My 'see honey, the man on the Internet says that I need multiple sewing machines!' isn't met with much enthousiasm...

By "over engineered" what you really mean is that they were built up to a quality standard and not, like modern machines, built down to a price.

Jason, when I got back into sewing a few years back, you were the guy who got me pointed in the right direction again. Thanks for all the cool videos

Six or eight years ago, I decided to make a new hunting pack. I had been sewing for some time and had made a number of outdoor projects. I had several older sewing machines, mostly Kenmore, but nothing with a walking foot. For my new pack, I used mostly 500d and 1000d Cordura and webbing. I was able to make my prototype and then a couple more like it. I've used it every year and have not had any failures, but many of the stitches were pretty ugly, mostly on the bobbin side. I've often thought about buying a walking foot machine, but I don't do enough of this type of sewing to really justify the purchase. That being said, I'm looking at the machines and particularly the Sailrite LSZ-1. The price of a new machine isn't that much higher than the used machines and there may be a best of both worlds deal with the Sew and Go Bundle. With that you get a portable machine, a table and a servomotor drive. Even with the table, it shouldn't be too difficult to move the whole package around. It strikes me that I would be unlikely to remove the machine from the table and use the portable setup, but it's there. Straight stitching and bar tacks will do most of the things that I want to do. I haven't made up my mind, but watching your videos has rekindled my interest.

I love my triple feed 1541S Titan. It made a huge difference in sewing gear and pouches. The needle feed in addition to walking food keeps multiple layers together while I see.

Great job, thx I appreciate the content and education you provide.❤ love the guitars too. I picked up two industrial sewing machines . One is Singer oil cooled and a Juki Dl 555, I’m still learning about the sewing machines and will learn to sew with them. I hand sew leather. Love the videos Jason .

Thanks for posting this Jason, really interesting. Glad you cleared the beard point - I was just thinking 'wow what a guy . . .' 😉 looking forward to the other half of the 'wife swap' challenge. 😊

One of my fave old machines was my 41 Montgomery ward machine it Was a singer class 15 machine. Now I’m using a Juki tl 2000 and a tl -18 Qvp both great straight stitch machines thanks for the video..

I find the phaff and Bernina sewing machines to be the top best to sew and create with and they are made of high quality and last you forever.

Love my Singer 237 (that you helped me find on Craig's List)!!! An awesomely capable machine over my Singer Simple.

This video inspired me to go vintage for my first machine. Today I picked up a sweet little Singer 401a for free that looks like it just needs a bit of a cleanup. Thanks, man!

I have 2, an 1892 Singer Treadle 27-VS3 and a 1926 Singer Treadle 66-4 born 01/26/1926. With a HD needle I can punch through 7+ layers of denim.

Thank you for this video, exactly what i was looking for, want to start into Cordura 1000d

Very informative!! Thank you 🙏

If one uses materials that can fray, the zig zag is handy. Sometimes I will straight stitch then resew in the seam allowance using a zig zag to stop fraying. The zig zag can be set for a long stitch as it does not actually hold the seam together.

Great information. Thankyou!

Hey…. It’s newer than your baseline, but my beloved all metal 1990s Bernina 1010 is pretty awesome too! My mum got me a dressmaker like yours recently at her op shop, branded as a Toyota Super Deluxe… that’s pretty sweet too! I also have an Elna Grasshopper, Singer 15-91, Husqvarna 21e that i ♥️… But I also adore my very first machine which is a plastic cheap Brother NS10… it’s plain, no frills but because it was my first, I can make it sing… I can drive that baby like a $5000+ embroidery machine freemotion even tho it’s not one…. and it loves cheap thread and I own all the accessories and she does a nicer triple stitch than almost any machine I’ve seen…. but yeah, she hates layers! And then, ofc, there’s my mid-heavy compound wf industrial I use to make bags. 🤗🤗 Seven… I have 7 machines!

Thank you for sharing your knowledge to the world. I very well appreciate this..I sew as well and I can sense your experience. Great Video. Blessings. Viewing from the French island St Martin in the Caribbean.

