I have a couple of jackets where I could like to shorten the length of the sleeve by about 1/2-1". I am thinking about getting a sewing machine, something really basic. Any recommendations between Singer and Brother?

I do NOT need embroidery. I don't think I am interested in doing that, at least never considered it.

What type of material? The inexpensive machines don't handle thicker material well, especially if doubled up. My first stop would be a thrift store to see if they have an old Singer. As long as it runs, you should be fine.

Brother machines are pretty decent for most uses other than heavy fabric.

For a couple of sleeves and thicker material, also probably lined, do it by hand.

---

Roswell, GA (Atlanta suburb)

Quote
rgG
For a couple of sleeves and thicker material, also probably lined, do it by hand.

yeah, Mom or MIL used to do this for us, but I think it's time to learn how to do this on our own.

Quote
space-time

Quote
rgG
For a couple of sleeves and thicker material, also probably lined, do it by hand.

yeah, Mom or MIL used to do this for us, but I think it's time to learn how to do this on our own.

Ask them. I'll bet for a sleeve, they might have done by hand also. Unless you have a sleeve arm attachment, sleeves can be a real pain.

---

Roswell, GA (Atlanta suburb)

Just take the jackets to a tailor or a dry cleaner who does alterations. Whole lot easier AND cheaper.

Quote
PeterW
Just take the jackets to a tailor or a dry cleaner who does alterations. Whole lot easier AND cheaper.

they charge about 1/3 the price of the jacket.

I bought a Brother CS-6000i several years ago that has been fantastic. I’m sure there’s a newer model at this point though.

Quote
Bo
I bought a Brother CS-6000i several years ago that has been fantastic. I’m sure there’s a newer model at this point though.

This! I got one of these basted on my quilt teacher's recommendation after lugging around my really HEAVY Singer from the 70's. It's light, easy to carry and has a way to do sleeves. I did a splurge a couple of years ago and got an oversized Sew Steady platform for it.

Make sure you get a really good seam ripper too.

You Tube may have some good videos on basic sewing machine stuff. OR check with your local quilt shop about beginner lessons.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/12/2020 12:21PM by Lizabeth.

......just sold industrial one for parents.....it was a large, heavy duty one that took up full space.....$250 but at least finally sold it.....had many people flake out.....no one wants the old heavy duty factory industrial sewing machines no more.....

....but it worked well on denim and thick fabrics....

---

_____________________________________

I reject your reality and substitute my own!

Brother machines starting @ $64 [www.brother-usa.com]

---

39°36'17"N 75°44'43"W

DuckDuckGo
The search engine that doesn't track you.

DemComm Records 2021 Greatest Hits
includes:
Taxman by Joe & Nancy's Rich Ice Cream Band
The Humpty Dance by The Harris-Brown Hookup
Lets Spend The Night Together by The Fang-Swalwell Gang
Díaz-Canel Is A Friend of Ours by The AOC Squad
My Old Kentucky Retirement Home by MitchMcC & The Soggy Boxer Boys
Burning Down The House by Merrick & The Goons
Back In the USSR by Bernie's Red Square Trio