/cgl/ - Cosplay & EGL

Not my photo, but my machine down to the t.

Singer featherweight 221K.

>>8463240
I'm a little jealous of your Featherweight. I kind of want one even though I'd never really use it. Mine: NX650Q

Brother CE5500PRW. I also have a vintage Brother from my great-grandmother that I don't use.

My grandma's, but 6000% more ancient. Hers is a Butterfly brand (a then Singer knock-off) machine from the 1970s, if not earlier. 100% foot-powered and metal.

Mine is just a Brother CS6000i. Solid and dependable, but nothing to envy.

Product shot but yeah. Received it for Christmas a few years ago. Been working with friends on costumes so my own machine hasn't been in use for two years, womp womp.

>poor little white boy.jpg

>>8463550
How do those dinky little sewing machines even work? Do they even work or do they quit as soon as it snags or touches something thicker than a few layers of denim?

>>8463550
well, its better than hand sewing.

A Hello Kitty sewing machine my mom got me during my weeb phase (around 6 years ago). It still works great

a random google picture but same model I have... the lamp on the table broke tho so i just have a regular desk light I use.

Juki DDL - 8500

Stock photo of my sewing machine, It's a huge better upgrade than my singer. I'm debating whether I should personalize it with stickers and such

>>8463565
I can only use it for very basic stuff. Too many layers and it clogs up and I have to hand-stitch.

>>8466750
Sometimes.

Hey Seaguls, After doing my first cosplay (internet purchase) and having a blast, I'd like to spend this next year learning to sew so that by next summer I can cosplay something that I made myself.

Just from looking at Amazon, I was thinking about these sewing machines:

>Brother HC1850
>SINGER 7258
>Brother CS6000i

Are these too much machine for a beginner? What would you recommend? Thanks for any advice!

May she rest in peace, it was my last birthday's gift from my parent and she died three weeks ago (fucking plastic bobbin case, have you lost your mind Pfaff ?). Sent it back, got the exact same as a replacement last week, she works great though pleather makes her protest. Good thing we still have my mom's 30 years-old Singer, that thing is a tank I swear.

>>8466875
Whoa that first Brother seems way overkill, you don't need that many stitches. If you're a beginner, a good sturdy machine with the basics (straight stitch, zig-zag, stretch stitch, buttonholes, a few decorative stitches mayba) will be enough. Avoid electronics if you can, they're more expensive and break easily

it's not pretty or elaborate but this one used to be my mothers, handles anything i toss at it with no trouble and overall has just never really given me cause to consider replacing it, works like a charm

>>8466902
Thanks for the advice. Do you think something like this Brother XL2600I is a better option?

>>8466875
Second or third one will be fine, though if you're a total beginner, a lot of the functions will go unused for you initially but you'll eventually grow into them. The machines are good and will last you through intermediate sewing. Read the instruction manual and keep it on hand for reference as you work between different fabrics and needs, and don't cheap out on the thread or needles. The machine will protest.

This sewing machine has gone through two people before it became mine, the good ol' stitch and bitch.
>not my photo

>>8467325
And I forgot to attach the photo

>>8466759
Did you buy this machine for work related purposes as well?

>>8466875
I'm new to sewing as well, and I have the third one. It's served me well so far!

My grandma bought this while she was manic, then realized she doesn't sew at all and gave it to me. I've had it for several years now and I've only had to bring it for repairs once.

random image of my model....a vintage kenmore. only has a straight and zigazg stitch, but has served me well for the 12 years i've owned it. pleather, lots of denim, canvas, and the dinest delicates pose no problems for it. i also have a brother like >>8467303 that's a travel machine.

>>8466754
Super jealous. Green's my favourite colour and Janome's my go to brand. Too cute to handle.

Basic bitch mode reporting

Not my pic

Not my pic but same model. Brother Innovis 1500D

>>8463550
Heyyy, I saw these, I'm contemplating picking one up since all I wanna do is make hair bows

>>8466754
I'm pastel green with envy

This guy sewed thru 2 layers of interfaced pleather and batting not too long ago. I was proud.

