The Sewing Machine Scoring Criteria

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Wouldn't it be nice if there was a scoring system that gave you quantitative info on what machine might be best for you? Heath Jackson has devoted the last 6 years to creating this tool.

Like many makers, he had a dream of making a project to enable his outdoor pursuits. What started as just a tool became his infatuation. Since then he has bought and restored over 30 machines. While working with these machines Heath, kept careful notes on 7 distinctive features. With the help of friendly internet compatriots the homemade spreadsheet has become fairly extensive.

Read our Blog on Choosing an Antique Sewing Machine with the Sewing Machine Scoring System

The Scoring System 

• 1. Power - Not including industrial machines 
• 2. Strength - Punching power
• 3.  Finesse - How delicate of an item can you put through? 
• 4. Machine Tolerance - Finely tuned or thrown together?
• 5. Durability - Is it metal parts or plastic parts?
• 6. Ease - Can I find information/parts about it? 
• 7. Features - What are you trying to accomplish?

Machines MUST HAVES:

• Has to have reverse
• Round bobbin
• Must have zigzag (for maker generalist mahcine)
• Must have power/motor 
• Readily available for sale
• Avoid non-metal plastic critical parts

Top Home Machines Mentioned:

• Kenmore 1914 or1941
• Necchi BU Mira
• Pfaff 130, 1200 series, 117
• Bernina X30 Series, 530-930 for mechanical, 1130, 1230 for motherboard
• Singer 411G, Rocketeer 500 series with slant needle
• Viking 19-22 series
• Elna
• Janome 50’s - 90’s any machine especially if made by New Home

Top Industrial Machines Mentioned: 

• Bernina 217 - $1,000
• Pfaff 138
• Brother TZ1-B652
• Singer 20-U
• Pfaff 
• Juki 8700
• Consew Rb

Follow Heath on Instagram @77gearco

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