The folks at Singer have come up with a complete line of heavy duty mechanical sewing machines.Although nearly all of the Singer Heavy Duty sewing machines look pretty much alike, there are some very real differences that discerning sewers should be aware of.First of all, the folks at SVP – Singer/Viking/Pfaff – sell their machines in three major categories and seem to be making an attempt to separate their machines accordingly.In most cases, the machines sold in one category are not necessarily available in another, especially those sold by the big box retailers. These three categories are:This group has the best that Singer has to offer. When you purchase a sewing machine or serger from an independent authorized dealer, you have the added benefit of personalized service, customer care and a place to take your machine for servicing when it is necessary. Many independent dealers also offer classes for anyone who purchases a machine in their stores.This group includes giant retailers like Walmart, Kmart, Sears, JC Penney, JoAnn Fabrics, and club stores like Costco, BJs and Sam’s.

Generally machines purchased in big box stores are low end machines and are not expected to last for more than a year.In fact, people who really know sewing machines refer to the sewing machines and sergers sold by big box stores ‘throw away machines’. These machines are low cost and usually poor quality. Some may work fine in the beginning, but do not expect them to last long.When you purchase a machine from a big box store, you have no opportunity to try it before taking it home, you cannot take it back for servicing and you have no one available to answer questions you may have before or after purchasing it.QVC and the Home Shopping Network fall into this category as well. Very reliable online sellers offer sewing machines. The challenge is there is no way to get answers to any of your specific questions except through the website’s FAQs, if they exist.I have never called any of the shopping channels, but I doubt if the person on the telephone can tell you anything that’s not on their script.

There is no customer service and if the machine is damaged when it arrives, you have the nightmare of either attempting to return it or to trying to find a local repair facility that will in all likelihood will not honor whatever warranty you may have.spotlight noarlunga curtainsI will attempt point out all of the similarities and differences between all of the Singer Heavy Duty sewing machines on one easy to read chart.red harper woven stripe linen look eyelet curtainsTo keep things as simple as possible, the following features are available on all of the sewing machines in the Singer Heavy Duty line:The basic accessories that come with the purchase of a Singer Heavy Duty sewing machine are:* It appears as though this machine, while currently available through independent authorized dealers, is being shifted to the internet marketwynstan blinds and curtains

** Released in 2014 *** Coming soon [fall 2014]As I pointed in the beginning of this overview, not all Singer Heavy Duty sewing machines are created equal. ikea anno inez curtainIf you decide to purchase one of the machines in this line, do your homework.whitworth stripe eyelet lined curtains greenTake time to look online for reviews, questions and feedback from people who have already purchased these machines and have had time to use them extensively in real life situations. merete curtains blackoutSome of the machines in the Singer Heavy Duty line have received glowing reviews from users. The CG 590 Commercial Grade machine, for example has received horrid reviews. In fact, one owner put out a question that should raise red flags for anyone interested in this machine.

She bluntly asks, “Is there anyone out there who is pleased with their CG590?” In my opinion, this is a very telling indictment of this particular model. When you consider its availability – only through big box retailers and online – the frustration is understandable.Big box retailers generally carry only the bottom of the line. Therefore, you cannot expect to get the same quality you get when you purchase from an independent dealer.I cannot stress how important it is to purchase sewing machines and sergers from independent authorized dealers. You may be able to save a couple of dollars by purchasing a machine online, but in the long run, you pay for it in many other ways.I have often stated that nearly every machine works great right out of the box. The real test of a sewing machine or serger is how it performs after you take it home and use it for real.It is possible for you to get a great demonstration of a sewing machine or serger in a store and take it home only to have it break down on you after just a few months or even weeks.

If this happens with an independent dealer, you have the assurance of being able to turn it in for a different model. Besides, you will have access to lessons and troubleshooting if you buy your sewing machine or serger from any other source.Whether your are shopping for a Singer Heavy Duty sewing machine or some other brand, it is important to remember that there is a reason why sewing machine manufacturers choose to offer their low end merchandise for sale exclusively in big box stores.You get what you pay for. If you are prepared to buy a new Singer Heavy Duty sewing machine every year or so, the big box store is the place to go.However, if you want to invest in a Singer Heavy Duty sewing machine that will serve you for a very long time, save yourself some valuable time and money by skipping what appears to be a bargain and go for the deal at an independent authorized dealer that will genuinely save you some money, a great deal of time and a whole lot of frustration.We’ve been looking at seams and seam finishes in order to get a good looking result on our seams both inside and out.  

Today, one of my favorites – the overcasting stitch. The overcasting stitch is one of the most versatile on your machine.  My machine has 3 options, stitches 6, 7 and 8, for thin to medium weight fabrics, heavy fabrics and stretch fabrics.  That pretty much has everything covered. The overcasting stitch can be used to finish the edge of your fabric rather like the zig-zag stitch we looked at before, but often gives a much neater finish.  My machine came with an overcasting foot as standard and if you don’t have one, I highly recommend getting one.  You’ll find that you will use it a lot. The overcasting foot has an edge guide, so you run the edge of your fabric along the guide as you sew.  It also has a ‘pin’ or bar running through the center and this controls the stitch so that it lays nice and flat, overcasting the fabric edge without making it bunch up and pucker. You can also use it to neaten both seam allowances together at the same time, or even on stretch fabrics – to sew the seam and finish the edge at the same time.  

If you don’t have a serger and just use a regular sewing machine like me, this is one of the best options for sewing knit fabrics and getting a narrow finished seam similar to that you would find on a ready to wear garment.Pick the correct stitch for your fabric.  Line up the two raw edges of the fabric against the little guide and sew.  It runs through nice and neatly because of the guide. I like to overcast the two edges together first, and then I go back and sew my regular seam on the seam allowance line.  This gives a really neat finish.  Press the overcast edge over to one side. As an alternative, you could also sew your seam as usual, then use the overcasting foot separately on each of the raw edges and press your seam open if you preferred.  It all depends on your fabric and your project.I use my stretch overcasting stitch and foot to stitch the seam and neaten the raw edges all in one go.  It doesn’t need me to go back again and sew another line of stitching, the stretch overcasting stitch does it all in one go.