I got this as a gift. My boyfriend had found it at a yard sale. The mashing is in amazing condition and is built into the chest. Its an Singer Athena 2000 my only complaint is that it has specialized bobbins that I had to try four different stores to find one that sold them.

>>8469341
I'm super jelly right now. I dream to have a desk like this one. You're lucky anon.

>>8463527
I-It's beautiful.

>>8463550
Listening to Regina Spektor now

>>8463550
omg. I didn't know this even exist. This tiny thing can really sew?

I have the sewing machine in OP! Its put up with a lot of abuse. For my first sewing machine, its been a solid machine.

Serger suggestions?

Never had one, don't know where to start.
I don't need anything industrial, just a basic (relatively) cheap serger to go with my standard machine.

Poorfag reporting

Im in the market for a new machine.

I sew a lot of thick fabrics, leathers, denims, so i want something that can handle it.

i have a 4 year old project runway edition brother and it has done ok, but it always puts up a fight.

Im just skeptical about what companies say thier machines can do, and what reviews on amazon say.

and im afraid to buy a machine that can't handle the leathers and pleathers.

This thread feels so pornographic, but I can't put my finger on why. S-sewing machine porn?

I got this one for my birthday earlier in the year (bless you grandma). It can sew through 6 or so layers of denim just fine (also strung feathers/craft foam) and the settings are simple enough to adjust. (might be a good one for >>8469773)

>>8463550
I should buy one of these for my friend who's just starting to sew. It's so endearing.

>>8469773
If you can afford it I'd go with a Bernina. They're a little less smooth than other machines but they make up for it with sturdy machinery and powerful motors.

Her name is Tiffany and I love her

Also pictured, motivational support crew

>>8466754
I'm glad im not the only seagull sewing pretty with hello kitty

I got mine from goodwill for $50. He's a little tempermental, but works really well!

>>8470004
Fast and Easy.
kek

>>8466754
Janome is a solid brand machine so that's why it has managed to hold up and keep functioning even though Hello Kitty is slapped on top of it.

>>8466759
How much did you pay? I've been looking to buy one but don't know the price range.

>>8468233
Straight stitch and zig zag are the only stitches that you need. The rest are garbage stitches made for quilters that you'll never actually use unless you quilt.

She is pretty great.

>>8466813
I've got the same one. How long have you had it?

How important is speed control on a sewing machine? As a noob, would I benefit from being able to go at a slower speed?

I've got a Brother XL3750 that I've had for six or seven years that's done me well. It's getting a little touchy but I still love it.
I just got a Singer Profinish for Christmas, so far so good, I really love it but it's also my first serger so I don't have a ton to compare it to.
My stepgrandmother just gave me this old Juki serger over 4th of July weekend. It's in pristine condition and I'm pretty excited to use it. But right now it's in storage until we finish moving. I didn't feel like digging it out to check the model but I'm pretty sure I remember it being an MO 103N or a MO 634DE. I only got to look at it once before my fiancee declared that it was not staying in the apartment and took it to storage.
I have my great-grandmother's fold down machine at my dad's house, too. I've got tons of parts for it, when she passed away they she handed down all of her sewing supplies to me. It's heavy AF though and I haven't tested it.

Pic related is a bunch of rano internet pictures but you get the point.

Once upon a time I had a pretty old White machine that I recovered from a garage sale. It was all metal and it folded down into a gorgeous dark wood desk with all these little drawers and still worked. Pic related is similar but mine had more drawers. Unfortunately I didn't have room in my new apartment when I left my ex a few years ago. I'm wondering if he still has it...

The pink machine is one of my dream machines. I just love the colors of vintage Morse machines.

>>8472501
yes

>>8472501
I wouldn't do without it personally!
>>8470004
Is it just for the photo or do you use the floor to sew? My back aches thinking about it

>>8469834
>>8469796
>>8466754
>all you janomes
muh dream

I took the photo as I last left it.

