The Sewing Place
Machine Talk => Sewing Machines => Topic started by: Bodgeitandscarper on June 13, 2017, 14:53:19 PM
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I do like my Elna 3003 that I've had for many years, but I am getting sick of it's crappy button holes - it never seems to do the correct length and makes the stitches very close up one side and further apart down the other, and there is no way of adjust that. I obviously need a new machine :D
I have no idea what make to get, I definitely need a good buttonholer, the ability to stitch through enough layers of denim (my Elna doesn't even falter at multiple layers) and possibly a font or three just for fun.
I have no sewing shops near me to try any, although Sewing Machine World at Kings Lynn is and hour and a quarter's drive in googlemaptime, so more like an hour and three quarters given the state of the roads and all the tractor traffic round here!
So, any suggestions gratefully received, researched and considered 0_0
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Probably not what you want to hear Bodge, but for the very best buttonholes, I would recommend an old Singer machine, with a buttonhole attachment. See, told you you wouldn't want to hear it! ;)
I'm sure some of the modern ones have good buttonholers, but the old Singers make the best ones imho. :)
Jessie
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Regarding buttonholes I have to agree with Jessie, vintage is the way to go. Not only are they well made but they are so adjustable in terms of stitch length, width and also gap. I'm no expert but some modern machines the buttonhole you select is what you get and there is no fine tuning for a change of fabric.
When did you last have the Elna serviced or are you just ready for another?!
SMW are the UK distributors of Juki machines which appear to be robust and offer plenty of capability for the price. It's a pity they are not nearer so you can go and play/test with your own fabric and then go again and retest your short list machines after you have had a think and done some research.
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I've not had chance to try out my buttonholer
gadget attachment for my Singer 201Ks but of all my other machines the best buttonhole by far comes from my old Bernina 1020 (early nineties, I think). She's got a range of utlity and decorative stitches (including stretch) so, she really earns her keep.
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No, please don't tell me old machines are better!! I obviously need a new one!
So far, I'm looking at the Janome Atelier 5 and the Pfaff Ambition 1.0. I need to look at Berninas now. 0_0
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And now I'm looking at a Juki G220, or Juki Exceed F500 - there are an awful lot of machines out there, so hard to know what to get. I think I may need a trip to Kings Lynn.
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Bodgeitandscarper, if I remember correctly, Iminei has a Janome Atelier 5, so maybe she could chime in and tell you about the buttonholes :) I know she loves it tho.
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You get a lot of bang for your buck with a Juki. I love mine. (Exceed F600)
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I don't have a Juki sewing machine, but I do have an overlocker + coverstitch and love it as well! It's been a dream to work with!
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OK - you need/want/must have a new machine - it is allowed and you don't even have to have a reason!
I love my old Singers and I have an Elna Lotus but I'm also a Bernina girl. I got an old 830 Record which is superb and does lovely 5 step buttonholes but I recently treated myself to a Bernina 550 QE using an inheritance from my Mum who taught me to sew, many years ago.
If buttonholes are really important make up button bands in various fabrics and interfacings and with bulky seams so the presser foot isn't level. Shops tend to cheat slightly and just give you coarse, flat calico to test with.
Enjoy the search and let us know which way you jump :D
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Skatersmum has a Juki sewing machine so you could ask her about buttonholes. Don't know how many she may have done as much of her sewing is lycra costumes but she's had it for a while now so may well have a more objective view than a new owner.
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I know owners brag something awful on their new Bernina and Husqvarna models, it's not the reasonably priced once, fancy models with fancy prices too ;- )
If you ever should have room for a vintage machine I can tell you they are very nice and dependable, and I say that comparing to any machine out there. There are lots of nice machines though, used and brand new. You really need to try the machine if you buy it mostly for the buttonholes, some models make them trouble free with sew-all weight thread on two layers of shirt fabric, but struggle with coat fabrics, top stitch thread, loosely woven fabrics,... In theory:, if your Elna is a low shank, can drop the feed dogs, it should work well with a buttonholer attachment. It depends a bit upon the needle clamp though.
