needlesnpins

Thanks for your input, everyone. It looks like that Consew model comes up pretty frequently on craigslist, so I'll keep my eyes open for a gently used machine at a decent price.

3/8" is probably as thick as I'd need. Reverse would definitely be a bonus!

Hi, everyone. I’m a seamstress looking for a compound feed machine. I’ve read a lot about them on this forum (very informative!) but I’m still overwhelmed, and thought I’d ask for some advice. This would be my first walking foot machine. I currently own a 20 year old Viking Designer II, and a singer 201-2, both of which I use almost daily. I do a lot of work with upholstery fabrics and needlepoint canvas, and occasionally leather and vinyl. Thicker/heavier fabrics, but often delicate at the same time. Most of the time my two machines handle my work just fine, but occasionally I’ll get a project (like a bag with shoulder strap or a cushion with heavy cording) that requires me to sew through several layers of heavy fabric, or over big bumps in the fabric, and I end up with a lot of messy/skipped stitches. I'd like a machine that will handle these situations and give me more professional results. I’m not sure what my best option would be - I have limited space, which I guess could be remedied with a short table? Price is another consideration - partly because it’s a machine I’d only be using occasionally, and partly because working as a seamstress is a lousy way to get rich. I’m looking for a used machine, hopefully under $1000. I only know of one dealer locally (in Philadelphia), and they didn’t respond when I tried to contact them. Any suggestions of what to look for and where would be greatly appreciated!