Which Sewing Machine Is Best For Making Purses

[Mariel]

I have also came across an Adler 221 in my local area.

Im thinking with the Consew 255b (made in Japan) being a flat bed...it will work with what Im sewing as its just about 3 lines I would need to sew but the Adler 221 has a cylinder arm. What would you suggest?

Mariel

[Oakley]

I think an Adler 221 is no cylinder arm machine, it's a longarm heavy duty flatbed. These machines don't make sense if you want to sew purses. Probably you mean another machine? I think the advice to buy a cylinder arm machine makes sense. I got flat bed, cylinder arm and post bed machines and would prefer post bed or cylinder arm for making purses. If your budget allows it I would look for a walking foot machine. Unfortunately these machines are quite expensive. Another option is to give it a try with a flatbed if you're sure that you sew only flat clutches, but you'll sew that you're quite limited if you want to do other things (bags/ purses).

[flying m leather works]

I use a flat bed walking foot drop needle Techsew 0302 that works for 90% of what I do. But I wish I would have spent the extra money and got a needle feed walking foot flat bed to start out. The techsew was a good place to start out for me because it provided me with ths learning curve required to sew leather, but now I am ready to move up. It seems to me that a flatbed was a good choice to start out with but I also have a cyl. Arm machine for those places that you can't reach with a flat bed...IMHO

Edited April 3, 2015 by flying m leather works

[Mariel]

Awesome. I don't see myself sewing large purses. My company I have started will be specializing in clutches and small accessories.

Is the Consew 255b not a walking foot? I spoke with the owner and he told me that it is a walking foot with a compound feed and can see up to 3/8" thick. I tried to do my own research about it but I can't seem to find anything on it. Relying on what he says and you guys

I'm suppose to drive an hour away to check that machine out and hopefully take it home. Does anyone have info about a consew 255b? It will cost me $800 to purchase.

[Docado]

If you go to try out machine, take whatever item that you will be making with you to sew. Sew it through from start to finish.

You will then be able to tell if it works correctly or if it will do what you need for it to do.

I would make an appointment and explain what you intend to do.

If seller doesn't have time for you to do this, I would look somewhere else.

There is nothing worse than spending alot of money on something that doesn't do what you need for it to do, or needs major repairs.

That way you will gain a better understanding of what you will need instead of just burning gas and wasting your time.

Good Luck!

[Mariel]

Thank you! I will be heading there in a couple of hours with the intent to try it out with the leather that we will be using. Also a notebook with questions to ask so worth. The seller has been pretty knowledgable in this machine and is willing for me to try and test it out before we purchase.

Thanks for your input! I appreciate it!

[Tejas]

The Consew 225 seems to be a Singer 111W clone, and similar to the the 111W it's a compound walking foot machine and lacks reverse. Here's a link to the manual. I couldn't find anything about the b model. If it is more or less a clone, there is lots of documentation about 111W that should mostly be applicable.

http://www.consew.com/Files/112347/InstructionManuals/225.pdf

Depending upon the condition, $800 might be a bit pricy. I had a 111W155 and liked the machine but it lacked features -- no reverse, small bobbin, a hassle to change stitch length, ....

Edited April 3, 2015 by Tejas

[Mariel]

Tejas,

The sewing machine is actually a 255b not a 225. Not sure if that makes a difference. I called a sewing shop to inquire about the 255b and they said that it will do what I need it to do based on the design description I gave him on my clutches and the flat bed will be fine. He just told me to make sure to sew it to test to make sure it works and it will sew through the leather I'm going to use, which I have brought some sample leather with me. And the the price seem to be right aligned with what they are going for in our area. He had a few that he just picked up that he would sell between $800-$1200 based on how much work he puts into it. And the one I'm going to see is in great condition and just got serviced. Fingers cross that it will be the machine that I need for what I red it to do with my design

Mariel

[Mariel]

I'm a new owner of a consew 255b. Brought the leather that will use for my products and it sewed it with no problem. The machine sees nice and smooth. And the owner was nice enough to give me a lesson on how to use it!

Thanks everyone for all your advice!!!