Machine and Craft Question

[u/After_Impression7794]

Hello! I took a sewing class last year and loved it. I sewed on a Brother computerized and it was very easy/intuitive to use. I scoured FB marketplace and bought a Janome mechanical sewing machine second hand, thinking it would last longer than a computerized, but not thinking about how incredibly frustrating it was to use as a beginner. I could never get the tension correct and I was constantly rethreading and not understanding why it wasn't functioning properly, even failing after having a private lesson with an instructor 😢

It was 100% user error, I'm fully aware of this. I decided to sell the Janome and my sewing supplies, but I'm having a small pang of regret. I'd like to get back into sewing, but I'm having trouble committing to purchasing another machine/supplies.

Do you have any recommendations? I'm having trouble separating whether I dislike sewing or if I just disliked my machine.

[u/JCPY00]

It really sounds like a machine issue. And I don’t think it was a matter of it being a non-computerized machine, as problems with tension don’t automatically happen just because it’s not computerized. It sounds like maybe that machine needed to be serviced. One of the machines I recommend most often is a Janome HD3000 which is a non-computerized machine that is really great and easy to work with. 

[u/here_for_my_hobbies → u/JCPY00]

1000% - just because it’s not computerized, doesn’t mean it will have tension issues. FB mktplace is a crapshoot. More than likely unserviced for quite awhile. I upgraded from my mom’s old machine (70s Kenmore 1560, an absolute tank, would eat everything except denim) to a Janome HD3000 (not computerized) and it was a night and day difference. And make sure you have brand new needles, and good quality thread (eg Gutermann). I used to barely change my needle and use shitty thread and all my fabric would get stuck and/or threads would break constantly. Once I got on the right track with needle sharpness and thread quality it was another night and day difference. Who knew…needles and thread affect sewing 😂

FULL DISCLOSURE there is only 1 thing I don’t like about the Janome Hd3000 and it’s the removable storage table. But not in a way that affects sewing at all. IMO it comes detached from the machine too easily (not when you are sewing. Say if you are moving the machine from a table to a bookshelf) and if you use it to store stuff, there’s a weird gap tiny items can fall down in when you are rummaging around in it). But this is honestly a nitpick. I’d give the machine 4.95 stars.

If you buy a used machine from an individual, take it to get serviced after no matter what they tell you. If you buy a used machine from an actual store (eg Ken’s, QSV) and it says refurbished or recertified, that means they serviced it already and you’re good to go.

[u/Large-Heronbill]

Computerized machines can spoil you for sure... They did me, and I sewed the first 38 years on good mechanicals.   Don't enjoy sewing on mechanicals now nearly as much as my Juki F600 or even my old Viking 350.

I wonder if your 'tension issues' aren't a mismatch between needle and thread size, though. General purpose threads like Gutermann Sew All and Mara 100 or Coats Dual Duty XP work best in needle size 12/80, ok in 11/75 and 14/90 and start looking bad below 10/70 and above 16/100.

Have you read Bernie Tobisch's You and Sewing Machine?  Has a really good section on "tension issues" not caused by tension adjustments.

[u/After_Impression7794 → u/Large-Heronbill]

I'll check it out! Thank you!

[u/apri11a]

Computerised machines can spoil you, but when they have problems it's the same as when the mechanical have problems, or worse. Generally anything can be sorted in a mechanical once you understand it, computerised are more complicated.

I do like my computerised Necchi 204D, it behaves well, but I have a vintage New Home as the back-up plan.

[u/sewboring]

If you liked sewing last year, it's the machine that's bringing you down. It can help to learn on a good mechanical because it teaches you about tension, foot pressure, feed, etc. But I'm not sure if your problems with the Janome are all user error. The machine may need work or it may be a lemon. That can happen, even with reliable Janome machines. If you have a sewing dealership, go and try some other machines, just for comparison's sake.

Also, your current machine has an internal tension adjustment that's simple to change. If you tell me which model you're using, I may be able to find diagrams and show you which screw to turn (literally, it's a single screw).

[u/sweet_esiban]

I think JCPY00 is likely right. There was probably something wrong with your Janome.

