When I first started making bags I struggled to sew through more than a couple of fabric layers using my domestic sewing machine. The expense of upgrading to a semi-industrial machine was off-putting but then I read on-line that many people were using vintage Singer machines for the job. After doing lots of research, I went to the well-know auction site and I put a bid in for a lovely Singer 99K from the 1930s. I was so pleased when I found that I'd won, and I was delighted with the machine when it arrived. The stitch quality is superb and I could now stitch as many layers as I needed.
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| My lovely Singer 99K |
On a slightly down side, the machine is only able to sew in one direction so to do reverse stitching involves turning the whole work-piece around. More on-line research suggested that the best machine for the job is the slightly larger 201K, often called the Rolls-Royce of the Singer range. A quick search on Market Place yielded a beautiful 1950s example available about an hour and a half's drive away. This lovely machine is now my workhorse and it handles any challenge I throw at it, including sewing denim and leather.
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| My Singer 201K workhorse |
If anyone is considering starting a small sewing business I'd thoroughly recommend one of these machines. They can be picked up for under £100 and even after a clean and service and having the electrics checked, the cost will still be far less than for an equivalent modern machine.
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| Inserting a zip using my Singer 201K |
See what lovely items I've been able to create with my machines by visiting my on-line shop
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