Watching your videos is very helpful, and I wish I'd found your tutorials a couple of months ago when I first was trying to figure out these very issues after not sewing for many years! Lots of sewing tutorials with women remind me of what it's like to watch a tutorial made by men who teach how to use power tools. They assume a measure of prior knowledge. With a sewing machine, this might be a bit dangerous, but with a circular saw or a chain saw (I'm still terrified of both but cannot afford to have someone else do the work for me), it could be deadly! Cheers to being a good tutor!
Thanks, I'm glad you found it helpful! I have several videos that you might find useful, I hope you'll check them out. Let me know if you have questions, and good luck with your projects!
I had a 1222 back in 70's. Loved it except, for 1 problem. The knob in front had to be turned clockwise. If accidentally even slightly turned counterclockwise, it disengaged the whole interior, and had to be repaired, by special qualified person. Expensive problem! 1222 was flatbed. 1223 was free arm. Should have bought the 1223.
Hello I’m a 68 year old guy and want to learn to see. I would like an inexpensive type machine that can see at least denim, and heavier materials like fir backpacks. What do u suggest? Thanks
Hi, My default advice is this: Start with a vintage (generally pre-1970, but that's not a hard-and-fast rule) sewing machine. Spend as little money as possible (but on a working machine). Ask around - someone you know may have a machine they will sell for little money or even give you (and any sewing machine will do if it's free!). Vintage machines are very sturdily built and capable machines. They're relatively easy to repair, if needed. You should be able to find a working vintage machine for under $50, possibly $25 or less. The down side is you might have to hunt around for a while. Models I like include the Singer 237 (from about 1968-1972), Singer 201-2 (1930s - 50s or so), but there are many, many choices out there. Any new, plastic sewing machine from a big box store will probably work, but may not last, and will cost more to buy. I do not consider them worth investing in, but that is just my opinion. If you find yourself sewing a lot, and exceeding the capabilities of a domestic machine, you may next want to consider a walking-foot machine; either an industrial, or a portable walking-foot machine like the Sailrite Ultrafeed. Again, I suggest looking for old, used machines. (Particularly for industrials. Sailrites don't seem to be very common on the used market.) I think practicing sewing is more important than the machine choice. Whatever gets you sewing the soonest, and with the lowest up-front cost, is probably best. You have to decide how to balance cost vs. availability vs. capability. I hope that helps, let me know if you have other questions, and thanks for watching!
thejasonofalltrades Thanks for taking the time to respond. It really helped my mindset. Funny, my wife just pulled out of the closet an old EUROPRO SELECT machine. Man, just that quick I have a machine!!! Now to set it up and learn. Fortunately she can sew..... I’m going to Joann Fabrics and start with making some masks. Once again thanks fir your time. Wife asks where are you from? We are in Houston TX
There are two downsides that I can think of: the Sailrite is more expensive, and it is not that great at sewing really thin materials (like 1.1 oz. silnylon). The Pfaff 260 in this video was my primary machine for a while, and I still use it. It's a very sturdy, buttery-smooth machine, but it has an Achilles' heel in its drive belt. If the drive belt breaks, they are no longer available (other than used). When I use the Pfaff after having used the Sailrite, I always enjoy the smooth, quiet operation - until I get to something it has trouble feeding, then I go right to the Sailrite. The Sailrite is like a truck - doesn't drive smoothly, makes a lot of noise, but when you need a truck, only a truck will do. I am firmly of the opinion that someone who is semi-serious as a sewing hobbyist and wants to make projects that include webbing and heavier fabrics needs a minimum of two machines; a Sailrite and a vintage domestic. You can definitely get by with just the vintage domestic machine, but it won't be as enjoyable and reliably successful on the thick stuff. For comparison, I paid about $300 for the Pfaff, and they seem to pop up on the used market at prices that vary wildly from $100-500. The Sailrite Ultrafeed LS1 Basic Package is around $650, and they go up from there. You might also want to check out my recent video on the Singer 201. If you absolutely have to have a non-walking-foot machine, that one is about as good as it gets. They're more common than the Pfaff, and have fewer things to break (no zig-zag, direct drive motor). You should probably just dedicate a wing of your house to sewing machines and start buying every one you see. ;)
thejasonofalltrades hahaha - thanks! Well my primary machine (brother) is my go to for lightweight stuff and I will keep it..but I want a dedicated unit for heavier fabrics - sounds more and more like I may like one of those sailrite type ones or the singer 206 (or some equivalent). Thanks for your feedback!
