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I hate my sewing machine!  

post #1 of 14
6/9/08 at 6:16pm
Thread Starter 
Its one of those cheaper Kenmore kind. The foot is nuts! There really is no middle speed: I have to press the foot all the way down and then ease up. It really drives me batty and it often ruins the stitching or fabric
My foot is designed in such a way that I can't put anything like a sponge down to help control the speed. Its just a cheap foot and I think im going to get a new one. Any ideas on where to look and what to get?
post #2 of 14
6/9/08 at 6:23pm
A new foot or a new machine?

I have no idea where to find a foot. Has the machine always done that?

ANyway, my heart goes out to you in your frustration.
post #3 of 14
6/9/08 at 6:36pm
Thread Starter 
I'd love a new machine but i can't afford a new one right now. So im looking for a new foot.
Its always done that. At first I thought it was just me. I tried several other machines at friends and my il's and noticed a huge difference! When I had my machine serviced a few months ago, they didn't mention the foot and its antics
post #4 of 14
6/9/08 at 8:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by beansricerevolt View Post
I'd love a new machine but i can't afford a new one right now. So im looking for a new foot.
Its always done that. At first I thought it was just me. I tried several other machines at friends and my il's and noticed a huge difference! When I had my machine serviced a few months ago, they didn't mention the foot and its antics
Can you call whoever serviced the machine and ask them what type of foot to get and where? I Googled "Kenmore sewing machine foot" and got quite a few results. Hugs on the stinky sewing issue. I hate stuff like that.
post #5 of 14
6/9/08 at 10:50pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by love2bmom View Post
Can you call whoever serviced the machine and ask them what type of foot to get and where? I Googled "Kenmore sewing machine foot" and got quite a few results. Hugs on the stinky sewing issue. I hate stuff like that.
Is a foot universal or would I have to buy a Kenmore?
post #6 of 14
6/9/08 at 11:04pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by beansricerevolt View Post
Is a foot universal or would I have to buy a Kenmore?
I'm not really sure about Kenmore machines. I know that for my machines I'm supposed to use only parts made specifically for my machines. I've never tried to use a generic or alternative brand. The risk would be that it won't fit properly onto your machine.
post #7 of 14
6/10/08 at 9:35am
Quote:
Originally Posted by beansricerevolt View Post
I'd love a new machine but i can't afford a new one right now. So im looking for a new foot.
Its always done that. At first I thought it was just me. I tried several other machines at friends and my il's and noticed a huge difference! When I had my machine serviced a few months ago, they didn't mention the foot and its antics
Actually I bet you could afford a new to you machine. Try craigslist, freecycle, garage sales and thrift stores. Look for pre 1980's machines and machines with primarily metal guts. Look for brands like kenmore (lol...but generally great workhorses), viking (6000 series, but be sure to check it out as it can tend to freeze since the specs are very tight), bernina (probably the most expensive option, but great nonetheless) singer (301,401, 500, 503 to name a few), white and you can find japanese clones from this era like brother, alden, deluxe, domestic that will also be great machines. I think you'll be so much happier and sewing will be a pleasure and not a struggle. None of my thrift store finds cost me more than $25 and basically required some cleaning and oiling and worked beautifully after that.
post #8 of 14
6/10/08 at 11:17am
I received an old Kenmore as a wedding gift years ago. It had the same problem and it always jammed too . The result was I stopped sewing for five years until my mom was nice enough to buy me a used Pfaft for Chrismas three years ago.

You could try anouther foot, but I would save for a new machine. The frustration just isn't wroth it! Try your local sewing shop for a new foot, or online. Just make sure that the connections are the same. You might also get a deal on a really good used machine. Good luck!
post #9 of 14
6/11/08 at 7:14pm
This is really interesting to me, I also have a cheaper Kenmore, and have never had a problem with it. : I wonder what's up with that.
post #10 of 14
6/13/08 at 12:17am
Thread Starter 
Well, I've decided to just save up for a better machine instead of a foot
I really want to get a better one anyway. Its going to take FOREVER tho! A well.
post #11 of 14
6/13/08 at 11:02am
You might enjoy hitting some of the local sewing machine shops and checking out their trade ins. I hear a lot of mamas really love their older, all metal, machines. They're usually a pretty good deal
post #12 of 14
6/14/08 at 11:04am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by love2bmom View Post
You might enjoy hitting some of the local sewing machine shops and checking out their trade ins. I hear a lot of mamas really love their older, all metal, machines. They're usually a pretty good deal
Thats a great idea! I'd LOVE an old metal machine
post #13 of 14
6/14/08 at 11:20am
Let us know what you find...
post #14 of 14
6/14/08 at 12:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by beansricerevolt View Post
Thats a great idea! I'd LOVE an old metal machine
I've seen quite a few of those old metal machines for sale at thrift stores. They are usually pretty reasonably priced (in the $25-$30 range). I'd love to have one myself but I just don't have room for another machine at the moment.
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