WHAT KIND OF SEWING MACHINE?

Question

HI, THIS IS MIKES WIFE ! LOL. I AM INTERESTED IN MAKING CURTAINS AND QUILTS , SO WORKING WITH HEAVY MATERIAL BUT I AM NOT SURE WHAT KIND OF SEWING MACHINE I NEED. THERE ARE SO MANY OUT THERE AND ITS BEEN YEARS SINCE I HAVE USED ONE, ANY ADVICE?

Answer 1

Define "heavy material" -- coated upholstery fabric?  4 layers of levi-weight denim?  Industrial kevlar conveyor belts?   I personally wouldn't call quilts and curtains "heavy materials", so I think you really want a standard household sewing machine based on "curtains and quilts".  

http://www.cet.com/~pennys/faq/smfaq.htm

I'm also fairly sure you'll want blindhem capabilities if you're doing draperies.  I also have a fairly strong personal preference for an electronic machine over a mechanical one because of the full punching force at low speeds you get with stepper motors.

Head for the best local sewing machine stores and start trying out machines... there are a million models out there, and one will be a pretty good match for your needs and pocketbook.  If you're actually going to be quilting instead of just piecing quilt tops, you might look particularly at machines with a larger than average harp (the space to the right of the needle.)

Me, I sew mostly on a midline Viking electronic, about 12 years old now, and never a bit of trouble with it.  

Answer 2

Well you could get a commercial one if you have the money. You can get a good price on some at your local sewing machine repair shop,or look in your local paper for people selling them. I never sew more than thin cotton,and not that often either. I only use the easiest machine made as I can't figure most of them out. I know there are different sized needles for different thicknesses of material. But check into the repair shop,they can also advise you. Byee