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Goid grief, machines now tie off and cut thread for you! After 2 hours of playing and a tough test of buttonholes along the widthways stretch of jersey, I'm on my way home with a Pfaff Epression 4.2. 0_0 :sew:
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Congratulations! :toast:
May it help you sew beautiful things!
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Goid grief, machines now tie off and cut thread for you! After 2 hours of playing and a tough test of buttonholes along the widthways stretch of jersey, I'm on my way home with a Pfaff Epression 4.2. 0_0 :sew:
I have the Expression 4. It does great buttonholes and I couldn't be without the IDT system. I also have vintage Singers (3) a Juki and Bernina but I use the Pfaff the most.
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Congratulations, I love the IDT on both my Pfaffs and so pleased that it's not restricted to their really expensive models as it is with Bernina sadly. It's even on most of the Pfaff basic mechanicals.
Have lots of fun! :D
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Well done! Happy bonding with the new baby :)
Where did you get it from?
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Just unpacked it , about to have fun. Pleased to hear some of you like Pfaffs. I bought it from Sewing Machine World, spent about 2 hours there, Steve was very helpful and knows his machines. Almost tempted to a Juki DX7 (?) but the buttonhole length swung it in favour of the Pfaff.
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I have a Pfaff - Classicstyle Quilt 2027 - which I must have had for at least 15 years. It sews beautifully, has never given me a day's trouble, and is capable of far more than I ask of it!
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It seems good, there was only once I had to get the needle plate off to remove the jammed-in fabric - but it was very fine jersey and I was not necessarily using the correct needle, and probably an unsuitable fancy stitch :|
The buttonholes are brilliant, considering the thin jersey with no interfacing. I love the buttons for presser foot up and down, and the thread cut and tie off - amazing.
One question - does anyone know if I do need the Pfaff bobbins for it? The manual says so, but don't they always...
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Mine won't take general non-Pfaff bobbins, even if they look identical, but it is perfectly happy with substitutes that specifically say they are for Pfaff machines.
Thread cut and tie-off. :o Wow!
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Thanks Acorn, this one also has a bobbin-empty-sensor-thingy, so I did wonder about them. I'd better get some ordered then...
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That sounds like a good way for them to make sure you use their bobbins! (And another wow! :o I didn't know there was such a thing!)
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Enjoy! I have an old Pfaff 7550 and love it. It,s over 20 years old and comes out occasionally as I also have a Husqvarna SE.
I would definitely get the correct bobbins. Considering what you paid for the machine, it is a false economy to skimp on what is a relatively cheap thing. You will get a better result and won't run the risk of damaging your machine.
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Bobbins ordered, thanks 0_0
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The other thing I got and improved top stitching was a straight stitch needle plate .....and I love my ruffler foot
http://www.sewingmachinesales.co.uk/sewingmachineparts/needle-plates/needle-plate-straight-stitch-inch-markings.htm
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The other thing I got and improved top stitching was a straight stitch needle plate .....and I love my ruffler foot
http://www.sewingmachinesales.co.uk/sewingmachineparts/needle-plates/needle-plate-straight-stitch-inch-markings.htm
I was just about to order that, then checked my machine and I think it has that needle plate, or at least one with lines on.
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I really loved my Pfaffs so much, both the fancy shmancy PP5 and the back to basics Select 3.2, both with IDT. :D
After I got the old Bernina though I've realised how much I love the old mechanicals and while I wouldn't get rid of the Pfaffs (not both, anyway) I appear to have a natural bond with the old girl. I'm clearly just contrary...or possibly more old and stuck in my ways than I'd realised! -<
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I bought a Pfaff QE 4.2 2 or 3 years ago now and get on very well with it. It isn't fussy about thread and does buttonholes really well. The auto thread cut does get a bit fouled now and again and it's worth discovering how to clean fluff from around it as it affects the performance.