It will sew a few stitiches and then it gives the broken thread error and never is the thread broken. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong and it get very frustrating. Can anyone help?

You are not threading it right. It does not thread like all those other sewing machines. Or any that you have ever had before in the past. Go look here and follow all the instructions- because it has a very unusual/uncommon way of threading it.

www.futura-support.com

In a nutshell, when you put the thread in/through the top tension device (which is a plastic roller device not round metal normal tension friction disks at all) you need to hold thread with both hands and more "pull and pop it in" pullling it towards you. After you think it is in right, still holding it in both hands, one on either side of the top tension device, you need to move your hands back and forth sideways, sort of like flossing your teeth with dental floss, to be sure you have that upper thread fully in there. It’s threading is just very different from other machines in that one weird, unusual way. So, if you do not get the thread fully into your upper tension device, it will give you that broken thread message over and over again, even if your upper thread is not broken at all.

I want to learn how to sew. i want do be able to make dresses for my two little girls and start selling some I make but first I need a sewing machine. I saw a Singer Futura CE-150 Sewing and Embroidery Machine at walmart because I would also like to embroider but costs $539 and I cannot afford that. Does anyone have any suggestions on a good sewing machine.

For embroidery, consider learning to do free motion embroidery on a sewing machine… any sewing machine will do. Here’s a pro working — though his setup is a little easier, it’s the same idea:
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/3833/video-manuels-free-motion-embroidery-technique
And something less fancy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8hFRab26BE

As far as a sewing machine, I’d definitely suggest you want to get a model with a blindhem stitch… otherwise my basic suggestions are below. Please note that using a home sewing machine for business voids the warranty (they’re not meant for the duty cycle of sewing for a business), and that as soon as you learn the basic machine operation, I’m going to strongly suggest that you want to borrow Carol Ahles’ book, Fine Machine Sewing, from the library and at least learn her methods of machine blindhemming — it’ll save you lots and lots of time.

If you truly are going to use home machines to make stuff to sell, I’d buy a basic sewing machine (see below) and a decent 4 thread serger ASAP. Add computerized embroidery to that if you wish later.

My basic beginner sewing machine rant:
Take a look at Kate Dicey’s essay on choosing sewing machines at
http://www.katedicey.co.uk (and take a look around at her site…
there are a lot of nice little tutorials there!). The FAQ she
refers to is at http://preview.tinyurl.com/l5rzu6 now.

What I want for beginners in sewing:

- a machine that doesn’t scare you

- a machine that isn’t balky (cheap new machines are often very
balky or need adjustments often and are rarely repairable — just
too frustrating to learn on!)

- very good straight stitch

- good zigzag (4-5 mm is fine, more than that is gravy)

- a method of making buttonholes that makes sense to you

- adjustable presser foot pressure (which helps some fabric
handling issues)

- accessory presser feet that don’t cost an arm and a leg
(machines that use a "short shank foot" typically handle generic
presser feet pretty well. Some brands of machines use proprietary
or very expensive presser feet)

If the budget stretches far enough:

- blindhem and stretch blindhem stitches

- triple zigzag (nice for elastic applications)

- a couple of decorative stitches (you won’t use them nearly as
much as you think)

- electronic machine because of the needle position control and
because the stepper motors give you full "punching force" at
slow sewing speeds — mechanical machines often will stall at
slow speeds.

Please go to the best sewing machine dealers around and ask them
to show you some machines in your price range, *especially* used
machines you can afford. You’ll get a far better machine at a
specific price buying used than new and a good dealer is worth
their weight in sewing machine needles when you get a machine
problem — often they can talk you through the problem over the
phone. While you’re trying things out, try a couple of machines
(sewing only, not combo sewing-embroidery) over your price limit,
just so you can see what the difference in stitch quality and
ease of use might be. You may find you want to go for the used
Cadillac. Or you might want the new basic Chevy. Might as well
try both out.

