The Sewing Place
Machine Talk => Sewing Machines => Topic started by: Bodgeitandscarper on January 19, 2022, 11:31:09 AM
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I may be wanting the impossible, but here goes anyway 0_0
I'm wondering if there is a machine (at a sensible price if possible) that is a free arm with hardly any "arm" to the left of the needle if you see what I mean. I think it would be really useful for sewing bags etc.
I did spot an old Singer 320k (which looks gorgeous too) but it's still got about an inch and a half of arm on the left, and ones I've seen are around £500, so probably too much for something that will only be used occasionally.
I've also seen industrial types, but I can't spend that sort of money!
Anyone got any ideas please? Or am I asking the impossible?
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How much length are you looking for? Just wondering if what you’re after is a possibility in an ordinary machine because of the bobbin?
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As little as possible arm to the left of the needle! The Singer I saw had the bobbin front loaded which perhaps saves a bit of space.
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I can’t think of any machines I’ve seen with very small lengths apart from the very old ones. Machines used in shoe making and those like Susie on Repair Shop uses.
Is it small bags you have problems with? Make bigger ones? :laughing:
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Are any of your toy machines good enough stitchers?
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I did think about my toy machines, but they won't stitch well enough.
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I immediately thought of the old 'patcher' sewing machines I think they were good for shoe making.
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What about Elna, i seem to think they only have a small amount of space to the left. here (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/224651018433?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=7101533165274578&mkcid=2&itemid=224651018433&targetid=4584826055637462&device=c&mktype=&googleloc=&poi=&campaignid=412354546&mkgroupid=1299623041023876&rlsatarget=pla-4584826055637462&abcId=9300541&merchantid=87779&msclkid=a8bddae0d36912f10d0dbb0aa867274d) is one on eBay
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My Bernina 830 Record has the shortest distance of any of my machines and yes it's a front loading bobbin it's about 4.4mm with needle in centre position,. Could lessen that slightly moving needle position.
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@Sewbusy, thank you for measuring, I've just been looking at the Berninas on ebay and was about to ask if any had one they could measure :)
However, it's still not quite what i want, I was hoping there might be something out there that's only got about 1cm or less to the left of the needle, but it's not looking like there is.
@Lilian I'm just off to google "patcher" sewing machines...
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For this price, can I go wrong?
Linky (https://www.onbuy.com/gb/crenex-cobbler-shoe-repair-machine-leather-sewing-stitching-machine~c11932~p53821621/?exta=gshp&stat=eyJpcCI6IjUzLjk5MDAiLCJkcCI6bnVsbCwibGlkIjo3NTA3NjkxMiwicyI6bnVsbCwidCI6MTY0MjcyMDAxOCwiYm1jIjoiNC4wIn0=&lid=75076912&gclid=CjwKCAiA0KmPBhBqEiwAJqKK40YsVAwUL7I9NRJTuel-76EmOgNXtkB1FBZ2E_8MXrol6dgDnBbeOhoCnjgQAvD_BwE)
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Looks like it's worth a go! I was thinking of the Singer Featherweights that have a free arm, but they are exorbitant, that's if you can find one!
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For this price, can I go wrong?
Linky (https://www.onbuy.com/gb/crenex-cobbler-shoe-repair-machine-leather-sewing-stitching-machine~c11932~p53821621/?exta=gshp&stat=eyJpcCI6IjUzLjk5MDAiLCJkcCI6bnVsbCwibGlkIjo3NTA3NjkxMiwicyI6bnVsbCwidCI6MTY0MjcyMDAxOCwiYm1jIjoiNC4wIn0=&lid=75076912&gclid=CjwKCAiA0KmPBhBqEiwAJqKK40YsVAwUL7I9NRJTuel-76EmOgNXtkB1FBZ2E_8MXrol6dgDnBbeOhoCnjgQAvD_BwE)
It is a hand crank, would you be able to hold the fabric with your left hand :thinking:
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@Lilian well, we always used to didn't we? I've ordered it, so will see when it arrives (in about a week I think).
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I was thinking more on the lines that there is nowhere to support the excess fabric. Unless it sits on a table but it looks quite tall.
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The only thing that worries me is where it says it sews well ‘once you get it assembled right’.
Mind you, you’re a handy lass @Bodgeitandscarper , you will lick it into shape pretty quickly. :thumb:
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Looking forward to seeing this :loveit:
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Fascinating - I'm really looking forward to seeing how this works out. Maybe you'll start a whole new trend!
And you can repair your shoes too!!
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The only thing that worries me is where it says it sews well ‘once you get it assembled right’.
Mind you, you’re a handy lass @Bodgeitandscarper , you will lick it into shape pretty quickly. :thumb:
Haha, yes, that interested me too! But then, when you see how some people on t'internet can't even operate a simple sewing machine (not here I hasten to add!), it makes me think it's maybe not a problem :)
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Yes, like the person who left bad feedback on Amazon because the thing they ordered wasn't already assembled. It was Lego.
You've probably seen the feedback (5 star) that says "Basically a copy of an old singer machine there are so many online resources that can help you. Which you will probably need because this machine biggest problem is setting it up and getting it working! but don't give up, it's worth it!"
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@Acorn, I read the reviews on Amazon before ordering from Onbuy - who I hope are reputable, Trustpilot reviews seem to indicate they are.
I'm rather looking forward to seeing if it is difficult to set - it's mechanical and I have a very logical brain, so should be ok
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I thought as I read it that it would be appealing to you!
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I hope it does the job @Bodgeitandscarper. Putting it together? :thinking: That’s where I’d probably come unstuck.
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Oooooh, much excitement, it's arrived :dance:
As reviewers said, it's covered in oil, so will need to set to and clean it up - once I've finished my cup of tea.
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How exciting! That was quick from China! Looking forward to seeing pix & what you make on it