Expert: Mark H. Miller - 3/27/2011

Question
Hi Mark,
I am considering a sewing machine purchase.

I live in Yellowknife NWT and no one is doing anything (except several women doing small jobs at home)

I will be doing residential and contract upholstery, and boat tops and tents.

I am also interested in double and triple stitching etc.

any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you

Answer
Hello Lorne,

You need an industrial sewing machine.  The best brands now are Yuki, Pfaff,  Chandler and Singer.

An industrial machine that is best for upholstering does straight stitching only,  no zig-zag is necessary.  You should have a zipper foot rather than a regular foot and with that you can do all your sewing including cording and of-course zippers.  The best machines have a walking foot.
I recommend a machine that has a built in clutch so that if the thread jambs the machine will stop running and not require re-tuning,  a good sales person will know exactly what I am talking about.

An industrial machine will cost around $ 1,800 new and around $800 for a good used one.  Industrial sewing machines are an upholsterers most important investment.  If properly maintained they will last indefinitely, it is not unusual for upholsterers to have machines that are 20 + years old.  I bought a Chandler top of the line industrial sewing machine for $ 1,700 in 1982, my seamstress used that machine for 20 years, 8 hrs. per day 5 days a week, it never broke no repair person ever came to work on it.  I sold the machine about 3 years ago for $ 900 and the upholsterer who bought is was lucky to have it and the machine can easily last another 20 years.  

I hope this helps.  When it comes to industrial sewing machines buy the best !.

Good luck

Mark Miller.