Yet Another "which Machine For Me?" Thread

[Wizcrafts]

My brother has been a tailor for many years, and when he first saw my Cowboy 3500 (441 clone) he was wowed by the size of everything....thread, needles, the machine itself, etc. But after running a few stitch lines himself, he commented how mechanically similar it was to the machines he uses...just bigger.

So my point would be, if you did take a sewing 101 course, I believe it would greatly lessen the intimidation factor many experience when they first try using a 441 clone. Just my take on it.

My take on this is as follows:

A tailor's machine is almost always a class 15 machine. My Dad had a Singer 31-15. The local tailor shop in Flint uses a Singer 31-15. I started with a 96K40, but now have a 31-15 for alterations, plus an actual class 15: a Singer 15-91. Most tailoring machines use the class 15 horizontal axis oscillating shuttle, bobbin and bobbin case system, as opposed to the class 66 home machine - drop-in caseless bobbin system. A 441 and Adler 205 is based loosely on the class 15 setup, just bigger all around.

So, if a new sewer can learn on a mechanical Singer or equivalent class 15 machine, they will be closer to understanding how a 441 threads and operates than if they learn on a pushbutton, or touch pad class 66 machine (with circles and arrows and a paragraph on the the back of the cover ;-).

All of the above is just my opinion. Some of you guys and gals may know tailors who use a drop-in bobbin machine with a vertical axis bobbin system.

Back in the day, when I worked for an industrial sewing machine dealer, I was sent out to deliver some machines, which in one case involved demonstrating how to operate, adjust and maintain the machine to a first time sewer. I imagine that it would be possible to pay extra when buying a machine to have it delivered and demonstrated on your premises. Or, if a buyer could travel to the dealer's location, they could receive instructions before taking the machine home.

There are YouTube videos demonstrating various leather sewing machines, including most 441 clones. That's a lot cheaper than paying extra for personal delivery or pickup.

Check around your general area for other leather crafters who may own a 441 type machine. They may be willing to show you the ropes.