I apologize, but I don't understand your question. I have several Singer sewing machines, if that's what you are asking. If English is not your first language, feel free to ask in your language and I'll use Google translate if that helps. Thanks!
Disculpe , vivo en Uruguay y pensé que usted trabajaba para Singer .buscaba algún dato , alguien que me pudiera orientar para comprar una máquina Singer 328 en lo posible britáica . En Mercado Libre de EEUU hay muchas en venta pero no las mandan a Uruguay
Not sure why you need to assume I’m a man, identify as a man or don’t want to sew doilies. I watched a couple of ur videos before this, particularly enjoyed singer 237 thrift store vid because I bought one in similar circumstances and ur insight helped me to get it up to scratch. I am a lady, identifying as a lady but like ur approach apart from the sexist bit (last vid a little old ladies run the sewing shops) I’ll tell Jeff who owns my local singer sewing machine shop, he needs to move aside.
Hi, If you think I'm sexist, I've either somehow grossly misrepresented myself, or you have an unreasonable concept of sexism. The line immediately following the one you paraphrase ("I'm assuming you're a guy, identify as a guy, etc.") is followed IMMEDIATELY by the line, "Whoever you are ... everybody's welcome." The reason I assumed the viewer might be a guy, or might be interested in "guy" things, is because the video is titled "SEWING FOR GUYS." You see, when I (I identify as a guy) became interested in sewing, I searched RUclips for sewing ideas, and everything I found was traditionally feminine sewing projects that were not of interest to me. There's even a sewing "man" with a VERY popular channel, but what he does is the same old traditional sewing, and not the utilitarian projects I was looking to learn. As a result, I started making sewing videos primarily oriented at guys who wanted to learn to sew, because I thought it was a niche that needed to be filled. Please note that I didn't say, and never have said, "sewing ONLY for guys." If I decided I wanted to learn to make a particularly "feminine" object out of wood, I might search for "woodworking for women," even though there is no reason to assume that women don't do "normal" woodworking, and even though I am not a woman. (Incidentally, I searched just now, and there are several "woodworking for women" videos.) I would not be surprised if the narrator of a video titled "woodworking for women" addressed the audience as "ladies," even though I, the viewer, am not one. Using labels like "man," "woman," etc. has the danger of excluding people, but it is also a valuable shorthand to identify a subcategory. Do you get mad at the clothing store for having a "men's" section? Is there anything preventing you from buying a shirt that you like from the men's section? Further, on the "little white-haired lady" comment - there is nothing about my statement that should be interpreted as "only little old ladies run sewing shops," unless, again, you are an overly sensitive person who is scouring the internet for things to be offended by. What I said was that men are commonly afraid to look dumb by admitting they don't know something, and are intimidated by asking the mythical "little white-haired lady" to help them. This is both true, and a comical observation about a male stereotype (you know, people say we men don't like to ask for directions!). Again, I didn't say, "only women are allowed to run sewing shops," and how you could conclude that I was even implying that is totally befuddling. I'm sorry you've misunderstood my intent, and I hope this clears it up for you. If you decide to continue watching my videos, enjoy! If not, the internet is full of great content, I'm sure you can find something that will work better for you.
I don't think I've ever really understood mansplaining until I read Jason's reply..... The very title implies exclusion despite his efforts to explain it away. . The rift continues....
@@nevadaranger7782 This video is great, if you feel excluded that is your problem and clearly not Jason's fault. Yours is the usual irrational feminist rant against men. The title implies exactly what is says: "Sewing for guys" meaning that this is not the typical sewing tutorial focused on a female audience (which implicitly excludes men BTW). I searched for "Sewing for men" and I came across this video which is exactly what I was looking for (thanks @thejasonofalltrades for making it clear that this video would be of interest to guys too and not just women). RUclips is filled with sewing videos from women to women, many of which exclude men explicitly as they keep on saying "ladies". I haven't seen any complaints from men about that.
Watching your videos is very helpful, and I wish I'd found your tutorials a couple of months ago when I first was trying to figure out these very issues after not sewing for many years! Lots of sewing tutorials with women remind me of what it's like to watch a tutorial made by men who teach how to use power tools. They assume a measure of prior knowledge. With a sewing machine, this might be a bit dangerous, but with a circular saw or a chain saw (I'm still terrified of both but cannot afford to have someone else do the work for me), it could be deadly! Cheers to being a good tutor!
This is exactly what I need to know. I'm hoping to make a few bags and have no knowledge of sewing.
Thanks!
Thanks, I'm glad you found it helpful! I have several videos that you might find useful, I hope you'll check them out. Let me know if you have questions, and good luck with your projects!
