Sew to Speak by Emiliano Marino
We’ve noticed a surge lately in the number of boaters who want to do their own machine sewing. Some have at it with Granny’s oldie from the attic. Others re- store an inexpensive vintage ma- chine or splurge for the latest DIY portable from Sailrite. If you are itchin’ to do some stitch’n and looking for a machine, heads up! Te subject of sewing machines
is so vast that the brief look at the four explored below barely skims the surface. I urge you, in light of your actual sewing needs and circumstances, to study sewing machine history, design, function, adjustments and maintenance. Along with that, try various machines before you buy one. A machine’s ability to sew multiple layers of soft leather is not a measure of how well it’ll sew hard Da- cron. Lastly, consider the frequency of use, storage and how you plan to power the machine: by hand, foot or motor.
Oldies but Goodies Granny’s old Singer, Kenmore or what- ever, if functional, may serve your occa- sional, lightweight canvas and sail needs. Fine thread and needle size, a small throat, weak presser-foot spring, low presser-foot height and a mini-motor limit the capabilities of these machines, plus a straight-stitch model would be inadvisable for sail work. Happily, the older models may have large hand- wheels, hand cranks or treadle stands. Domestic machines made earlier than the 1960s are of such rugged design and construction that they can be modified for more power, momentum and heavier work.
Black Beauties Two such stout, hotrod-able, vintage models are the German, Pfaff 130
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(1932) and the Italian Necchi BU (1948). Both of those venerable zig-zag- gers can be obtained for $300-$400 and parts are readily available. Tey’re easily converted to large-spoked hand-wheel and crank, heavier presser foot tension, and larger thread. Te BU has a slightly wider stitch; a side-facing, oscillating hook/ bobbin case assembly, and is gear driven. Te P-130 is belt driven and has a more accessible front-facing rotary, hook/bobbin case assembly. If you can find the mechanism, both machines
and stitches. If you find one, snap it up… (or call me!) Lamentably, Sailrite ceased produc-
tion of the TZ1-B652. Teir new “Ul- trafeed” model LSZ-1 has found it’s way aboard ship and into the rumpus room of many boaters. It’s not called “Ultrafeed” for noth-
ing! A major difference between this and any of the previously mentioned machines is its wide, walking foot with sharp-fanged, upper and lower feed dogs that pull multiple layers of fabric evenly through the machine. Te mechanism is not removable. Not all sail work benefits from a walk- ing foot, but it’s great for canvas work, especially for a novice. Another major difference
Super-stitchers new & old: the Sailrite LSZ-1 and the Pfaff 130 .
may be set up for knee-operated presser foot liſting when the machine is placed in a stand. With the Pfaff and Necchi, we’re getting into some serious sewing and, despite their small throat size, I love these mighty, versatile and hand- some machines. Tey will sew anything a small-craſt boater might care to make or repair. There are many other brands and
models of domestic sewing machines. For larger boats or industrial purposes, there are machines that offer big power, thread, needles, throats and presser foot tension (refer to The Sailmaker’s Ap- prentice, page 193) . Such non-portable machines will certainly sew small-craſt stuff but they may be over-qualified and unnecessarily expensive.
Superstitchous For decades, Sailrite has sought to pro- vide self-reliant boaters with portable machines that are capable of hand-pow- ered, heavy-duty work. Initially, Sailrite adapted commercial models and one of my all- time favorite portable machines was their modified Brother TZ1-B652, really an industrial zig-zagger in a box. It had a small throat, but could sew cruis- ing-boat sails and canvas with big thread
is the ability to start stitching cold, unassisted by hand. That power is partly a function of non-slip, cogged belts and hand- wheel along with the absence of a clutch: practically direct power to mechanism. Apart from those two features, the Ultra has much in common
with the portables above: same type of bobbin/hook assembly as the BU, for example, and similar throat size. Some aspects are nearly identical, others different. All have advantages and dis- advantages. I’m not crazy about the LSZ-1 but
it will handily sew anything commonly associated with the boats of SCA readers and most canvas work in general, if not the heavy sails of larger craſt. I miss the quality, aesthetics and feel
of the older machines: a rear mounted presser foot liſting lever and accessible bobbin case. But, I’m delighted by the LSZ’s magnetic, LED work lamp and a back rest for support during the frequent times the machine must be tilted back for access below. For setup, maintenance and adjustment, Sailrite provides a clear manual plus lots of online tutorials.
To Sew Tings Up… Sewing machines are engineering mar- vels with amazing capabilities in a small, functional and—in vintage styles—ar- tistic package. In the balance, I prefer the old models; but I’m happy to provide guidance in the adjustment, mainte- nance and use of any non-computerized machine. •SCA•
SMALL CRAFT ADVISOR
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