I sew since 2+ decades for my hobbies: Kites (modern single line kites as well as replicas of historical models) and Bushcraft items like Tarp, Tent, Hammock, Backpack, Outdoor-hoodie (made of 100% wool blanket), countless bags and pouches, foldable Stools, and many more. I frequently sew different fabrics, from finest silk to mosquito-mesh to cotton, also countless synthetic fabrics, denim (of course) up to heaviest canvas with reinforcements of leather or reinforced attachment-points/loops of multiple layers of seat belt from the local car recycling station. I prefer the vintage Bernina sewing machines, not only because thy are well manufactured and reliable (many other Manufacturers in that eras had pretty good machines too) but because some of them (many of the "Record" models) have the knee lever function for lifting the sewing foot. I'm used to this function since I've started sewing and I absolutely adore having both hands on my workpiece. Mobility of the sewing machine is not an important factor for me. That makes my personal Nr.1 sewing machine the Bernina class 117. She's got everything I need and nothing that distracts me from my sew-work. I can use mine as a treadle machine or with an electric (125 watts) motor. She can sew up to 12-14 layers of Denim. Full metal mechanics, built to last. If I have a sewing task that requires even more power, I use my other Bernina, a 217-industrial. That's a beast of a sewing machine! Except multiple layers of shoe-leather, she can sew almost everything. Normal fabrics she sews up to 2700 stitches per minute. But in 95% of my sewing tasks, I prefer the 70+ Year old KL-117. She runs so smooth! More and more I use her in treadling mode. Having it sewed by muscle power gives another level of satisfaction when the task is accomplished.

All short shank attachments catch my 100 yr old machines to 1960's & later.

Great overview of capabilities and good thought process of being sensible with the options. I have a variety of machines including similar models to what you have. I had intended to buy the new Consew RB206, but ended up going with the Juki 1541S because the price was the same during the pandemic. It is a HUGE, HEAVY machine and took 2 guys to lift it into the table. I got casters on the table so I can easily move it around. I didn't want to go used on the industrial because I can't take it in for repair. I have purchased numerous plastic box store machines, but moving forward if I can find a vintage metal machine for the purpose I need, that's the way I will go. The new plastic machines seem to be disposable. My serger, coverstitch and embroidery machines are all plastic and I use them carefully. TFS

I have a Singer 237, and it does have a nylon gear inside of the tensioning guide. On mine the gear is split in two pieces, but it still works in that condition.

If just wanting to learn to sew, a new singer for under 200 is a great way to go as well. Plenty of support, easy to use. Inexpensive.

I love my Husqvarna Viking 6030 which I bought after I got my first real job, around 1975.

The correct number of appropriate machines? N+1. Great video, lots of good information. YVR

I have 4 machines with a 5th on the way. Each has a different purpose. Sewing, computerized embroidery, coverstitch, overlock/serger and now Industrial triple feed. I think for garments especially, having a zig zag is an essential for a domestic machine for button holes, stretch stiches or to prevent frayed edges, especially if you don't own an overlock machine. My domestic can't handle leather, heavy canvas or upholstery It also struggles with some of my thicker quilts seams on quilts. This is why I am adding an Industrial. I considered the Sailrite Consew and Juki. I tried to pick up a used Consew 206 locally, but that didn't work out. Going with the Juki 1541S. TFS

Love these heavy info vids. I have a sailrite LS1 too and love it for many reasons (able to hand crank and sew without power). I bought that machine to use for my business of making waxed canvas and leather goods. Prior to that I was only making and selling leather goods and stitching by hand. The LS1 in my opinion isn’t a leather machine. I have the heavier fly wheel on in too. Tandy/Sailrite has their upgraded leather machine with a stronger motor. Maybe it’s more capable ? I decided to upgrade to a Juki 1508N after a year for my leather and heavier canvas/waxed goods. It’s much more capable than the LS1. But it still lacks power and could benefit from a speed reducer when sewing veg tan leather. No regrets buying either machines. But if someone was really interested in making utility goods, and had some experience on sewing machines, I’d recommend getting an industrial machine from the start. It was super frustrating having designs in my head that I couldn’t make on the LS1. And I always found myself adjusting the tension knob when transitioning from different layer counts. Coming from sewing by hand I guess I’m super attentive to thread tension. And I have nightmares about it. Haha

Eagerly waiting for part 2 of Wife Swap, when Jenny announces her own channel!

Where is a good place to get bobbins, sewing feet, sewing machine oil and other needed items ? I have a Consew 220. Thank you.

What kind of zippers do you like to use? The ones I'm finding at the fabric stores seem pretty substandard.

Dig it man! If I may throw in my $0.02 I'm not a full time seamster by any means... but I do fabrication work as a part of my job in the military, making/modifying survival gear and performing parachute repairs. We have many, many different machines.. and like Jason says, the 206RB is the boss, we also have a Sailrite machine that's also the big dog's balls.. At home I do quite a lot of fabricating of sailing gear, sail repair, boat upholstery, bushcrafting gear etc... For my needs personally, I couldn't do better than the Sailrite LSZ-1, which is the same model as Jason's red Sailrite but with the zig-zag ability as well as straight stitch. I pretty much NEED the zig-zag option for the sail repairs, but I've also made a number of hammocks with it, which also needs a zig-zag for best performance (although I had to change needle/thread size). So for me its a super versatile tool and absolutely money well spent. Buy it right, or buy it twice.. right? But will it sew leather..... seriously? Yah... like butter ;) Keep up the good work Bro! Thumbs up all the way!