>>8472501
Yes, but all home sewing machines have variable speed. You don't need a machine with a speed slider. You control it with the foot pedal.

Not my photo, but this is the exact model I have. I didn't feel like doing a demo of the stitches, but I wanted to show them because it's fun. It was a gift (second hand) from a family member who bought it but decided it was too complicated.

I'm still learning to sew anything more complicated than a pillow though....

I don't sew enough to buy a more expensive model.

Today is the first time I've used this piece of shit since I bought it 4 years ago.

>>8472664
You're definitely going to want the ability to control the speed. I remember when I first touched a sewing machine and almost floored the pedal- it scared the shit out of me.

Remember, higher speed means faster stitching which also means you're going to have to be on the ball with driving the fabric, whether its keeping lines straight or turning around curves, you need to be able to control it and if the machine is going too fast for you, you're going to fuck up the piece.

It's a good idea to get a feel for your sewing machine first by working with some scrap fabric and sewing slower, then increasing speed as you get used to the process.

>>8472825
Meant to quote >>8472501 (obviously)

>>8472469
>garbage stitches made for quilters that you'll never actually use
HELL YES. totally agree anon. i only wish it had a buttonholer, but my brother has one so nbd.

A stock picture of my poorfag baby - Janome 920. Got her for ~140€ new after one of my first paychecks as an upgrade for my grandmothers old sewing machine from 1960s, has been my trusty companion since (~4 years now).

Lately I've been thinking about upgrating to a horizontal bobbin, lots of bells and whistles machine, but first I've got to budget for a serger.

>>8472939
>>8472469
I beg to differ. If you sew a variety of garments seriously, there are a lots of useful stitches. Off the top of my head I use the triple stretch stitch, multi zigzag, blind hem stitch, applique stitch, blind catch stitch, three types of buttonholes and, up until I got my serger, the overlock stitch. Yes there are a lot of useless decorative stitches on there, too, but it makes you sound like an idiot to say they all are "garbage stitches made for quilters" when a good chunk of them are almost essential for sewing quality items.

These are my children. The Singer is the replacement to the Pfaff, which was a great little machine, but was repaired and still locks up regularly. I use it most of the time for reloading bobbins.

The brother serger is a dream come true for me. It's made so many costumes already, and it's pretty awesome to make durable clothes.

I'm okay with brother, but does anyone prefer Pfaff or singer?

>>8472471
Viking master race reporting in. Love mine as well.

>>8467303

That was my first machine, it served me well for about a year before it started to break. Probably worth the price if youre on a budget.

Janome HD1000

Bought it for the metal innards and decently high-lifting foot. I sew a lot of fur and needed something I could easily clean, and wouldn't tear itself to shreds while pounding through mountains of fur.

It also wasn't expensive, which is really great.

Janome 551. 30 ish years old. I call it The Beast.

>>8472686
Ah that's what I was confused about. Thank you.

>>8472964
>essential
hardly. you can do buttonholes without a dedicated stitch/foot, fyi. same with applique (it's just a zigzag with the stitch length set to the lowest possible). i've never wanted snything other than straight or zigzag in 12 years of sewing. i zigzag my seams for finishing if they're not french seams or flat felled....no need for serging IMO.

as for blind hems....i have a foot for those.

>>8463217

anyone have this machine?

i'd love opinions on it

>>8467303
My first machine. I hated it. It did not work well for long. RIP.

>>8468233
Omigosh, I use the same model!! I have a pretty unhealthy addiction to collecting sewing machines etc. but this one is my favorite. It's mounted in a little fold top desk like, so every time I pull it out a feel like a secret sewing agent.
It's the machine I learned on, too, so it's survived some major abuse! Nothing's ever gone wrong that I couldn't deal with at home, and that's not something I can say for any of my younger machines.

>>8473220
Sounds like your stuff looks like shit. I hope you ain't selling that.

