Sewing Machine Ruffler
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US $18.99
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Sewing Machine Ruffler
Pfaff Ruffler Pleater Attachment Foot
What sewing/embroidery machine do you recommend?
I have been sewing for about 5 months now. I have been making outfits for my daughter (simple shirts, skirts). I would like to get a machine that has a ruffler on it, but I do not know what to look for. I would also like to start quilting with it. I tried on mine, but my machine just couldn't handle it. Lastly, I would like to monogram or put designs on my stuff if at all possible with the other criteria. I have been shopping online, but I just cannot tell which to buy. I do not mind spending money, but I don't want to waste it either.
Some "regular" sewing machines come with small alphabets that can be used for small monograms, but you're either talking free motion embroidery (which can be done on any machine) or an embroidery machine for larger monograms. Most of the folks I know who do computerized machine embroidery prefer to have two machines -- one sewing only, one embroidery only. That way they can sew while they embroider, and the setup of both machines is simplified.
(If you're interested in free motion embroidery, ask your library for Robbie and Tony Fanning's Complete Book of Machine Embroidery and/or Nelson's Creative Machine Stitching
Ruffling feet are available for most modern machines. Ruffling attachments are available for older machines. Me, I prefer to use a serger for the ruffles I make... faster and easier and more uniform.
As far as sewing machines, look for a good brand. Here's my standard beginner sewing machine rant... you may want to pay special attention to the books listed at the end. If you've got the budget for it, I'd be steering you toward an electronic machine of a good brand, with a second embroidery machine.
http://www.cet.com/~pennys/faq/smfaq.htm
What I want for beginners in sewing:
- a machine that doesn't scare you
- a machine that isn't balky (cheap new machines are often very
balky or need adjustments often and are rarely repairable --
just too frustrating to learn on!)
- very good straight stitch
- good zigzag (4-5 mm is fine, more than that is gravy)
- a method of making buttonholes that makes sense to you
- adjustable presser foot pressure (which helps some fabric
handling issues)
- accessory presser feet that don't cost an arm and a leg
(machines that use a "short shank foot" typically handle
generic presser feet pretty well. Some brands of machines use
proprietary or very expensive presser feet)
If the budget stretches far enough:
- blindhem and stretch blindhem stitches
- triple zigzag (nice for elastic applications)
- a couple of decorative stitches (you won't use them nearly as
much as you think)
- electronic machine because of the needle position control and
because the stepper motors give you full "punching force" at
slow sewing speeds -- mechanical machines often will stall at
slow speeds.
Please go to the best sewing machine dealers around and ask them
to show you some machines in your price range, *especially* used
machines you can afford. You'll get a far better machine buying
used than new, and a good dealer is worth their weight in sewing
machine needles when you get a machine problem -- often they can
talk you through the problem over the phone. While you're trying
things out, try a couple of machines (sewing only, not combo
sewing-embroidery) over your price limit, just so you can see
what the difference in stitch quality and ease of use might be.
You may find you want to go for the used Cadillac. Or you might
want the new basic Chevy. Might as well try both out.
Suggested reading: John Giordano's The Sewing Machine Book
(especially for used machines), Carol Ahles' Fine Machine Sewing
(especially the first and last few chapters) and Gale Grigg
Hazen's Owner's Guide to Sewing Machines, Sergers and Knitting
Machines. All of these are likely to be available at your public
library.
Used brands I'd particularly look for: Elna, Bernina,
Viking/Husqvarna, Pfaff, Singer (pre 1970), Juki, Toyota
New "bargain brand" I'd probably pick, if new was my choice:
Janome (who also does Kenmore).
Sewing Machine Ruffler
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Authentic 1967 Instruction Manual for SINGER STYLE-MATE ZIG-ZAG SEWING MACHINE MODEL 347 (53 pages) Authentic Singer manual. 56 pages. Profusely illustrated. Shows accessories with photos and part numbers.... |