Hi, I've never sewn before and I'm looking to purchase a sewing machine. Does this machine have a needle down feature? If not, is it that vital?
1793947
Hi, this machine doesn't have this feature, but, frankly, it doesn't seem so important (at least for me). When I want my needle to be down, I just lower it manually - it's very easy and precise. It was my first sewing machine too and, after sewing on it for the last 2 years I would still recommend it as the first machine.
89173
I had this problem once or twice with this machine and my old Singer. (my only two machines ever). Once it was too much lint under the bobbin holder and it was fine once I really cleaned my Machine and got the little"dust bunnies" out of there. They almost look like felt. The other time, I simply had my bobbin in reversed and didn't realize it. I have already made four larger quilts and lots of small projects in the year I have had this machine. I LOVE it. Usually the problem is me, not the machine. LOL I have also learned to change needles often! Every new project or about 12-15 hours of sewing, which ever comes first.
1061443
Yes mine broke the first time I used it. The little knob that you push to reverse went flying across the living room never to be found {probably accidentally vacuumed it up}. This thing was a piece of junk and I got my money back right away. I would steer clear of this product if you are a potential buyer...even for light use it does no better than a flimsy handheld unit. Spend a little more and get a REAL sewing machine.
1545154
No, but it has a long neck, wonderful for quilting, etc... It is a great machine. I sew every night after work. I sew all kinds of things, crafts, baby blankets, quilts. It has worked well with everything I have done. I will tell you this, if my house was on fire and I had to grab something, it would be this machine. I am totally in love with it. Also, very easy to use.
977657
Yes it did. My daughter and I figured this must be a quality control check the company does before boxing the machine. Very good idea, they know the machine is working properly. Happy sewing!
475305
It is very easy. There is a pull out that tells you which number to use for each of the stitches.. The pull out gives you the number and shows the stitch so I think you would be happy with it. I had never sewn before and I had no problems..
1385339
I just ordered the Deluxe model of the Simplicity Bias Tape marker and am awaiting it's arrival. Hopefully it will work as good as the reviews on it state it does. I've always hated making bias and so have not really sewn anything that requires it too often, hopefully the machine will make the task easier and I'll be able to sew some things I have shied away from. Have you found an answer to your question yet? I'll come back after the machine arrives and post my experience with it if it helps you.
2139680
Absolutely!! I got this machine when I was 18 as my very first sewing machine. I am completely self taught and still have this machine after 7 years, and I do use it quite a lot! Read the manual very carefully and always consider checking online for tutorials and instructions on basic sewing. I highly recommend to save yourself some troubleshooting that you always change needles with each project to the proper weight and type of needle and only use Gutterman or Metteler brand thread. (Don't use Coats & Clark or dollar store/cheap thread, cuz it will break and wind itself on the inside of your machine.)
736665
No. The only thing the machine actually does is have the set of barbed needles go up and down felting together whatever you have set under them. There is no thread and the space where the bobbin case would be on a sewing machine simply catches the lint from the felting process. It does create a substantial amount of lint while you are working. Learning to NOT move the fabric until the needles start and to stop moving before the needle stop is very important in not breaking needles. I have never broken a needle but I am very careful. Probably watching a YouTube demo would help. Very nice machine.
1137404
I have had both machine and definitely prefer and highly recommend the Janome. The stitches are perfect no misses and I work this machine a lot. I use a lot of spandex fabric and it still never misses a stitch even going over the seams. Releasing the fabric is always a problem unless you want to 'run off the edge' of the fabric and end that way. The brother always gave me problems as it would not always release the stitch like it was supposed to. The Janome does. Just make sure as you pull your fabric out you have hold of all 3 threads else you will unravel the stitches. I work with doll clothes and the only thing I wish the Janome would do was to give me a narrow stitch which the Brother has, but having used it now for over 6 months and it runs so smooth I can give up that for not having missed stitches or thread breaking. The arm extension is useful to be able to drop your fabric down and around. This feature is not on the Brother. I would highly recommend this machine to anyone wanting a cover stitch machine. This machine is used daily by me so 6 months of my life is probably over 12 months in someone else's life. :)
1676041
It depends on a couple of things. First, how strong is your interest in sewing? This may sound stupid, but if you are not sure you are going to enjoy the art of sewing I would buy the least expensive thing possible that will still yield good results. That is what I did. The Sewist 500 fit the bill perfectly for me to learn how to sew. It is basic and mechanical, so it is virtually indestructible for novice sewers. However, after about a year, I realized the machine was not going to meet my needs for the long term. At that point, I began investigating alternatives and purchased a mid-arm Juki that is specifically for quilting. I love it. It does exactly what I need it to do and does it beautifully. So, the second part for you to consider is what is your sewing interest and how accomplished are you? If you are a novice and are uncertain, then stick with the Sewist. It is very much a generalist machine. Does it have 30 different stitches? No. Do you need 30 different stitches? Not unless you plan to do embroidery. If that is your plan, you may find you outgrow the 8077 pretty quickly, too. If you already have an interest established, look for the machine that best sets you up to follow that passion. I also highly recommend going to fabric stores etc to test machines. Don't just read about them online and then buy. Seriously, each one has a different personality. Find the one that fits you.
174989
No, although it has many fancy stitches. I love this machine - it's very quiet, smooth and simple to operate.
1411287
My wife says: The machine does not make any more or less noise than any other machine she uses. It does make a peculiar noise when powered up to "rehome" the needle to exact center if it is not already there. This is normal, but there is noting in the user manual about this. In general, she thinks that it IS pretty quiet and adds that it is a very good machine. Mike
1974903
This machine is only set up for thread. Yarn would get bogged down in the bobbin case. You should look at commercial sewing machines to use with yarn. :)
136832
You can make a buttonhole with it but it does not have a buttonhole feature on the machine. This is a very basic machine but does sew well.
132916
I haven't had any problems, however, I'm very careful when sewing with fabrics such as heavy denim, using extra caution when sewing over the multi-layered seams. The machine does not skip stitches and I am very happy with the quality of the stitching.
1435991
yes it does i love this sewing machine it has many options on it and you can even sew through several layers of fabric i have had it since december i use it almost daily and have not had any problems with it at all