I know this must be asked a lot, but what do all of you anons suggest for a first machine? I'd like it to be durable and flexible, of course. I want to learn to sew in the future and after mastering the basics and making simple garments to eventually try my hand at costuming, along the lines of Italian Renaissance clothing and chemise a la reines and robe à la française. Basically, I would like to learn to do things like doxiequeen for example (though she takes some 'artistic liberties' on her projects as they're not 100% accurate.) and perhaps cosplays with maybe medium weight fabrics, but probably not leather or anything. Maybe denim, but even that's a stretch. There's just so many machines and reviews and I feel overwhelmed when I try researching them.

>>8473223
OP here
I've only had it for about 2 weeks now, but its done great so far. I sew a lot of thick fur and its definitely a huge upgrade over my last sewing machine which was a cheap brother machine.
It very smoothly sews through thick fur, so i'm very happy with it so far, only thing i don't like is that the foot doesn't raise up as far as i'd like it too, make its kinda hard to get thick fur fabric under there.

So I just discovered this site and figured I'd share it here since they have sewing machines and other supplies for cheap, like this Janome for over 50$ less than normal retail price

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/janome-derby-sewing-machine

>>8472964
>If you sew a variety of garments seriously

then you would use different industrial metal sewing machines which all offer 1 or maybe 2 different types of stitches instead of janky plastic home sewing machines that offer 132 different stitches but break at the slightest attempt to hem thick denim jeans.

>>8473223
I have the machine and I absolutely love it. It is a major upgrade from my old machine, which was like an old Elna which I picked up off craigslist in like 07. When it died before Fanime, I bought the 5532 off of Amazon for like, 120ish.

It works amazingly, when you thread it properly. It does choke up almost instantly if you don't so it might take a bit to get used to it from a different machine, but it runs like a dream for me. I've mostly used it for vinyl costumes, as a combination of upholstery and fashion PVC. No complaints what so ever for the price I paid for it. I'm a pretty casual cosplayer, nothing super complex most of the time, but I adore the machine!

Here's a pic I took last night when I was dicking around with a new lens on my camera.

>>8474068
And here's an example of the first costume I put together with it. It goes through multiple layers of vinyl with absolutely no issues. Which was a dream come true considering as soon as I got started on my old machine when sewing vinyl it would lock up and jam.

>>8473220
You can do buttonholes with a zigzag, but they sure look like you did it that way. There's also blind hem stitch, reinforced/stretch stitch, and a few others that are essential for certain garments.

My Janome I got for Christmas 1,5 years ago. It's great and I haven't had any problems with it

I also got my mother's old Husqvarna Mammylock. But this thing won't obey to anyone except my mother (I have tried to thread it so many times, exactly as the picture says but it just won't work... Next time my mum visits I will have her thread it because I really want to use it!)

>>8473980
True.
I sew 90% of my stuff on a Juki Industrial. One stitch. I have a home machine for buttonholes/appliques etc but between an industrial machine and serger I can do 98% of my work.

Old and "artsy sepia" pic, but I have to post my beloved machine. It has been the property of the family for at least 4 generations.
My mum has an old Neumann machine I use for for zigzag, but I sew almost everything with the vintage machine.

>>8467465
Yes! I'm a sample maker by trade at the moment. I also have a home 3/4 thread serger that takes care of most needs (I *wish* it did a cover stitch, but alas I need that 5 thread...) a home machine just for zig-zag/button holes, and next I want a blind hemmer.

>>8472469
I paid around 250.00 I believe? I luckily live in an area with lots of factories so when they move/downsize/shutdown there are good deals to be made if you make it known that you are in the market and you are kind to the factory owners when you deal with them. You can expect to pay around 400.00 usually though for a used model in my area. I got an exceptionally good deal b/c I worked with this company and they bought the wrong model for their needs and wanted to unload it.

>>8472664
I used to sew on the floor. Now I use a table!