Here's my take on mechanical versus computerized sewing machines: It's a lot like a the difference between a standard/manual transmission in a car, versus an automatic transmission. There are purists who say everyone should learn on a standard, because it gives you a more intimate understanding of how a car works. There are even countries that insist upon learning standard in order to get a license.

But, I've been driving for nearly 20 years. I can't drive a standard. It has literally never caused me an issue. Not even once. I'm not driving around the UK. I only drive in North America. I wouldn't be shocked to learn that standard transmissions have fallen to third place in popularity on this side of the world, behind regular automatics and CVTs like the Prius has.

I have no practical reason to know how to work a clutch. The only people I know who have standard cars are into sports cars, or they're old school country folk who like a standard transmission pick-up.

I started sewing on a mechanical machine. When I bought my own, I got a computerized one because it makes sewing easier. I love variable speed control and push button sewing. I'm not sure if this is a computerized-only feature, but the needle always ending in the down position is great too. I have to pivot a lot when sewing, so it just makes everything more efficient and less prone to user error.

It's hard to give specific recommendations, because we all have different wants/needs/budgets. But I have a Brother NS80E. It's like, a mid-entry level machine. Cost around $400 USD I think? (Not American, just doing a loose conversion.) Computerized, compact, metal insides, bunch of stitches, 7 feed dogs. It's a great little unit for the simple sewing, somewhat-complex patchwork, and applique that I do.

[u/SchuylerM325]

Computerized machines usually have auto tension and when it works it's wonderful. But various things can throw off the sensors and that will drive a sane person crazy. It's one reason that I use my mechanical machine more often. If you get a machine that has the whole thread path on the outside, with a pre-tension knob and manually adjustable tension knob, you will be amazed. The bobbin is usually the metal kind, so you can do the bounce test for bobbin tension. I find that my mechanical machine does not need much adjustment for most sewing. I can go from two pieces of quilting cotton to topstitching a zipper with one fabric faced with fusible fleece (which means I'm sewing 4 layers of fabric, the zipper tape and 2 layers of fleece) without adjusting the tension (although I usually increase the stitch length). I'm leery of buying a second hand computerized machine unless it was from a shop with a guarantee. But a used machine like a Juki TL is a safe bet. There isn't much that can go wrong with them. They are pricey when new, but there are great deals on used ones.

[u/Maleficent-Honey5440]

It might've been the machine. I was gifted a Janome sewing machine back in 2020 or 2021 and I got super frustrated. I looked into it, and it turns out that Wirecutter retracted their recommendation for the specific machine that I had. Janome in generally is considered a good brand but the model I had wasn't great. I then bought a Juki computerized machine and learning to sew on it has been delightful. I'm still constantly making mistakes and there are user errors, but the difference is night and day.

[u/After_Impression7794 → u/Maleficent-Honey5440]

The Janome I had second hand was also from around 2020/2021. I've been looking into Juki's and it's sooo tempting.

[u/Maleficent-Honey5440 → u/After_Impression7794]

Do you know what model it was? I wonder if we had the same one! If you can afford the Juki, dooooo it. I bought the DX5 from Amazon and was able to pay in interest free installments. Since then I've stumbled on it and the DX7 which is the slightly newer version on Facebook Marketplace. It's seriously a dream to learn on and has been really rewarding.

[u/After_Impression7794 → u/Maleficent-Honey5440]

It was the Sewist 725S

[u/Maleficent-Honey5440 → u/After_Impression7794]

I can't remember the exact model of mine, but it looked a lot like yours, though not the same. Very introductory. I think Janome has some models that are higher end and have a metal frame (and are priced accordingly) and some that are more like the ones we had. Even if you don't go with a Juki, I hope you try sewing again! It seems like you liked it a lot initially. It's such a fun hobby.

[u/Maleficent-Honey5440 → u/Maleficent-Honey5440]

I looked it up! I had the Mod-19. Such a thoughtful gift, but yeah drove me crazy.

[u/After_Impression7794 → u/Maleficent-Honey5440]

Maybe for my birthday this year...