I have a Singer XL1, which was made by Juki in the early 90s. I had to have the motherboard replaced in the late 90s - I lived at the time in Western Australia, which (at least then) ran the power grid at 240-250, unlike the rest of Australia which maxed at 240 (the grids aren't connected). I haven't had any issues since.
My favourite features of the machine? I'd never used a needle threader before, and that alone saved so much time. I was much more productive.
Another feature was the wide foot - the standard needle position is on the left, and the distance between the needle and the right hand side of the standard foot is 1.5cm, which is the standard seam allowance for the large commercial pattern companies. Not only does it securely hold the fabric, but it is so easy to maintain the correct seam allowance.
Finally, the pressure foot lever is at the front of the machine - easier to access - and if you press it down at the end of a seam it pushes both threads to the wrong side and cuts them off, leaving a tiny tail.
Every so often I consider buying a new machine, but I would lose at least one feature that I've grown to love, so I'm still happily sewing on my XL1.
I just found your stack. I am so impressed. I notice Husqvarna Viking is totally missing from your lists. Reason? I love HUSQVARNA machines. The advanced features are wonderful, but the basics are so well done. One of the best, no need to have a starting piece of fabric before stitching on the edge of the smallest piece of any fabric.
My biggest issue with them is the support. Stores are closing, are in terrible JoAnn locations, poorly staffed and workers that mostly only know how to sell product. Independents follow the same pattern with workers. So very SAD. I look forward to learning my machine fully with the posted videos, but having a human who knows the product, cares about the customer and offers training is still tops.
I once had a Viking dealer independent in Tacoma WA who was from South Africa and he and his wife were both involved, experts, kind, and supported us. I miss them!
In addition to a Singer 31-15, I also own a Bernina 950. How I would love to have a mechanical needle threader retrofitted to them. If only it were possible..
You convinced me! After studying the three Continental machines, I purchased a Janome Continental M6 yesterday! I've been using a humble Singer Heavy Duty 4423 (non computerized) machine for six years and have loved it, but decided to splurge on the throat space and convenience of a computerized machine. I wouldn't have done it if you hadn't convinced me of the quality of the machine. I would have liked the M8, but as a hobby sewist, I couldn't justify it! Thank you for your articles.
Thank you for your articles! I've read all of those from the archives pertaining to Janome. and they are very informative. Your articles have helped me decided that I want to go with Janome for my next purchase!
Why do I love my Singer 301 (from my mother) and my 201, even more than I love the used Viking Epic I was able to buy this year, or my Bernina (that does the best buttonholes).
Because 99% of the time, I just need a perfect straight stitch.
Love the Bernina 820. The first one to came out with a very wide sewing area. I bought it when Bernina first advertised it. The large bobbin is a blessing. It’s a machine not for the novice, very temperamental and a learning curve for the seamstress. And it doesn’t like cheap thread. The automatic needle threatening is not that great. Unless you only sew with a needle above 12/80. You have to have a throat plate with a hole, for very thin silks to sew. love the knee lifter on any machine that’s a must for me.
I have a Singer XL1, which was made by Juki in the early 90s. I had to have the motherboard replaced in the late 90s - I lived at the time in Western Australia, which (at least then) ran the power grid at 240-250, unlike the rest of Australia which maxed at 240 (the grids aren't connected). I haven't had any issues since.
My favourite features of the machine? I'd never used a needle threader before, and that alone saved so much time. I was much more productive.
Another feature was the wide foot - the standard needle position is on the left, and the distance between the needle and the right hand side of the standard foot is 1.5cm, which is the standard seam allowance for the large commercial pattern companies. Not only does it securely hold the fabric, but it is so easy to maintain the correct seam allowance.
Finally, the pressure foot lever is at the front of the machine - easier to access - and if you press it down at the end of a seam it pushes both threads to the wrong side and cuts them off, leaving a tiny tail.
Every so often I consider buying a new machine, but I would lose at least one feature that I've grown to love, so I'm still happily sewing on my XL1.
I just found your stack. I am so impressed. I notice Husqvarna Viking is totally missing from your lists. Reason? I love HUSQVARNA machines. The advanced features are wonderful, but the basics are so well done. One of the best, no need to have a starting piece of fabric before stitching on the edge of the smallest piece of any fabric.
My biggest issue with them is the support. Stores are closing, are in terrible JoAnn locations, poorly staffed and workers that mostly only know how to sell product. Independents follow the same pattern with workers. So very SAD. I look forward to learning my machine fully with the posted videos, but having a human who knows the product, cares about the customer and offers training is still tops.
I once had a Viking dealer independent in Tacoma WA who was from South Africa and he and his wife were both involved, experts, kind, and supported us. I miss them!
I love the videos. The pull out light on the Janome is genius. I also like the succinct model and price range information you provide.
In addition to a Singer 31-15, I also own a Bernina 950. How I would love to have a mechanical needle threader retrofitted to them. If only it were possible..
oooh bluetooth foot controller , c'mon, its 2024 wires are sooooooo last century :(
You convinced me! After studying the three Continental machines, I purchased a Janome Continental M6 yesterday! I've been using a humble Singer Heavy Duty 4423 (non computerized) machine for six years and have loved it, but decided to splurge on the throat space and convenience of a computerized machine. I wouldn't have done it if you hadn't convinced me of the quality of the machine. I would have liked the M8, but as a hobby sewist, I couldn't justify it! Thank you for your articles.
Thank you for your articles! I've read all of those from the archives pertaining to Janome. and they are very informative. Your articles have helped me decided that I want to go with Janome for my next purchase!
Why do I love my Singer 301 (from my mother) and my 201, even more than I love the used Viking Epic I was able to buy this year, or my Bernina (that does the best buttonholes).
Because 99% of the time, I just need a perfect straight stitch.
Love the Bernina 820. The first one to came out with a very wide sewing area. I bought it when Bernina first advertised it. The large bobbin is a blessing. It’s a machine not for the novice, very temperamental and a learning curve for the seamstress. And it doesn’t like cheap thread. The automatic needle threatening is not that great. Unless you only sew with a needle above 12/80. You have to have a throat plate with a hole, for very thin silks to sew. love the knee lifter on any machine that’s a must for me.
Got me interested and I went and watched videos on my Brother Dream Machine 2 and found the upgrades on there. Thanks for the heads up.