guarantee that you have activated?

The feel of a bobbin thread is slightly different from a top loading bobbin (usually feels quite loose), to one that sits in a case underneath, and please excuse me if you think I am teaching you suck eggs!  Sometimes there is a teeny weeny piece of thread stuck somewhere which causes all sorts of glitches.

Yes, you should be able to sew straight away on a new machine, but in reality they sometimes take a little 'fettling' before they behave!

Janome are a pretty reliable brand of sewing machine, and is often more useful to buy from a 'bricks and mortar' store as they have their reputation to keep up - a lot of them are still open for online orders.

@Iminei is very good with the 'sending it back' sort of thing!

Thank you for your reply. I have only had it about a week and have 14 days to return I think. I really appreciate any help and don't worry about teaching me to suck eggs because I realise my knowledge is lacking. I have fiddled around with this machine for hours and really just want it gone now, I have boxed it up and have no intention of getting it back out. I do not have any sewing shops near me, but will have a look at what is available, thank you.
Title: Re: New sewing machine trouble
Post by: Addiscomber on April 29, 2020, 15:04:53 PM
How disappointing for you. I know nothing about that particular Janome, but they are well thought of, and I cannot recall anybody having problems with one (other than operator error!).
Title: Re: New sewing machine trouble
Post by: Missie on April 29, 2020, 16:15:00 PM
Welcome, hope you enjoy being here with us.

Just a thought, but have you made sure that the bobbin is in the correct way?  It is easily done (yep, done it myself!!!) and the stitching will be all wrong and loose.

Title: Re: New sewing machine trouble
Post by: wrenkins on April 29, 2020, 16:15:02 PM
Welcome to the forum @Penabby.  :drink: :cake:

The only time I've had bobbin tension problems with my machine is when the bobbin isn't seated correctly or the thread has undone itself from the little direction threader thingy. If you've got the hump with it though it's probably best to use your 14 day cooling off period and send it back.  :(
Title: Re: New sewing machine trouble
Post by: coffeeandcake on April 29, 2020, 17:24:22 PM
Hi, welcome to TSP.  I was thinking the same as Missie...
Title: Re: New sewing machine trouble
Post by: Penabby on April 29, 2020, 18:45:34 PM
Thank you all so much for your welcomes and replies. I think I am going to like it here. I hope to learn from this and am glad I will have all your brains to pick with my new machine  :)
Title: Re: New sewing machine trouble
Post by: Gernella on April 30, 2020, 10:19:08 AM
Actually @Penabby  you should be able to put something under the foot and it just chug away as soon as you get it out of the box.  If I get a rattle under the foot, it's usually because  it's not threaded correctly and generally this happens after I've had something  sucked down under the plate, must affect the threading.

You're not happy, even it works tomorrow you won't be happy, send it back.

Also be very very careful  when you do get your new machine, they have a habit of multiplying.  I only had one when I joined, I've got six now and I'm well down on that table of ownership.
Title: Re: New sewing machine trouble
Post by: Penabby on April 30, 2020, 10:50:16 AM
I rethreaded it tons of times, changed threads, read the manual over and over. I think it was faulty. Anyway it's going back today, costing me a fortune to return by courier. Think I am going to go with the Janome, just eager to get it now and start to play. Thanks all again.
Title: Re: New sewing machine trouble
Post by: Iminei on April 30, 2020, 11:48:38 AM
Hi there Pennaby and welcome to TSP

Where did you buy the machine from?
Was it a bricks and mortar or online shop??

Either way they should still be operating on some basis ...

Have you had any reply to your emails yet?

I know a lot of places are operating on a one man basis or via technology from their personal homes (My Insurance broker) so you may not get a phone call answered but they should still be checking emails.

State emphatically that you are not happy with the machine and under The Consumer Rights Act 2015 (https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/regulation/consumer-rights-act)  you are going to repackage, and return the machine to them for a full refund.

Then have fun researching for your new machine ... Both KayK and Puzzler have had trouble with brand new (and very expensive) machines ... KayK's has just been resolved and Puzzler is on her way.

Read all about it here (https://thesewingplace.org.uk/index.php/topic,9738.0.html)


Title: Re: New sewing machine trouble
Post by: Penabby on April 30, 2020, 12:00:56 PM
Hi there Pennaby and welcome to TSP

Where did you buy the machine from?
Was it a bricks and mortar or online shop??

Either way they should still be operating on some basis ...

Have you had any reply to your emails yet?

I know a lot of places are operating on a one man basis or via technology from their personal homes (My Insurance broker) so you may not get a phone call answered but they should still be checking emails.

State emphatically that you are not happy with the machine and under The Consumer Rights Act 2015 (https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/regulation/consumer-rights-act)  you are going to repackage, and return the machine to them for a full refund.

Then have fun researching for your new machine ... Both KayK and Puzzler have had trouble with brand new (and very expensive) machines ... KayK's has just been resolved and Puzzler is on her way.

