Old hand operated sewing machine - i'm utterly clueless

[Rocketron]

I know nothing about this subject at all.
However, isn't it possible that a machine such as this could be sold for more money than the cost of a simpler machine to use? It's looks alone may make it collectable.

[Hayley]

You're in luck, because crafting is v.fashionable right now, and there are dozens of magazines with projects for you to try, plus discount style books, eg. The Works always have sewing project books for about £3-£8


Any idea what you want to make?
Personally I stay away from cushion covers & aprons: I prefer to make bags and phone wallets etc. A simple top or skirt isn't beyond the beginner either: they're all just straight seams, nothing complicated.

You won't find fabric to be that cheap, but you can always buy old sheets etc in charity shops, or bedding linen in the cheapo shops. New polycotton is about £3 a metre in a fabric store ~ you'll pay more for better quality of course.

I'd recommend stretch jersey for a beginner, because it doesn't fray so doesn't need any fancy hemming: just sew a double-row of stitches and cut off the excess fabric. Because it's stretchy, you don't have to worry about sewing complicated shaping either.


I've been making clothes for 20+ years, but I'm still only an advanced beginner: I still manage to sew collars on upside down, and sleeves inside out

I'm not really sure what I'd like to make yet, I need some curtains for my spare/sewing/hobby room but I'm guessing that may be running before I can walk. Perhaps a visit to 'the works' is in order for some ideas.

I want to use the old Victoria machine but I will buy an electric one as long as I'm enjoying it. I did look on ebay but the ones I've watched start at 99p but end closer to £50. The original Victoria will always have a home even if it eventually becomes more a decorative piece.

[Jeanied]

I think you should start with sewing something very simple and use an easy to work with material such as a heavy cotton or a fine wool. You won't be able to sew stretchy fabrics because you can only sew straight stitches. Why not start out with a cushion cover?

[Hayley]

Sounds good to me perhaps a hunt round the markets, car boots and second hand shops is in order for some practice material?

[Jeanied]

I'd try on freegle or freecycle first! Loads of sewing things get given away on our local freegle.

[Bren In Pots]

Hayley how about something like this bag :-

http://www.molliemakes.com/projects/...nute-tote-bag/

nice and easy plus its something that you can use rather than just a practice thing.

[taff]

I know nothing about this subject at all.
However, isn't it possible that a machine such as this could be sold for more money than the cost of a simpler machine to use? It's looks alone may make it collectable.

Not unless it's really rare or unusual.
Mahcines like the Singer 66k are two a penny. No-one who knows how much they cost in todays market will pay over the odds.

[Bigmallly]

Haley, as you haven't got the means for overlocking, may I suggest you get hold of some single sided fusible tape to stop the edges from fraying........other grapes may have better ideas as I am only working from memory here & it's a pretty old memory............

[roitelet]

Another way of stopping the seam edges from fraying is this. On each seam allowance (single fabric) stitch another row a little way in from the edge and then trim back almost to the stitches with pinking shears, the ones that cut a zig zag.

Best of luck, I used one like that for years and made all the childrens clothes on it until I bought an all singing all dancing electric one about 40 years ago which is just showing the signs of old age. Give yours a dood clean and 'oik' out all the fluff then oil all working parts with sewing machine oil. There isn't much to go wrong with it.

[Jeanied]

I used to finish my seams like this on my old machine. Only needed when the seam is going to be worn or handled frequently.

http://www.sewmamasew.com/media/blog/WCMc.jpg

[Bigmallly]

Who'd have thought I would be sitting here having a sensible chat about sewing machines.........

[Jeanied]

Always knew you had hidden depths BM!

[Bren In Pots]

Who'd have thought I would be sitting here having a sensible chat about sewing machines.........

BM you'll be buying one next

[veggiechicken]

He probably has one or two already ............

Its the "sensible" bit that I find odd, not that BM knows about sewing machines

[Two_Sheds]

I need some curtains for my spare/sewing/hobby room

Unlined curtains are super easy. To hang them, you just sew on a length of curtain tape, then attach those little white plastic hook. Job done.

I did look on ebay but the ones I've watched start at 99p but end closer to £50.

Don't ever get into a bidding war: I use biddingscheduler dot com. As you can see from my link, plenty of electric machines have sold for under a tenner: I sold my old one for £12.

You won't be able to sew stretchy fabrics because you can only sew straight stitches.

Doesn't it have a zigzag stitch?

Haley, as you haven't got the means for overlocking

She does: straight stitch about 5mm from the fraying edge, then cut next to the stitches with pinking shears. I don't overlock anything, I can't justify spending £300+