Ever tried a Necchi BU Mira? Punches harder than an old Singer and has a beautiful zigzag as well. Super quiet and sooo smooth. My favourite all-metal vintage domestic.

I bought all janomes, I'm a hobbyist, quilt, clothes, garden bags, purses, I love them, I would have loved a Juki but didn't have the space for it, and I didn't want to deal with the oil pans, and I have had janome for years, familiar with all the parts, didn't want to buy new accessories. Would love to have one of those decorative older models to put out on a shelf, (I have small jewelry box styles for decoration), but I don't know if I should really spend tons of money on it, I would rather buy fabric, fabricholic here.

I’am going through this as we speak dropped my pfaff off today to see if it can be fixed it’s now out of timing . I see a lot and my issue is that every sewing machine that I have owned does not like to use my number 30 thread . Definitely looking for another vintage sewing machine just not sure if it’s time to jump up to a more substantial industrial for my thick threads and heavy material. I owned a newer domestic machine and they are definitely junk even the hooks on the drop in bobbin was plastic and not metal.

Awesome video, nice one mate!! I've got a singer 320k2 and am looking at finding a more capable one for webbing and coarse canvas etc. Here in aus decent quality walking foot, or even just an industrial are horribly expensive. Wish me luck!! Note, I want to use bonded polyester 207 thread and can't seem to get it running in the 320k2, if you have any ideas or know of somewhere else that might be helpful, im very open to suggestions! Cheers! Subscribed

Prior to 1924, the Davis Sewing Machine Company made a walking foot machine for home/domestic use. They called it "Vertical Feed." I believe they had the original patent.

I am so happy i found a Singer 301 and I LOVE it for Valentine's day So Cool!!! Can I change the foot pedal, this small switch area is a trip. Can I change this pedal?

Would a portable walking foot machine be suitable for making tactical gear? Like magazine pouches or vests using 1000d cordura nylon fabric and #69 mil spec thread?

Helloo i work for spec up in the pass a did have a walking food.machine total i have 12 sewi g machine for heavy duty i have😊 experience in making backup ..

Jason, your cat is adorable

excellent video its all true, may i recommend Sears Kenmore 158.---- models Made in Japan... i got 2 237's that ill never sell ,lol

I am cat, I must be in the way. He is a pretty boy. Also, thank you for this. I am looking for something to get me started in a small space until I have some room for my Grandmothers old machine that is in its own table.

Whats your take on a Bernina 930 and when needed, using an optional Bernina walking foot?

So what would you recommend if I wanted to stitch a wetsuit material? Thanks for the info in the video, I love not having money!

Hey man I understand your opinion on old vs new and cheap big box items. Unfortunately I am broke as a joke, and will be learning to sew on this, my first machine. For those reasons I can't really follow the recommendations in this video, they are too expensive for me to justify ATM. My question is two fold, what machine, if any would you recommend $200 or less that will handle sewing "mainly items" lol. Mainly I'll be sewing things like aramid fabrics to heavy canvas but also thru thick webbing material to fortify these tarps and the like I want to design. I'd also like to do similar projects that would require sewing thru the afformenttioned materials with maybe one being replaced with thicker mylar or rubberized PVC. Basically bushcraft items I have floating in my head I wanna design and make myself

Is there any home machines that nylon thread would work with?

What machine would you reccomended for someone wanting to make dog collars out of polypropylene

I can't find an Shop Apron (16oz waxed canvas) that works for me. What type of sewing machine (used) should I look for? thanks for your time.

What do you do about the pedal? My vintage 1970s singer only does 0 or 100mph. My "new big box machine " has legit variable speed but can't sew doubled up waxed canvas. Is there a way to swap out the foot switch without contacting that electrical engineer that I loathe?

I need to buy a leather machine but right now I have a cheap machine from Target. Will it sew nylon straps together? I think it will sew one layer but I want to sew 3-4 layers together. Is it even possible? if sew, what size of need and thread should I get?

just bought a new industrial walking foot machine and now am trying to understand the thread situation! Ugh! Tex/Ticket etc each seller seems to use a different numbering system. What brand and weight would you recommend for very light soft leather and or marine vinyl and or canvas duck?

Are you able to get proper tension with the Singer 237 using heavy bonded nylon thread? Like a Tex70/Size 69? I have a couple older machines and seems like the thread is just too heavy to get the right tension. Unfortunately that's the thread I need to use for tactical gear and can't really afford a $700-800 sailrite right now.

How long have you had the Singer 237 so far?

Hi Jason. I am looking for a pattern/design to use for basic rugged backpacks. I found out that it is one of the top 3 things asked for at my local homeless shelter. I would like to start making some and donating them. Thoughts ?

How much money can one make with a 1960's Singer sewing machine? What types of products are worth making decent money? I'm leaning towards custom tactical bags, ham radio go bags

I have an industrial sewing machine: Toyota ls2 ad140 ... it's a machine from 1990, I don't know why, nowadays, toyota no longer produces an industrial sewing machine

I have been gifted a Singer 201K, is it really the best domestic sewing machine ever made?

I'm a little surprised that you mention the Singer featherweight but not the 201. I have a 201. It is full sized--more capable, and a fraction of the price. The 221 and 222 are just lightweight descendants. I know a number of people who own several domestics and prefer their 201. As far as I can tell, featherweights are popular mostly due to "collectability." Popular to quilters going to quilting parties. On the plus side, is that it is so popular that makes parts abundant.

I don't think I would mind using an old machine if I understood how to work on them. 🤔

Hey man I understand your opinion on old vs new and cheap big box items. Unfortunately I am broke as a joke, and will be learning to sew on this, my first machine. My question is two fold, what machine, if any would you recommend $200 or less that will handle sewing "mainly items" lol. Mainly I'll be sewing things like aramid fabrics to heavy canvas but also thru thick webbing material to fortify these tarps and the like I want to design. I'd also like to do similar projects that would require sewing thru the afformenttioned materials with maybe one being replaced with thicker mylar or rubberized PVC. Basically bushcraft items I have floating in my head I wanna design and make myself. The second more straight forward question is would this one work > 4432 Sewing Machine. I also see this used singer for $100 including shipping, is it a good machine for my use cases Working Vintage 1970s Singer Futura II Model 920 Sewing Machine Two Way Surface

The mistake is thinking you need to buy just one.

When did you get a featherweight?!? ;)

Never tried a Singer 237, but I love my Singer 403A. For me, the 403A and the 301 are the two best and versatile vintage machines. I really don't see any benefits of the Featherweigth over the 301/301A. If you can find a 201-2 or a 15-91 with the wiring upgradeed, it's a treasure! The 401, 500, and 503 Singers are all also very good, and lastly the 66 and 99 are awesome.

Hi Jason, it is not easy to support you. The link to your teespring shop is not working. Have a look at it. Well, I finally succeeded to order some of your t-shirts. Have a nice day. Cheers from Switzerland. Anton

3:34 Cat: “where’s my shout out in this video human?!?”

Ya like cats, so your advice must be good. LOL Oh yeah, great video. Just the info I've been looking for.

How did you get into sewing?

Hi there, just wanted to emphasise the importance of the zig zag application on a sewing machine The zig zag can be used to sew stretch fabrics, stretch fabrics are really difficult in sewing without useing a serger. Also important for useing as a serger for fabrics that fray.. Buttonholes, they are the least discussed on importance. Buttonholes or buttonholes applications are not that great in quality in most domestic sewing machines. The zig zag on the vintage machine can be a better quality than a new fancy computerised machine. The zig zag can be applied to make a better quality buttonhole, takes a bit of practice, and is a quality the same as a shop product. I cannot stress the importance of a zig zag application.

Forgot to mention, Denim fabric, stretch fabric and buttonholes are really important in buying a sewing machine. A lot of fabric shops sell cheaper stretch fabrics, Denim is worn the most, and buttonholes from shirts to denim jeans are important.

My singer heavy duty is a absolute nightmare lol

So many copes of your VLog

cute void

CAT is 😂😅😂😅😂😅 ! Does it WORK with you ? 😊😅😂😅

plastic or nylon parts is never good. See the old pfaff and bernina machines with them. Expensive parts and expensive service cost. the pfaff 1222 is an example. Camstack is plastic and repair could cost $300 to $500. Buy sewing machine with less plastic.

I was worried we weren't going to get to see you use your wife's machine

oil on your head haha okay!?

Dude! Sew yourself a proper pad for that knee-lift lever. 72 yards of wadded up duct tape can't be very comfortable.

This is just an ad...

that featherweight sounds like a bag of spanners compaired too my 201 singer!,is there a problem with it,or is it worn out?.