Read all about it here (https://thesewingplace.org.uk/index.php/topic,9738.0.html)

Thank you Iminei. I have heard back now and a courier will be coming to pick it up today. It was an online store, Singer outlet. I know you all recommend buying from bricks and mortar shops, but I don't think that's an option for me at the moment. There are no shops near to me and those that are the southwest do not really have what I am after, I did have a look. I am thinking of buying from Sewing Machines Direct. I have had a look on the forums and people seem to recommend them.
Title: Re: New sewing machine trouble
Post by: StitchinTime on April 30, 2020, 12:17:50 PM
@Penabby I notice you are in Devon - have you considered Exeter Sewing Machine Co (https://www.exetersewing.co.uk/)? They are a bricks and mortar shop (for when the time comes) and a Janome stockist.
Title: Re: New sewing machine trouble
Post by: Greybird on April 30, 2020, 12:22:55 PM
I have bought from Sewing Machines Direct and Hobkirk Sewing Machines, both online. My experience with both was good.
Title: Re: New sewing machine trouble
Post by: Acorn on April 30, 2020, 12:28:52 PM
I bought my overlocker from Sewing Machines Direct and they were brilliant.  Very helpful before I bought it, efficient in sending it, and then I didn't need to contact them again!
Title: Re: New sewing machine trouble
Post by: Iminei on April 30, 2020, 12:29:37 PM
Glad stuff is happening now ...

SMD are good, nothing wrong with their machines or their service but you need to know what you want.

But if you can try before you buy, its better ... Sadly not an option at the moment

If you ask anyone what their favourite machine is and it will vary, everybody is different ...

Me, I'm a Janome girl ... I think they make the best sewing machines (in my price bracket) but for Embroidery its Brother all the way.
Title: Re: New sewing machine trouble
Post by: Penabby on April 30, 2020, 12:34:49 PM
@Penabby I notice you are in Devon - have you considered Exeter Sewing Machine Co (https://www.exetersewing.co.uk/)? They are a bricks and mortar shop (for when the time comes) and a Janome stockist.
Yes, I did have a look at them, but I really like the model and price tag of the Janome 5060QDC from Sewing Machines Direct. I am encouraged by what people have said about them, so seriously thinking of ordering today.
Title: Re: New sewing machine trouble
Post by: Penabby on April 30, 2020, 12:51:43 PM
I have just had a look again at The Exeter Sewing Machine company and found the Janome 5060QDC hidden in their online shop at the same price, not sure how I missed it before, so have messaged them and if they can get it too m promptly I will go with them.
Title: Re: New sewing machine trouble
Post by: Penabby on April 30, 2020, 13:05:24 PM
I am happy as Larry! Just ordered from The Exeter Sewing Machine Company after speaking to Chris, he was great and offered me a days tuition when they reopen. Paid for and on its way, hopefully to arrive before the weekend. Thank you all so much for your help. So very appreciated  <3
Title: Re: New sewing machine trouble
Post by: Nevis5 on April 30, 2020, 13:16:13 PM
That's great service and great news, @Penabby  !  Fingers crossed you like this one better.

Oh and welcome to TSP xxx :toast:
Title: Re: New sewing machine trouble
Post by: Penabby on May 02, 2020, 12:11:18 PM
Just to update you. My new Janome arrived today, got it out of the box, read the manual, threaded it and did a test and its just perfect, first time! Very happy so far  :loveit:
Title: Re: New sewing machine trouble
Post by: Celia on May 02, 2020, 14:39:36 PM
Good to hear
Title: Re: New sewing machine trouble
Post by: Gittje on May 16, 2020, 07:22:32 AM
My new Janome arrived today, got it out of the box, read the manual, threaded it and did a test and its just perfect, first time! Very happy so far  :loveit:
It's a great little machine! Happy sewing  :sew:
Title: Re: New sewing machine trouble
Post by: Arloony on January 08, 2021, 14:29:00 PM
Just to update you. My new Janome arrived today, got it out of the box, read the manual, threaded it and did a test and its just perfect, first time! Very happy so far  :loveit:

Hello, this is the machine I am thinking of buying...are you happy so far with it? is it a speedy one? 820spm does not seem that quick? Does it have capacity to work well with a few layers of fabric (thick quilt)
Looking forward to hear how you are getting on with it so far. Thanks
Title: Re: New sewing machine trouble
Post by: Gernella on January 08, 2021, 16:17:08 PM
820spm might not sound much @Penabby but better to go slower than put your foot down, 900spm seem about normal for sewing machines now other than the straight stitch ones.  To be honest I would rather take my time sewing a seam and be in control that go like jackpoo and have to get my ripper out.  I sew with no shoe on  so I can have better control of my machine. 

Most trouble I have is trying to find where I've kicked the shoe to.
Title: Re: New sewing machine trouble
Post by: Iminei on January 08, 2021, 18:10:45 PM
I agree ... Sewing slowly = sewing right ... Go fast and you (usually) have to unpick

I sew quite slowly, it suits me, I like it ... Its mindful and takes my head away from any of the thousands of things that can stress me out.
Title: Re: New sewing machine trouble
Post by: b15erk on January 08, 2021, 19:46:59 PM
A big welcome from me too Penabby, glad to hear you got yourself sorted with a sewing machine.

We'll now have to see if we can point you in the direction of other 'essential' items ... :thumbsup:

Jessie
Title: Re: New sewing machine trouble
Post by: Greybird on January 08, 2021, 22:58:15 PM
I agree about the speed - the real skill comes in making the machine go slowly. A bit like boy racers in cars - any fool can put their foot down hard on a pedal.
Title: Re: New sewing machine trouble
Post by: Lilian on January 08, 2021, 23:39:04 PM
Welcome @Penabby  :vintage: :drink:
Title: Re: New sewing machine trouble
Post by: Renegade Sewist on January 09, 2021, 06:22:59 AM
The original poster hasn't been here since last May.  ;) so don't be too surprised if you don't get a response. She's obviously very busy sewing.  :meditation: