Does this machine have settings for various stretch fabrics, or do I have to stretch the fabric as I sew? I would like to use it for 2-way stretch.
1109499
There is no setting for fabric variety. There is a dial for differential feed ratio adjustment and stitch length adjustment.
791639
I use both presser feet, for different purposes. The quarter inch foot does exactly that, it stops the fabric from moving past the quarter inch mark on the right edge of the fabric, so you get perfect quarter inch seams. It's really handy when doing a narrow rolled hem or french seams or anything that requires a precise quarter inch sewing line. A good 1/4" foot should also have a hole in it so that you can position the needle to the left of center to get perfect 3/8" seams as well (why it's great for french seams and rolled hems.) I sew apparel, and don't quilt, but if I were a quilter, this foot obviously would be mandatory. The joining foot's guide is in the middle of the foot (as opposed to the right edge on the 1/4' foot) which allows you to stitch in the ditch, or stitch 1/16 or 1/8 inch away from the edge of the fabric or edge of a seam line, it works great for top stitching, such as around the edge of a collar or next to any seam line. It also allows you to sew bias binding to the edge of fabric in one step rather than two. The joining foot allows you to use a zig zag stitch to join fabrics at their edges, or sew lace trim onto fabric. The 1/4" foot only allows you to use a straight stitch. Goggle "joining presser foot tutorials", I found a site that had 16 different uses for the joining foot, it has a multitude of uses. I find both presser feet invaluable for apparel sewing, they allow me to sew much faster and accurately at the same time, especially when the stitching is going to show on the outside of a garment. I made a princess seamed coat recently that required all the seams and edges to be topstitched, which was a LOT of topstitching, that joining foot saved me a lot of time and all the topstitching came out perfectly. Neither feet came with my machine, so I had to buy them separately, and I'm glad I did, they both make the difference between sewing quickly with professional looking results and having to sew much slower to maintain accurate sewing lines.
1537695
That will be dependent on your needle, as far as the machine itself, the best investment we have made with amazon, we sew clothing, canvas bags, sheets and drapes, and just about anything friends of ours can tear, will handle everything from silks to denim no problem, if you want to stich leather get the right needle, watch your speed and go
365731
I also sew - the board bends a bit. I'd be reluctant to apply too much pressure. I use my regular board that is set up in my sewing room.
2272035
I use it all the time while machine embroidering (to attach the stabilizer to the fabric when i dont hoop it) and what works for me is warm water if the fabric can take it. even hot water will do it faster
855474
I'm so sorry I can't help with this question. I bought this machine to try and teach myself how to sew. so I really don't know anything about sewing or different machines at all. I know I'm in the minority so you should get some answers from qualified people. Good luck.
1958051
I did not keep that sewing machine so I do not know if you can change the presser feet out. I wanted a more heavy duty machine and even though they described it as being something that would do seveal different things once I received it I realized that it was more like a childs beginner sewing machine. It did not have a regular sewing machine foot. It was a small plastic one and it is very small machine so if you are wanting to sew more than the basic materials I don't think it will do it. Sorry but maybe this will give you a little more information about it.
1647434
No but it does beautiful embrodery. I want to trade this sewing machine to update to a 2015 dual As I do a lot of quilting and embrodery etc. I would like a more advance and versitile machine
1299478
I have hemmed light-weight denim with it. I wouldn't be afraid to hem regular jeans with it, but I would use a denim needle and a longer stitch, go very slowly, and put something under the back of the presser foot when you come to the seams so that it sits flat and stresses the needle less. They sell a little tool for that, but I've seen tutorials where they just roll up fabric.
1081957
My Singer works pretty well. I have been embroidering a baby blanket and using the embroidery stitches. Sometimes the thread breaks, but it's normal when you are embroidering. Suggestion: sewing slowly works best. I am happy with my Singer.
775383
On the felt that I used yes! I tried it on some netting and it does well. To cut fabric, the only thing I can see that would hinder it is if you do not have the fabric down in a manner not to allow the blade to move well. I have made a quilt using the Disappearing Nine Patch. I know after I sew the nine patch back together for second or third or fourth cuts, The problem is the build up the layers of fabric and thread at the seams. That is why, I say with confidence, as long as you have your fabric down correctly on a good cutting board there should be no problem. I have had no problems. On the felt that I used yes! I tried it on some netting and it does well. To cut fabric, the only thing I can see that would hinder it is if you do not have the fabric down in a manner not to allow the blade to move well. I have made a quilt using the Disappearing Nine Patch. I know after I sew the nine patch back together for second or third or fourth cuts, The problem is the build up the layers of fabric and thread at the seams. That is why, I say with confidence, as long as you have your fabric down correctly on a good cutting board there should be no problem. I have had no problems.
1545154
No, but it has a long neck, wonderful for quilting, etc... It is a great machine. I sew every night after work. I sew all kinds of things, crafts, baby blankets, quilts. It has worked well with everything I have done. I will tell you this, if my house was on fire and I had to grab something, it would be this machine. I am totally in love with it. Also, very easy to use.
1941738
You can only use the Fabric that comes with the machine & refills available. The fabric is a thick felt type fabric. I haven't tried finding it in a fabric store yet, but I believe those stores may carry it.
2169071
I just recently ventured into this feature myself....(there's so much to do with this machine....I LOVE IT!!!!).....I've only cut common cotton and cotton-blended fabric so far....but I can tell you that it cut those perfectly for me. I used a tip I found online that suggested you iron it to something like freezer paper or "Heat N Bond lite" which is what I use. Place it onto the mat with the paper facing up....the fabric will be directly on the sticky mat......KEEP IN MIND to FLIP YOUR IMAGE BEFORE CUTTING....OR IT WILL come out BACKWARDS. Make sure to do this with letters. I wish I had some to try so I could tell you but I can tell you this....I LOVE this machine!!!!.....there's so much you can do with it and I am so happy I bought one.
178729
While you can do that, the manual gives specific instructions on how to remove the thread, and it is more like a sewing machine in that sense. However, unlike a sewing machine where the tension is released automatically by raising the presser foot, on this machine, raising the presser foot does not automatically release the tension. In order to do this, you have to push the tension release buttons on each applicable thread and pull at the same time. It takes some practice, but it can be done. Before I figured it out, I did just what you described. This works, but for hemming you may have some problems. If you don't release the tension, you will have to sew a stitch diagonally and then rip it out in order to preserve the clean hem line. This will weaken the stitch because you won't have enough thread to tie it off. You may end up having to redo it. Also, if you lift the presser foot and try to move the fabric, without releasing the tension, you may rip the thread, which again will weaken it. So, the answer is yes and no. You can do it that way, but you may run into some issues if you're hemming. Better to follow the directions. You'll get the hang of it.
158588
I have not had a problem using my machine for that type of fabric. I did small projects though. I would say so long as you are using the right thread, needle and tension you should be ok.
1332192
I have used this machine to hem denim jeans, sew through several layers of corduroy, and quilt with no problem. I do use different feet for different projects, which helps feed the fabric through more easily, and I do lift the foot when going over a very thick seam to help it feed through manually. I love this sewing machine! I have had no issues with plastic vs. metal gears so far.