Aug 2, 2025, 9:43 AMMy daughter is trying to learn to sew. The 50 year old Bernina I have here is giving her some problems and I don't know enough to know if it's a machine or a technique issue.
Are modern machines much different? Easier? Especially for a beginner.
Advice welcome. :)
Aug 2, 2025, 9:58 AM@aly I'd say an older machine is going to be simpler and sturdier than modern beginner ones, but has it been to a check-up recently, if it hasn't been in use? There might be a need for more oil or similar small fixes that would make her sewing experience smoother!
Aug 2, 2025, 10:05 AM@libroraptor @aly I got mine from my mum, and while it's not quite 50 years old (more like 30 or 40) I like how easy it is to maintain myself!
Aug 2, 2025, 10:14 AM@libroraptor @aly Oh no, that really sucks! :(
Aug 2, 2025, 12:29 PM@asta @libroraptor My mum made me promise to never give this one away, hehe. It will be looked after.
Aug 2, 2025, 7:59 PM@asta @libroraptor @sitharus After some tinkering this morning...
Grey stitches at the bottom are the new ones. White was before.
Aug 2, 2025, 8:02 PM@aly @libroraptor @sitharus Looks like you made good progress!
Aug 2, 2025, 8:15 PM@asta @libroraptor @sitharus The tutorials never mention how frustrating getting a basic reliable stitch will be!
😅
Aug 2, 2025, 8:21 PM@aly @libroraptor @sitharus It's unbelievable how hard something so basic can be!
@aly @asta @libroraptor oh the fun of tension adjustment! My overlocker is a mechanical model and getting that right is certainly an adventure
Aug 2, 2025, 10:17 AM@aly In case I misunderstood in my first reply: the basic machines themselves work the same way today as they did 50 years ago! Choose your stitch and push the pedal. There's modern machines that have more options but I don't think that's something a beginner would need to consider.
@aly A modern computerised sewing machine is much, much easier to use.
Integrated needle threaders, accurate speed control, and precise start/stop make it much easier. Plus you don't need to oil as many (or any in some cases) points.
And I say that as a 1950s Singer 99K owner, which is a great machine but the modern ones are so much nicer.
Most sewing machine shops will let you try the machines, or at least give a demo. That sold me on a Brother Innov-is A16 :)
Aug 2, 2025, 12:14 PM@sitharus hmm makes sense but perhaps I should have included budget here. Hehe.
Aug 2, 2025, 12:15 PM@sitharus Though actually the speed control here seems to be part of the issue. It's creeping when it shouldn't so I might be taking the pedal apart.
@aly oh be careful, if you’re lucky it’s a simple sliding contact rheostat. If you’re unlucky it’s a stack of ceramic discs that vary resistance with pressure. If you let the preload off those discs it’s a nightmare to fix. Ask me how I know…
Basic new computerised machine is around $300, should be less on trademe.
Aug 2, 2025, 12:29 PM@sitharus hmmmmmmmm recommend a new model for two newbies? $300 is in my range.
@aly it depends on specials. I had a Brother Innov-is A16 but that’s more like $550 on special.
This looks like it’s in your range with the VIP discount https://www.spotlightstores.com/sewing-fabrics/sewing-machines-equipment/sewing-machines-overlockers/computerised-sewing-machines/elna-350-computerised-sewing-machine/BP80644450-white
There’s not much brand difference at the entry level.
@aly I should add that you can solve the speed issues on an old sewing machine by replacing the motor with a servo motor. They make ones just for that. They’re just about the same price as a new machine.
@aly older machines are typically better made and more reliable - they used to be built with metal parts rather than plastic. It may be worth getting yours serviced. You could ring up your local sewing machine shop and ask.
@aly when I first learned sewing a couple of years ago I did not manage to use the foot control at all, because it required too much hand/foot-coordination. So I set the speed limit on the machine to very low, and pressed a button every time I wanted the machine to start/stop to sew. It gave me full control at very low speed. I think that is only possible on a computerized machine.
@aly I sew on a 40 year old Bernina and love it. My favorite machine. Has your machine recently been serviced? Maybe it needs a tune-up. I also bought a new Babylock for free-motion quilting (it has a wider throat area), and it is finicky; lots of threading and tension issues.