Hi All!

I’m new to sewing, started about a month ago but have become hooked! A family member gave me their old Singer 4830c sewing machine, we took it to a shop and got it serviced for about $100 to make it work like new. It’s been working great for the projects I’ve done so far. I’ve done pillow cases for our furniture, a welted box bench cushion for our kitchen, and am currently mid-project for a cat bed and dog bed for our critters. I seem to work more with a bit heavier fabric, like for the furniture, and would like to start getting into men’s clothing as well.

Pics of the Kitchen Bench Cushion:

I was recently in a Joann store today here in the US and noticed that their new sewing machines are starting to get discounted as they liquidate. I saw some machines that were 40% off, and I suspect as the weeks go on they might get lower. I’m wondering if I’d get any benefit in looking at a newer machine or if the one I have currently will suit me fine?

Things I’ve noticed in watching Youtube videos of others that makes me wonder:

  • Some users machines seem much faster than mine when doing straight stretches of sewing at a time
  • Machines seem quieter than mine
  • Newer features like automatic needle threading?
  • I really like the plastic bobbin case cover that lets you see how much thread is left on the bobbin, as well as how some machines have actual measurements for seam allowance.

I’ve seen a lot of disdain for the newer Singer machines and don’t really know much about other brands, so I’m hesitant in general. A lot of the things I’ve noted about newer machines don’t really negate my current machine experience, they just seem like maybe nice-to-haves, so I’m not sure if the value would be there in getting a newer machine or not. I did already get a low shank presser foot adapter so I could use modern presser feet and have bought a few, as well as replaced the light bulb with an LED bulb and also got the LED strip that you can adhere to the machine for more lighting. I’m game for any other tips on renovating the old one just as much as suggestions about new one.

Reaching out in this community to see if anyone has thoughts on the newer machines and thinks I might appreciate the updates or if the old 4830c should last me a good long while?

Thanks!

  • rosamundi@lemmy.worldEnglish
    1·
    3 hours ago

    I used my grandma’s old Bernina for many years, and while I love it and there are many years of life in it, I recently bought a new Janome.

    It has lots of upgrades compared to the Bernina which have just made sewing much easier and more pleasurable.

    • the automatic needle threader (I have astigmatism, and my eyesight is changing with age),
    • the light is much better
    • it’s faster
    • buttonholes are actual witchcraft

    It’s more complicated in that it has a huge array of stitch options but at the same time it is also easier to use, if that makes sense?

  • proudblond@lemmy.worldEnglish
    4·
    2 days ago

    I have a Bernina so I can’t speak personally to Singer quality these days. But here are my other thoughts.

    I ended up buying a new machine to replace an old Kenmore because even though I had the manual, there was 0 information about the machine online, no help, no videos, nothing. When I ran into a problem getting the zipper foot to work, I had nowhere to turn. The snarky man at the repair shop asked me why I was bothering. (F him, I go to a different shop now.)

    Regarding speed, mine has a speed setting. Have you found a speed setting for yours? There probably is one somewhere…

    I’m now in my forties and I gotta say, my automatic needle threader is a godsend. I have to manually thread my serger needles and it takes me many minutes to pull off even with my reading glasses on, sigh.

    PS your bench cushion looks awesome!

    • ButWhatDoesItAllMean@sh.itjust.worksOPEnglish
      2·
      2 days ago

      Thanks for your response! I’m also in my forties and this is me when trying to thread the needle:

      The family member who gifted me the sewing machine is the one who dropped it off at the shop to get serviced, and the service tech commented that they much prefer the older Singer machines, and seemed pleased to breathe some life back into this old one (which I will from now on refer to as Ol’ Bessie).

      That’s a great point as far as content on the machine…there’s not much out there at all. I don’t immediately see a speed setting, and there was nothing in the manual mentioning it but I can take a further look. I may just keep an eye out on those sales at Joann and see. If the prices get low enough to be a steal I might just pick one up. While I love the idea of keeping a retro machine going I’m also at the age where modern conveniences have some merit! 😆

      Thanks about the bench cushion!! There’s another fan of it as well…