O.M.G. I thought I was too old to fall in love all over again.
But THIS.
It had me at twelve layers of waxed canvas. Yes, I said 12 layers. This baby literally flew across my folded bag strap (did I mention it was 12 layers of waxed canvas??) without a hiccup. Without a skipped stitch. Without any distortion in stitch length. Wowzers!
I know. I NEED another sewing machine like another hole in my head. But just think of the bags I can make! Jeans. Top coats. The possibilities are so tantalizing!
And look at the cool feet that come with it! Walking, universal, rolled hemmer, topstitch, edgestitch, and two darning feet! Bwahahahahahaha! If those 2 feet weighed enough I would have myself 2 new pattern weights. Who in the Sam Hill darns any more? Yeah, I know, they are also used for quilting. And we all know how much of THAT I do!
This machine is kind of a cross-over; a little bit of a home sewing machine and a little bit industrial. It uses regular, home sewing machine needles, but has a beefy motor and speed more similar to a commercial machine. It weighs more than most home machines (38 pounds), but is still portable enough that you can take it into a dealer for servicing. It is a single function rather than a multi-purpose machine, specializing in a perfect straight stitch. Easy to thread, easy to operate, it comes with a large extension table and a knee lift—both features I love. It only took me about 30 seconds to get used to the foot control, which has a thread cutting feature that can be activated with a “heel tap” to the foot pedal. I have to say I haven’t made friends with the needle threader yet, but I imagine with practice I will conquer it. And it is kind of annoying that changing feet requires a screwdriver, but I can deal with it.
This machine is definitely not going to replace my Bernina 710, but it is an amazing addition to my collection. I might even try sewing shirts with it!
Do you own any single-function machines? Commercial machines? This is my first foray into the “industrial” realm, and I am wishing I had jumped in earlier!
Happy sewing!
Maris
I have a very old Mitsubichi straight stitcher and I absolutely love it. Wait until you tackle jeans making!
Carmen – I made a pair of jeans(pattern testing for a designer friend) on it , and I agree jeans are a dream on this machine!!
Those older workhorse machines just cannot be beat when it comes to power. All metal parts make them virtually indestructible too! Great buy!
(Except this is a brand-new machine/model. 😉 But it is all metal and UH-mazing!!
I have a industrial needle feed straight stitcher and I just adore it to pieces. Love how it sounds,love how it sews, love everything about it.
I feel the same way about this Juki, Mary! It is total pleasure to use!!
Where did you get your machine? I just did a Google search and didn’t find that particular model. It looks fabulous, and I want one. i bet it would be great for sewing leather.
Hi Karen!
I ordered mine from my local dealer, so if you have a store close to you that is a Juki dealer they either should have it or be able to get it for you. Good luck!!
I helped a friend research semi-industrial machines for her dog collar business and I came across this same amachine. She bought it and even brought it over for me to ‘test drive’. I fell in love too. It’s is an amazing machine. I just followed up with her to see how she was doing with it and she sent it back. I am still heart broken. I have been bitten. I want one so badly.
Oh goodness, I can’t begin to imagine someone sending this machine back! Love, love, love!!!
Maris
I showed my hubby this post and got the usual reply…what’s that? After I explained the whole thing over again, as I’ve told him the story before. He said, “If you want it, get it.” Well, you know what? I’ve been saving some of the money I earn from teaching sewing. I’m going to do it!!!!
Awesome, Robyn! My income from teaching goes very largely to support my sewing habit. 😉 A great use of money, I say!
I can’t wait to see what you make with yours. We can compare notes!!
This sounds awesome!! I have been wanting and starting to look at an industrial machine but I don’t really NEED one. I just think it would be great for sewing thicker fabrics, like jeans!
I made a pair of “test jeans” for a designer-LOVE this machine for that sewing job! It is so fast and the stitching isso uniform – no shortening of stitches going over more thicknesses of fabric.LOVE!!
I have this machine and I love it to death! It’s just so strong and wonderful. My boss at the upholstery shop on my recommendation and now she’s hooked on it, too! I seriously love it!
TOTALLY agree Sonja!!