>>8473240
>looks like shit
haha, nope. 2 best in shows and multiple best masters awards from big cons with good judging.
>>8474088
you do realize that an automatic buttonholer is a tight zigzag stitch with some straight stitches for spacing, right? doing a side by side comparison, you can't tell the difference between them, as long as you take the time to do them properly.

>>8473980 and >>8474189 are the only anons in this argument that know what's up. 99% of the time i use one machine. the fancy stitch one only comes out if i'm traveling with it or if i need to use my walking foot (which doesn't fit on my other machine).

>>8469744
Seconding this.
I see a lot of people have janome or brother, but I have no idea where to start. I'm looking to get one for under $300 that just werks. I don't care if it's ugly or herky jerky, all I want to do is finish hems.

>>8474334
Figures. My mom has two of these for the same reason. They're pretty damn heavy.

>>8472973
Same, man, my Emerald has done me well over the years. Baby is overdue for a good servicing...

>>8474958
yeah... it's not for the entry level person that's for sure. I do love it though, and would never go back to a home machine.

>>8474189
TRUTH. Between my serger and my single needle lock stitch, I RARELY dust off my home machine for some zig-zag/buttonhole action. All i feel like I am really missing s a cover stitch, and blind hem.

>>8472483
since christmas 2014

>>8474425
>You can't tell the difference between two different techniques, one of which is done automatically and one of which requires some skill, when it's done by someone skilled

No, really? It's a good thing everyone who home sews is good at it, then.

Fucking Savoid SUPERSTAR 5000

A shit machine from a department store brand here in my country.

It's out to repairs, so can't post pic, and I really hope the repairs work out. This shitty thing does not zigzag

I happen to have three of them right now, though two were obtained within the past eight months or so.

I've had the one on the left since around 2006 or so, when I first started cosplaying. My mom had it for years and never used it so luckily I got to keep it. The threader for the bobbin (the metal rod at the top right, I'm not sure if that's the correct term) won't snap into place anymore so I'd been using a thick sock to hold it in place while threading it. I did recently win a sidewinder in a contest but unfortunately I got my newer machine right before. It's still really handy though.

The middle machine was second hand as well, given to me by my boyfriend's family for this past Jewish Christmas and it works like a charm.

The third machine means the most to me honestly, as it's the one my grandmother taught me to sew with when I was thirteen. She passed away back in February so I made sure to take her machine back home with me. I haven't used it yet but it was set up at her place before she died so it definitely still works. She'd had it for many years before she taught me to sew and the needle broke for the first time while I was making my cosplay with her, so I have high hopes for it.

>>8478963
if you do it right, they look exactly the same. if you don't give a shit then they come out shitty. doesn't change the fact that they are doing the exact same thing except one is automatic.

jfc some salty bitches in here.

>>8463550
it'd be nice to have both small and useful machine. I'd like to be able to hide mine in wardrobe and take it out at any time.

This one's my monster. It's been with me for so long I'm surprised it's still running as smoothly as it does.

>>8468940
Oooh, I have the jelly! I want an embroidery machine. How do you like it, do you do many designs?

>>8481678
I love it. I can do anything since I create the designs myself with the Brother program I bought at the same time. So it's perfect for cosplay. Expensive though.

>>8466813
What are 53-65? I've never seen decorative stitches like those before.

>>8481666
I have the the same ugly green type too. Used to have a nice white one but had to sell it when I moved.

I have the hardest time sewing without a leg lift now and I'm absolutely awful at keeping a straight line on a home machine. People who whip out great costumes with those are incredible.

Product shot but it goes alright. Got it mad cheap during Boxing Day sales

Also, a question: Is a $50 walking foot from the Brother website actually better than a $10 eBay one or is it just price gouging?

\(´･ω･`)7
It's quite old!!!
Do you like it?!

>>8481844
They're just regular decorative stitches. They're common on machines that come with more than the smaller set of functional and quilting stitches.

