Heavy duty sewing

[Claudiaj]

I have a friend that wants to purchase a sewing machine but she wants one that will do a lot of fleece and vinal. She doesn't do clothes or quilts-just some heavy duty stuff. Any recommendations for a machine?
Thank you.

[grammaterry]

Re: Heavy duty sewing

I've had Husqvarna's for years and they will sew thru practically anything. Real workhorses.

[Hulamoon]

Re: Heavy duty sewing

I think a lot of members will say Juki. That's what I would get if I was doing heavy duty things.

[Jean Sewing Machine]

Re: Heavy duty sewing

The straight stitch mechanical machines can power through thick stuff. Every manufacturer has a model such as this, Juki is just one of them.

[bubba]

Re: Heavy duty sewing

Remember also, when topstitching on vinyl to use a Teflon foot. You can also put sticky notes or scotch tape on the bottom of the foot, or cover the vinyl with parchment, but you do have to figure something out.

[PrettyCurious]

Re: Heavy duty sewing

Some domestic machines may sew through that stuff, but industrial ones will do it with ease and last much longer.
If you want to try a domestic one anyway, get a used mechanical one. Make sure it's cheap [and ugly], so you won't dispair when it doesn't last.
My Viking sews through a lot, but I don't do vinyl or leather, and I don't make him sweat very often. I'd hate to wear him out doing jobs that industrial machines are made for.

[Vonnie]

Re: Heavy duty sewing

I also vote for Juki. I have the Juki 98TLQ and it's metal and mechanical and can sew through thick seams. Check Craigslist. I would think any sewing repair shop would be able to repair. No computer to mess with.

[cashs mom]

Re: Heavy duty sewing

The industrial Jukis are what most of the upholstery shops I've seen used.

[GrandmaE]

Re: Heavy duty sewing

I have the Juki 2010Q and put it to the test on a neighbors project. She was making a wallet out of used firehose for her husband who is a fireman. It sewed thru seams of a couple layers of firehouse which is thick heavy stuff. The shop where I got it demonstrated it on a leather belt. It is a mechanical machine and only does straight stitch but works well. I Am sure others also would do as well.

[Equilady]

Re: Heavy duty sewing

Juki. The one I had could go through about anything. It was from their Exceed line.

[seaturtle]

Re: Heavy duty sewing

Remember also, when topstitching on vinyl to use a Teflon foot. You can also put sticky notes or scotch tape on the bottom of the foot, or cover the vinyl with parchment, but you do have to figure something out.

Wonder if some DST might work...

[sydneybean]

Re: Heavy duty sewing

I vote Juki also.