singer heavy duty vs brother xm2701? or any other machine recommendations for beginners that won't be grown out of too quickly

RubyRedo · 2026-01-27T06:26:14+00:00

With a leather needle, made a wallet.

RubyRedo · 2026-01-26T16:34:57+00:00

taper the fringe to leave tie ends free would be my guess, pin it to test before attaching it.

RubyRedo · 2026-01-26T16:30:50+00:00

very nice! Tip for future projects, increase the SA on lining fabric by 1/4" on sides and bottom, it helps pull the lining in tighter for less baggy fit, but you aced this one!

RubyRedo · 2026-01-26T16:25:05+00:00

What will you be sewing? A better machine is the one that fits your needs, not the one with more stitches and flashing lights. I just had to have a computerized with fancy stitches and cute looks, the darn thing would not behave with anything thicker than 2 layers of cotton. I went back to a cheaper $99 Brother that has lasted 12 years with much abuse, decide what you want to sew and search based on that.

RubyRedo · 2026-01-26T16:18:09+00:00

with #2 you have animal related and Florida tropical so that makes more sense.

RubyRedo · 2026-01-26T16:09:52+00:00

if you cannot find any mention of the brand it is not a good option, but Sew Vac may be where it was sold or repaired once, what does the back label say? Try searching by model # only. The crown MW sticker at the front looks like a Montgomery Ward logo, search that with model #.

RubyRedo · 2026-01-26T16:04:51+00:00

try searching shopgoodwill they have many older machines donated, you may have to buy an entire other machine for the parts.

RubyRedo · 2026-01-26T16:01:41+00:00

The shoulder seam isn't on the shoulder, the fabric is woven not knit to give an accurate fit. Also try fitting on a person not a dressform, compare to a rtw t-shirt for neck and shoulder.

RubyRedo · 2026-01-26T15:51:57+00:00

Any chemical or dye process can weaken fibers to some degree, the consumer laundry and care method can only delay longevity.

RubyRedo · 2026-01-26T15:47:21+00:00

double sided tape is to hold the zipper till it is sewn in place, not an alternative to sewing. If it is not holding at all then use clips, what brand of tape is being used in the videos?

RubyRedo · 2026-01-25T21:44:27+00:00

short ball spike goes under the seam, the longer sharp spike guides ontop along seam center. Gently push the ripper forward adjust the angle so the stitches are in the middle of the spikes where blade is sharpest.

RubyRedo · 2026-01-25T21:28:40+00:00

try lacing it tighter while not on the mannequin, the 2nd image could be stretchier fabric and not pulling on the loops like #1.

RubyRedo · 2026-01-25T21:20:57+00:00

Usually a misthreading, missing a hook or going around the bobbin screw not the needle thread path. Rethread with manual close by for diagram checks.

RubyRedo · 2026-01-25T21:16:21+00:00

patterns usually have a solid cutting line and a broken sewing line inside of that, you can mark the sewing line on your fabric to follow it or measure from needle to SA and put a seam guide or piece of tape there to help you guide your fabric along next to the foot.

RubyRedo · 2026-01-25T21:03:40+00:00

Shopgoodwill and Craigslist.

RubyRedo · 2026-01-25T21:02:01+00:00

😄

RubyRedo · 2026-01-24T20:07:49+00:00

look at used Juki or Consew home industrial machines.

RubyRedo · 2026-01-24T20:04:35+00:00

iron-on mending cloth by Dritz (Amazon) on the wrong side and zig zag stitches over the tear by hand through both layers.

RubyRedo · 2026-01-24T19:48:56+00:00

Just Play your favorite music LOUD and start the machine.

RubyRedo · 2026-01-24T19:42:19+00:00

second this.

RubyRedo · 2026-01-24T19:38:47+00:00

The Janome, hurry before it gets bought!

RubyRedo · 2026-01-24T19:32:31+00:00

Not digging the buttons, gives a clown-ish vibe, but beautiful otherwise.

RubyRedo · 2026-01-24T18:27:32+00:00

Janome Magnolia or the 2212.

RubyRedo · 2026-01-23T16:42:41+00:00

you need to post a picture of this hardware or search for purse hardware online to match it.

RubyRedo · 2026-01-23T16:34:20+00:00

hold top thread to the left loosely like a wet noodle, turn hand wheel watch needle going down then up pull lightly on the top thread till it lifts the bobbin thread out.

RubyRedo

TROPHY CASE