Vintage Versus Modern Sewing Machines

In this video we take a look at the advantages of a modern sewing machine over a vintage sewing machine and discover if there are any.

Vintage sewing machines have become very collectible, but do they hold any advantages over a modern machine?

I hope you enjoy this video and find it useful. if you do please give it a like and don't forget to subscribe, if you haven't already. - so you don't miss the rest of this series.
Find out more -

#curio #crafttutorial #sewing

[janeybeasley]

I have had and worn out quite a few ‘modern’ sewing machines and my present one is a high end Janome, it’s good at dressmaking but is fussy about thread but when it comes to thicker layers it isn’t interested. I have just bought a Singer 201 for a 1/10 of the price and it manages layers much better, I’m delighted with it.

[brod]

I think you’ll find hand cranking isn’t free to run. Mine’s fuelled with biscuits

[sewforlife]

Ive been a tailor for over 30yrs and only ever had one brand new machine I got in 1978 which ended up being useless plastic crap. I have 11 machines right now and the newest one being 1992, all the rest are between 1958 and 1967 with the exception of my singer serger from 1983. They are all heavy metal body machines, all with zig zag and built in decorative stitches or cams, and most with built-in buttonhole. Most of them could sew a bumper on a buick...lol They sew through anything without hesitation. I would never own one of these new 2023 pieces of plastic that sound like they will crap out at any moment. I have done all maintenance on my machines and even repaired them myself. I love my vintage machines. 👍

[Idaho-Idaho]

My very first machine was a Brother XL-2600i. It was loud, not very user friendly, poor stitch quality, but I didn't know any better. Just by accident, I encountered a guy that was liquidating his inventory of vintage machines. Got an Ella 62C. WOW - all the difference in the world. I now have several machines - the newest was manufactured in 1976. Vintage is the way to go. You are correct - 99.9 percent of the time it's either straight or zig-zag. I can produce a stitch that looks like a row of little ducks with my Elsa. That is the only decorative stitch I have ever used.

[janevacani]

A great comparison between both, its vintage for the win for me!

[ElisandeWalters]

mostly feeling intimidated by the maintenance aspect is what has kept me from getting myself a treadle maschine, but your videos help me tackling this

[tinamcnalley]

Through 50 years of making my clothing, I use a zigzag stitch to finish seams on almost all garments. I have a serger, but only use it for knits. I have owned a Kenmore/janome for 30+ years, made around 1990. It looks like a "plastic fantastic", but has all metal gearing. These usually sell for $35 - $40 on craigslist - up to $150 on ebay ($275 during Covid-price they sold for brand new). They do stretch stitches and a variety of overcast stitches and have one basic built-in buttonhole. I would recommend a brand new $200ish plastic machine for anyone trying to teach themselves to sew - unless someone can give you a good, working used machine and teach you to care for it. But if you want to make Jean's or winter coats or reupholster your furniture occasionally, start your hunt for a good vintage straight stitcher ASAP, if for no other reason than to lessen the load on your machine with bells and whistles.

Also remember: no amount of special features on any sewing machine will ever take the place of good sewing skills. Absolutely never.

[antheadelahay]

Thank you for a brilliant and informative comparison video.
I have 12 vintage singer sewing machines and 1 new machine ( 7 years old)
My singers are a pure joy. So for me, it’s vintage every time🥰

[plappin]

As someone who sews exclusively on vintage sewing machines, but who has dabbled from time to time with new ones, I agree with all the points you've included in this video. I just don't get the appeal of a computerized machine -- to me it seems like an exercise in almost constant frustration, not to mention the cost of near-yearly professional servicing. Great video!

[bmcdonald]

Vintage all the way. The smoothness and reliability, along with the beautiful straight stitch just can’t be beat.

[blunderellabingham]

Great little video! Upholds all the positive values of the vintage machines, which were built to last, more than one life time !!👍👍

[ronalddevine]

I couldn't agree with you more. I own a Singer 201-2, 500a, 503a, as well as a Kenmore 158-1430, 158-1802, and 158-1941. They are all superb. The three Kenmores were sold by Sears Roebuck and Co., a now defunct chain department store. They were made by Maruzen Jaguar and are similar to Frister Rossman machines available in Britain. Pity that Singer couldn't find better ways to compete. From Connecticut, New England, thank you. I enjoy your videos.

[mehressagreen]

What a thorough comparison that respects the viewer's intelligence. Thank you so much

[natty]

Yay! Your back! Great vid, I am in total agreement with you, it’s vintage all the way. As someone who sews nearly daily, I’ve never used the “fancy stitches” on my (new ish janome) machine, but absolutely love using my 221k or hand crank for decent straight line sewing.

[meganmills]

While the heaviness of a vintage machine is a disadvantage if you want it to be portable it has its advantages too if you don't need portability. Heavier machines (especially if mounted in a treadle table with the heavy irons!) are steadier and don't go walking or skittering about when you're sewing something heavy (e.g. curtains or a winter coat). I see that at least one brand (Pfaff) has got a model now that deliberately has a heavier base. I totally agree about the straight-stitch being the most used too. I've got a fancy computerised machine but find it easier for most of the sewing I do to just grab the hand-crank (no fussing with setting up the foot pedal and finding somewhere close enough to plug the machine in - just sit and sew!). :-)

[kogabear]

I personally prefer older machines, my oldest is a 1917 “66.” I do have a modern non-computer machine only because I bought it from someone who decided sewing wasn’t something they wanted to do. I appreciate anyone who sews no matter what they use. My everyday sewer is a 1956, 401.

[alicearmen]

My solution is to have a Singer 99 for most of my sewing along with an Elna Supermatic for stretch and fancy stitches. Plus I have a beautiful Japanese 15 clone for heavy weight.
These machines are so beautiful and reliable. Plus there is a magic to them that’s hard to quantify. Are 3 machines too many?

[avtarsinghhoonjan]

Well explained 👏. I am sewing machine engineer love the old vintage machines.

[GaryT]

Great to hear your voice again!...great content as usual 👍

[jennievpollard]

I am happy that you posted a new video. I enjoyed the comparison of vintage versus modern sewing machines.