>>8481974
mostly price gouging. i have one of the $10 ebay ones and it works just fine with my machine.

Mine is packed up right now so here's a stock photo.

Viking 100Q, great little machine and very light. I specifically wanted an electronic machine because I learned to sew on my ex's super high-end touchscreen etc Brother sew/embroidery combo and so I'm not used to the feel of a traditional mechanical.

>>8466754
I also have that machine, it still works after roughly 6 years, no problem. I payed $50 for it on sale at target and it is the best sewing machine I have ever owned.

>>8483405
And of course I forgot the pic.

>>8466759
I have one of those too. My family used to own a sewing company so I was able to keep one of those, a serger, an coverstitch machine and a ton of accessories. Those are heavy industrial beasts.

Threading the overlock machine is a nightmare but I love it as a shortcut for a lot of my cosplay.

stock photo of my coverstitch machine that I do not know how to use yet. Sometimes I feel guilty for not utilizing all these tools that I have often enough.

I got these two last year. Before that I had a hand me down Montgomery Ward that only had straight and zigzag stitch.
It sure is nice having the extra stitches on the Juki, although there's also a billion decorative stitches that I'll never use.

>>8466759
My school has a shit ton of these bastards. I find them both intimidating and sexy.

This is mine, my mother bought it in the 80s and it still works pretty fine.

This is my baby, I love it after having another Singer that would eat any fabric and jam if you so much as looked at it. I'm not very knowledgeable when it comes to sewing so it's still basic enough for me to use, though I could probably be better at it.

>>8463550
Haha, my boyfriends sister has one of these, when we found it we were amazed something so tiny could work.
>>8466754
That's pretty cute actually!

>>8485656
Singer curvy twins ayyy.
Had it almost five years and hasn't had any issues yet.

Here's mine from when I cracked it open to clean and oil it the other day. Grandma picked it up for me a decade ago from a yard sale for $20. Behind it is a Singer Stylist II serger. Thinking about picking up a Janome after AFest for free arming.

Also, please clean and oil your machines every once in a while. My friend was having trouble with her machine and cleaning and oiling it did a lot to get it back in working order.

>>8481666
That's an industrial sewing machine so yeah, its supposed to work forever.

>>8472726
yo, this is the same as my machine (my grandma's, but I borrow it from her). It works pretty well imo. I like that the needle rises on its own, kind of a novelty compared to my small experiences with 30+ years old machines.

My basic girl, she serves me well

>>8485692
Ah that's great to hear! Hopefully mine will be the same.

>>8472973
I love my Emerald so much <3 its such a versatile and surprisingly strong and delicate
I've done everything with it and it doesn't complain, chiffon or pleather.

Just curious, are y'all in here mostly cosplayers? Because I so rarely see any decent handmade lolita dresses and there are sure lots of machines in here...

Alfa is the most popular brand in Spain.

I love it. It can pierce the hardest of the clothes. Also it's super cute.

bump for more machine pron!

Hey gulls, I'm interested in making dresses and whatnot and I understand that it would certainly be better to use a machine than hand sew.

What's an inexpensive yet beginner friendly model? Considering getting a Brother LS14 Manual Stitch Sewing Machine but it's still pretty pricey, I'd prefer something under a hundred if possible.

This is mine, though it's not my picture.

Gritzner is probably a local brand, but if this machine seems familiar, it's build with old Pfaff-technology in a former Pfaff factory (before they went down the digital way, it's all solid engineering in this baby). I can even sew fabric onto really thick cardboard with it and will probably get decades out of it.

Baby's first sewing machine... A piece of shit that I got at Walmart. The thread gets tangled in the bobbin almost every 30 seconds. It's too frustrating to use. I'm on the hunt for a better one.

I don't even know what model this is.
I bought it at my local sewing machine repair shops recommendation for what i wanted to do (Stitch leather) and it's never put a foot wrong.

Can't find any documentation for it though, so if anyone recognizes it a model number would be greatly appreciated.