Why would someone want a manual sewing machine?

[Leatherchon112]

Why would someone want a manual sewing machine, outside of using at venues that have no electricity, or maybe your a member of the Amish community. Besides those two reasons why would someone want one?

referring to the tippman, cowboy outlaw and the Weaver Manual sewing machine. 

[Spyros]

Cost?

[billybopp]

There can be a number of reasons, as mentioned lack of electricity for somebody doing mobile repairs, etc.  Cost is a big reason too.  I'd add to the list space - manual machines are generally smaller and lighter.  I'd add noise they are relatively quiet with less noticeable vibration.  I'd add control / speed - they just aren't going to run away from you as a motorized machine might.  I'm sure there are other reasons as well.

- Bill

[Matt S]

I wonder if intimidation and perceived uncontrolability is a factor. I know two people who have been scared off sewing machines by uncontrollable ones at school. I put my hand-crank Singer 99 in front of them and challenged them to make it run away with them. After that the conversion to either a modern domestic or an industrial with a digital servo was a breeze.

Also, manual sewing machines are a significant step up from hand sewing, especially if the person is not exactly the best/fastest hand sewer in the world. If they can sew a half an inch per minute by hand a belt is going to take 2-3 hours. Even a one armed bandit is going to half that or better. For a lot of hobbyists and even some small businesses that's plenty fast enough -- the fact a properly motorised industrial could do it in a minute isn't here nor there. A manual machine is also easier on the hands for those with mobility and grip issues.

There's also the size/space/square footage issue. Here in the UK 99% of motorised industrial machines come on full size industrial tables 18x36". That's a significant chunk of real estate for most of us, who are often operating from living rooms, spare (small) bedrooms, pokey garden sheds, undersized garages etc. A manual machine is smaller and can be put away when not in use.

[fredk]

8 minutes ago, Matt S said:

I wonder if intimidation and perceived uncontrolability is a factor. . . .
. . .

yes

 

8 minutes ago, Matt S said:

. . .
. . . For a lot of hobbyists and even some small businesses that's plenty fast enough -- the fact a properly motorised industrial could do it in a minute isn't here nor there. A manual machine is also easier on the hands for those with mobility and grip issues.
. . .

yes

[eeroyale]

As a 100% hand-stitcher, I don't know why anyone would want a machine of any kind. 

[CloverJack]

@fredk, Assuming you're speaking from experience, what would be your elevator pitch, so to speak, for someone intending to buy a manual? I haven't come across too many testimonials as to their overall effectiveness or consumer satisfaction.

Respectfully,

- Jack

[fredk]

I'll think about that and maybe give an answer in a couple days time.

I'm off very shortly and won't be back until late Saturday evening

[CloverJack]

Sounds good, all I got is time. Appreciate the reply and enjoy your long weekend!

[whitakermk]

For me, it's ease of use, ultimate control, affordability, and vintage.

I have a couple of old Singer sewing machines - one is a Singer 66 which is perfect for everything from guitar straps, wallets, purses, and a ton of other stuff. The Hand crank works wonders at slow turns etc. I also use them for stitching around belt slots is some of my holsters. My Holsters and Sheaths are hand-stitched by the way in case you are wondering. The 66 has a hand crank and I can swap out a small motor if needed - like when I have an order for ten guitar straps or something. Plus the other Singer is a treadle machine and it punches through some really thick stuff!

I bought one of those Chinese shoe patchers (also hand-cranked) to play with and it's fun, it works - but I limit it to repairing old saddle and tack items where I'm just looking for a thicker thread and more punching power. In these cases, the tack is pretty old or weathered and the customer does not care about "teeth" marks etc. They just want their headstall lining stitched back or something.

Following the tornadoes that hit Chattanooga on Easter this year I was without power for about a week. We had damage to the shop with some water coming in. I still managed to get out a whole bunch of orders by using my hand-cranked machines. What slowed my wife and I down was clearing the yard, repairing some fences, the shop roof, and helping neighbors etc.

Lastly, my shop is limited on outlets at the time and during the summer months I'd rather have AC - if I get too many things going I pop breakers. That's the project for this fall - updating electricity to my outbuilding!!