I have one of those old Pfaffs Model 360. Great machine!!
certainly enjoy your videos....make it simple and direct!
Thanks so much!
Great video. Helpful summary.
I had a 1222 back in 70's. Loved it except, for 1 problem. The knob in front had to be turned clockwise. If accidentally even slightly turned counterclockwise, it disengaged the whole interior, and had to be repaired, by special qualified person. Expensive problem! 1222 was flatbed. 1223 was free arm. Should have bought the 1223.
I love the feather weight.. My wife has a Janome.
Love you
I have my grandma, 401a Rocketeer 1957 ... :p
Hello I’m a 68 year old guy and want to learn to see. I would like an inexpensive type machine that can see at least denim, and heavier materials like fir backpacks.
What do u suggest? Thanks
Hi,
My default advice is this:
Start with a vintage (generally pre-1970, but that's not a hard-and-fast rule) sewing machine. Spend as little money as possible (but on a working machine). Ask around - someone you know may have a machine they will sell for little money or even give you (and any sewing machine will do if it's free!).
Vintage machines are very sturdily built and capable machines. They're relatively easy to repair, if needed. You should be able to find a working vintage machine for under $50, possibly $25 or less. The down side is you might have to hunt around for a while.
Models I like include the Singer 237 (from about 1968-1972), Singer 201-2 (1930s - 50s or so), but there are many, many choices out there.
Any new, plastic sewing machine from a big box store will probably work, but may not last, and will cost more to buy. I do not consider them worth investing in, but that is just my opinion.
If you find yourself sewing a lot, and exceeding the capabilities of a domestic machine, you may next want to consider a walking-foot machine; either an industrial, or a portable walking-foot machine like the Sailrite Ultrafeed. Again, I suggest looking for old, used machines. (Particularly for industrials. Sailrites don't seem to be very common on the used market.)
I think practicing sewing is more important than the machine choice. Whatever gets you sewing the soonest, and with the lowest up-front cost, is probably best. You have to decide how to balance cost vs. availability vs. capability.
I hope that helps, let me know if you have other questions, and thanks for watching!
thejasonofalltrades Thanks for taking the time to respond. It really helped my mindset. Funny, my wife just pulled out of the closet an old EUROPRO SELECT machine. Man, just that quick I have a machine!!! Now to set it up and learn.
Fortunately she can sew.....
I’m going to Joann Fabrics and start with making some masks.
Once again thanks fir your time.
Wife asks where are you from? We are in Houston TX
Oh that's awesome! Enjoy. Making masks should be a great way to practice.
I'm in southwest Florida. Stay safe!
The sailrite vs this for making backpacks - any downsides to the sailrite vs something like these older heavy duty machines?
There are two downsides that I can think of: the Sailrite is more expensive, and it is not that great at sewing really thin materials (like 1.1 oz. silnylon). The Pfaff 260 in this video was my primary machine for a while, and I still use it. It's a very sturdy, buttery-smooth machine, but it has an Achilles' heel in its drive belt. If the drive belt breaks, they are no longer available (other than used).
When I use the Pfaff after having used the Sailrite, I always enjoy the smooth, quiet operation - until I get to something it has trouble feeding, then I go right to the Sailrite. The Sailrite is like a truck - doesn't drive smoothly, makes a lot of noise, but when you need a truck, only a truck will do.
I am firmly of the opinion that someone who is semi-serious as a sewing hobbyist and wants to make projects that include webbing and heavier fabrics needs a minimum of two machines; a Sailrite and a vintage domestic. You can definitely get by with just the vintage domestic machine, but it won't be as enjoyable and reliably successful on the thick stuff.
For comparison, I paid about $300 for the Pfaff, and they seem to pop up on the used market at prices that vary wildly from $100-500. The Sailrite Ultrafeed LS1 Basic Package is around $650, and they go up from there.
You might also want to check out my recent video on the Singer 201. If you absolutely have to have a non-walking-foot machine, that one is about as good as it gets. They're more common than the Pfaff, and have fewer things to break (no zig-zag, direct drive motor).
You should probably just dedicate a wing of your house to sewing machines and start buying every one you see. ;)
thejasonofalltrades hahaha - thanks! Well my primary machine (brother) is my go to for lightweight stuff and I will keep it..but I want a dedicated unit for heavier fabrics - sounds more and more like I may like one of those sailrite type ones or the singer 206 (or some equivalent). Thanks for your feedback!
Nice machine
Thanks, it's a great one!
