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Sewing machine stitch size

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  • MightyMegs
    Veteran Member
    • Jan 5, 2009
    • 459

    Sewing machine stitch size

    So, I'm considering buying a sewing machine to try and make some custom Mego clothes. I noticed that the machines have different stitch-size options... so what size stitch does a machine have to have to make Mego-sized stitches?
  • ctc
    Fear the monkeybat!
    • Aug 16, 2001
    • 11183

    #2
    Hmmmm....

    I think most have adjustable settings; so that shouldn't be a problem. The stitches I use are normally set at "0" or "1." If you can, get one that you can adjust the alignment of the needle while sewing. It'll help when making small things.

    Don C.

    Comment

    • jessica
      fortune favors the bold
      • Nov 5, 2007
      • 4590

      #3
      Originally posted by ctc
      Hmmmm....
      If you can, get one that you can adjust the alignment of the needle while sewing. It'll help when making small things.

      Don C.
      OMG! That's so true! My new sewing machine lacks this feature, and I HATE IT!!!
      Those who look outside dream. Those who look within awake.
      Samples of my work are found here: Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness

      To do list:
      1:6 boots for Mathilda, 1:1 Romulan Commander outfit, Ursus helmet; Cornelius appliance
      1:9 scale ape's new suit for Cornelius;

      Comment

      • MightyMegs
        Veteran Member
        • Jan 5, 2009
        • 459

        #4
        Originally posted by ctc
        Hmmmm....

        I think most have adjustable settings; so that shouldn't be a problem. The stitches I use are normally set at "0" or "1." If you can, get one that you can adjust the alignment of the needle while sewing. It'll help when making small things.

        Don C.
        Adjustable needle alignment? Got it.

        What does that do?

        Comment

        • jessica
          fortune favors the bold
          • Nov 5, 2007
          • 4590

          #5
          Originally posted by MightyMegs
          Adjustable needle alignment? Got it.

          What does that do?
          On my new sewing machine, the needle is constantly stuck in the center. On my old one, you could align the needle to the extreme right or left. It worked wonders for machine-made buttonholes, and also helped when sewing zippers for 1:1 scale. I miss this function a lot.

          On my new sewing machine, I have to follow the stitch and guide the needle with my eye instead of using the bottom of the presser foot as a guide.
          Those who look outside dream. Those who look within awake.
          Samples of my work are found here: Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness

          To do list:
          1:6 boots for Mathilda, 1:1 Romulan Commander outfit, Ursus helmet; Cornelius appliance
          1:9 scale ape's new suit for Cornelius;

          Comment

          • ctc
            Fear the monkeybat!
            • Aug 16, 2001
            • 11183

            #6
            >It worked wonders for machine-made buttonholes, and also helped when sewing zippers

            ....and if you're sewing real small things you can re-aim the needle while keeping significant amounts of your project pinned under the presser foot. Keeps it from sliding around or gathering. PLUS: when sewing, place a sheet of paper under the fabric you're working on. (It'll peel right off later.) Otherwise fine fabrics will get sucked into the guts of the machine and cause a jam.

            Decent machines can be found for fairly cheap, if you look around. (I got a good one; it does alot, even though I STILL haven't figured out how to use the embriodery function. Don't worry Cobra shirtless patrol, I'll finish you someday!)

            Don C.

            Comment

            • MightyMegs
              Veteran Member
              • Jan 5, 2009
              • 459

              #7
              Okay, I've been looking around and pricing machines... I think I've found some with the adjustible needle, but I'm still not sure if I'm getting the right machine. Am I looking at around $200? And is there a preference between Singer and Brother, the 2 brands I see the most?

              Comment

              • ctc
                Fear the monkeybat!
                • Aug 16, 2001
                • 11183

                #8
                >Am I looking at around $200?

                Yeah; that's about right for a good one.

                >is there a preference between Singer and Brother

                I'm no expert, but I think they're pretty much the same. Both are big name, high end producers. (Mine's a Brother.)

                Don C.

                Comment

                • jessica
                  fortune favors the bold
                  • Nov 5, 2007
                  • 4590

                  #9
                  Mine's a crap one. It cost $135. But I miss my mom's Singer.
                  Those who look outside dream. Those who look within awake.
                  Samples of my work are found here: Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness

                  To do list:
                  1:6 boots for Mathilda, 1:1 Romulan Commander outfit, Ursus helmet; Cornelius appliance
                  1:9 scale ape's new suit for Cornelius;

                  Comment

                  • fallensaviour
                    Talkative Member
                    • Aug 28, 2006
                    • 5620

                    #10
                    I use a Euro-pro X.It does the job and was very reasonable.
                    “When you say “It’s hard”, it actually means “I’m not strong enough to fight for it”. Stop saying its hard. Think positive!”

                    Comment

                    • REMOVED
                      • Jul 18, 2025
                      • 0

                      #11
                      I have a fab singer gc-590 that is mechanical and powerful, but with a zillion stitches and features and I like it. However, my sister gave me a Singer Nostalgia reproduction crank handle machine and I Love it for doll clothes. You can't make a lot of adjustments and it only does straight stitch but I have a lot of control with the crank and it takes lots of specialty feet. Amazon has it for 100 bucks shipped.

                      Comment

                      • REMOVED
                        • Jul 18, 2025
                        • 0

                        #12
                        p.s. the "commercial" machine I have, which is great, comes in a version with less stitches for around 200 bucks (HD-105 Heavy Duty Singer). It has a drop in bobbin and a removable free arm. I believe it also has a repositional needle (as mine has three positions). One of the things I like about it is that the tensioning is easy and has required little adjustment (some are really a pain). Joanns has it for 200 bucks.....
                        Last edited by REMOVED; Jan 5, '10, 11:06 AM.

                        Comment

                        • REMOVED
                          • Jul 18, 2025
                          • 0

                          #13
                          Originally posted by Azrak
                          I have one like this one, if not this exact one. I love it. In another life I messed up the tension on a machine so much that I had to have it serviced.

                          I really need to visit a sewing forum and find more out about specialty feet. I am probably missing out on some things that would be useful for making dolly clothes.
                          Nancy's Notions has a video on specialty feet which is great. she also sells a "fancy footpack" for a very reasonable price........ I got the video cheap on ebay........... really expands the ability of a machine to explore the feet...

                          Comment

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