Today celebrates one of the tools that make The Stitching Coach possible – the sewing machine. I own the four sewing machines pictured above. How many machines do you own and what are your favorite features? Tell us in the comments or show us a photo on Instagram!
Why is today Sewing Machine Day? On June 13, 1790, English inventor Thomas Saint received a grant for his chain stitch sewing machine. Chain stitch machines use only one thread to form interlocking loops on the back and straight stitches on the front (see photo below left). From there loads of people, from Isaac Singer to even Toyota, started tinkering with the concept and making their own modifications. Machines today are what are referred to as “Lock Stitch” machines, which involves a second thread (the bobbin) that is captured on the reverse side of the fabric by the thread on the needle.
In the image above on the left you can see the Singer Model 20-1 from the 1920s and pictured next to it is the front and back of the chain stitch. I found this little cutie at an antique store in Maryland. It’s missing the C-clamp that holds it steady on the table so it wobbles and the tension isn’t consistent. I have only practiced using it, not really made anything with it. Mostly, I love having it decorate my studio!
My other Singer sewing machine (Singer 66-16 pictured in the first photo above far left) belonged to my grandmother and has her name and birth date scratched into the cast iron base that’s hidden inside the wooden box. I think I used this machine once and now that I’m writing this post I want to sew something with it this summer. It has a ton a feet and accessories that my other machines don’t have like a gathering foot. Since I have hardly used this machine I can’t say what my favorite features are but I can say what I don’t like. First, the bobbin is a front loading style that has an extra case you have to install the bobbin into just right or your stitching will be a mess. It also has separate plates that need to be changed to do anything other than a straight stitch.
Next is my camping buddy, the Elna Stella, Type 57 tsp. She weighs a mere 13-pounds, measures 12 1/2″ long, 5″ wide and 10″ tall and has a detachable cover that makes her the perfect traveling companion. You can see me below sewing at a campsite picnic table and inside our truck camper. She also goes to school with me occasionally because one of my favorite features is the speed control, which is handy for new users who tend to speed race their way through projects. I also love that the accessories are easy to access from the top lid (no compartments blocking the free arm), there is just the right amount of basic stitches for most projects and an easy drop in bobbin.
Last but not least is my daily workhorse, the Janome Memory Craft 3500 (sold from 1999-2008). Aside from user error, I have never had a problem with this machine. I use it to teach all my classes and for making 90% of my projects, especially clothes. When this fella finally gives out, I’ll most likely start looking a Janome machines with a larger throat for free motion quilting. My favorite feature that the other machines don’t have is the built-in needle threader but equally great features are:
- 50 stitches, including an overlock stitch so I don’t need a serger.
- Drop-in bobbin with clear plate (no one likes losing in thread chicken!)
- Feed dog drop lever
- Presser foot pressure adjusting lever for sewing different fabric weights
- Second spool pin (vertical for stacked spools of thread and the built-in horizontal for crosswound threads like my favorite – Aurifil)
- Up/down needle position button
One of the questions I get most often from potential students is what they should look for when buying a machine. I hope that sharing my favorite and least favorite features helps you find the perfect sewing machine for you.
Stitch on my friends,
Dawn, The Stitching Coach