What are the thread specs you have set up on your Pfaff? Thanks
I pretty much always use size 69 (V69, T70) nylon thread.
Thanks for your question, and thanks for watching!
Stay away from the wife's machine! Amen brother.
PFAFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! forever buddy! lol just kidding but, I do PFAFF. I have a PFAFF 145 that I use every day.
I just made a review video of my Pfaff 260 and 360 you might be interested in, too!
Thanks for watching and commenting!
YOU WORK IN SINGER ?
I apologize, but I don't understand your question. I have several Singer sewing machines, if that's what you are asking. If English is not your first language, feel free to ask in your language and I'll use Google translate if that helps.
Thanks!
Disculpe , vivo en Uruguay y pensé que usted trabajaba para Singer .buscaba algún dato , alguien que me pudiera orientar para comprar una máquina Singer 328 en lo posible britáica . En Mercado Libre de EEUU hay muchas en venta pero no las mandan a Uruguay
No hay problema, lo siento, no puedo ayudarte. ¡Buena suerte con tu búsqueda!
Did you just assume anything? REEEEEEEE
Not sure why you need to assume I’m a man, identify as a man or don’t want to sew doilies. I watched a couple of ur videos before this, particularly enjoyed singer 237 thrift store vid because I bought one in similar circumstances and ur insight helped me to get it up to scratch.
I am a lady, identifying as a lady but like ur approach apart from the sexist bit (last vid a little old ladies run the sewing shops) I’ll tell Jeff who owns my local singer sewing machine shop, he needs to move aside.
Hi,
If you think I'm sexist, I've either somehow grossly misrepresented myself, or you have an unreasonable concept of sexism.
The line immediately following the one you paraphrase ("I'm assuming you're a guy, identify as a guy, etc.") is followed IMMEDIATELY by the line, "Whoever you are ... everybody's welcome." The reason I assumed the viewer might be a guy, or might be interested in "guy" things, is because the video is titled "SEWING FOR GUYS." You see, when I (I identify as a guy) became interested in sewing, I searched RUclips for sewing ideas, and everything I found was traditionally feminine sewing projects that were not of interest to me. There's even a sewing "man" with a VERY popular channel, but what he does is the same old traditional sewing, and not the utilitarian projects I was looking to learn. As a result, I started making sewing videos primarily oriented at guys who wanted to learn to sew, because I thought it was a niche that needed to be filled. Please note that I didn't say, and never have said, "sewing ONLY for guys."
If I decided I wanted to learn to make a particularly "feminine" object out of wood, I might search for "woodworking for women," even though there is no reason to assume that women don't do "normal" woodworking, and even though I am not a woman. (Incidentally, I searched just now, and there are several "woodworking for women" videos.) I would not be surprised if the narrator of a video titled "woodworking for women" addressed the audience as "ladies," even though I, the viewer, am not one.
Using labels like "man," "woman," etc. has the danger of excluding people, but it is also a valuable shorthand to identify a subcategory. Do you get mad at the clothing store for having a "men's" section? Is there anything preventing you from buying a shirt that you like from the men's section?
Further, on the "little white-haired lady" comment - there is nothing about my statement that should be interpreted as "only little old ladies run sewing shops," unless, again, you are an overly sensitive person who is scouring the internet for things to be offended by. What I said was that men are commonly afraid to look dumb by admitting they don't know something, and are intimidated by asking the mythical "little white-haired lady" to help them. This is both true, and a comical observation about a male stereotype (you know, people say we men don't like to ask for directions!). Again, I didn't say, "only women are allowed to run sewing shops," and how you could conclude that I was even implying that is totally befuddling.
I'm sorry you've misunderstood my intent, and I hope this clears it up for you. If you decide to continue watching my videos, enjoy! If not, the internet is full of great content, I'm sure you can find something that will work better for you.
I don't think I've ever really understood mansplaining until I read Jason's reply..... The very title implies exclusion despite his efforts to explain it away. . The rift continues....
@@nevadaranger7782
This video is great, if you feel excluded that is your problem and clearly not Jason's fault.
Yours is the usual irrational feminist rant against men.
The title implies exactly what is says: "Sewing for guys" meaning that this is not the typical sewing tutorial focused on a female audience (which implicitly excludes men BTW).
I searched for "Sewing for men" and I came across this video which is exactly what I was looking for (thanks @thejasonofalltrades for making it clear that this video would be of interest to guys too and not just women).
RUclips is filled with sewing videos from women to women, many of which exclude men explicitly as they keep on saying "ladies". I haven't seen any complaints from men about that.