Suggested reading: John Giordano’s The Sewing Machine Book
(especially for used machines), Carol Ahles’ Fine Machine Sewing
(especially the first and last few chapters) and Gale Grigg
Hazen’s Owner’s Guide to Sewing Machines, Sergers and Knitting
Machines. All of these are likely to be available at your public
library.

Used brands I’d particularly look for: Elna, Bernina,
Viking/Husqvarna, Pfaff, Singer (pre 1970), Juki, Toyota

New "bargain brand" I’d probably pick, if new, decent and budget
was my choice: Janome (who also does Kenmore).

I’ve never used an embroidery machine before, but I would like to learn. I have used sergers quite a few times, and im more than familiar with regular sewing machines, I’m looking for a top quality serger and embroidery machine to use. I don’t want it to be "good enough" for just home use coz I’m a fashion design student so I’m being trained to use professional quality machines because of the type of work I will be doing – so I wanna get a professional quality serger and embroidery machine as well

I already have a regular sewing machine – Singer – And I love it! it’s great. So I don’t care if the embroidery machine I end up getting can also sew regularly or not.

But what I wanna know is what are some good brands of sergers and embroidery machines that have a ton of features that I can use? I’m not worried that much about the cost because I’m looking for quality.

Jo-Anns has a lot of Viking Husqvarna machines – do they perform as good as they’re advertised?

Thanks everyone in advance for your help!

Husqvarna has a contract with JoAnn to provide a kiosk for local dealers. The machines are not sold by JoAnn.

However, they are excellent machines and you will find this true any high end model of any notable brand – Bernina, Babylock, Brother, Husqvarna, Janome, Pfaff or Singer as long as you purchase from a reliable dealer who will provide support and service.

This could be an investment of several thousand dollars.

The best thing to do is to visit as may sewing machine dealers as you can and test the machines.

You want a serger that is easy to thread – especially the lower and upper loopers.

When selecting an embroidery machine, you cannot beat Babylock or Brother for being user friendly and software compatable……….you do not want a machine where you have to use the manufacturer’s brand and accessories only (they are way too expensive)……….also, do not limit the stitching area (hoop) to 4" x 4"/100mm x 100mm.

Buy the products you like the best from the dealer you like the best.

I am looking at buying a sewing/embroidery machine and I am lost when it comes to what brand to buy. I went to a store today and test drove a babylock esante and I really liked it It had a lot of neat features but I am still unsure. I also saw a HSN youtube clip for a singer ses1000 and I really liked all that it did (especially the picture embroidery and the fact that I can use clip art) but most of the reviews I read on it say its not worth the money. I just don’t want to put a ton of money in to something that isn’t going to live up to the price.
There are also two other dealers in town and I am going tomorrow to look at their machines. I want to buy locally and the brands I have to choose from are Pfaff, Babylock, Singer, Viking. What have you worked with that you like? What about the machine do you like most? I am trying to stay in a $3000 price range but opinions on all machines are welcome!

I think you’ll be happy buying from a local dealer and especially one that offers free classes. You might concider a used machine as people are always trading up to the newest model. I’m own a 30 year older Viking and it still works like a charm although I bought a used Bernina for the embroidery capability. My Bernina, Artista 200/730, is a great machine. I would not hesitate to buy another Bernina new or used. Good Luck in your decision and sewing future.

Singer Futura needs files in any of these specific formats…fhe
che xxx psw pec pes hus sew jef exp dst pcs shv vip

These look like pretty obscure (user specific) file types.
As an outside chance, have a look @ "Irfanview" (a robust image editing application) website, and perhaps post a Q there about what you want to do in their Forum.
Good luck.

i am researching the birth of the first embroidery machine – around 1755 and persons connected with early machine embroidery as in dorothy benson at singers sewing machine company in london around the 1930s.do you know of anyone around that era ? or early history of the embroidery machine?

Actually, machine embroidery is quite a bit older than the 1930s — see, for example, the marvelous book "Singer Instructions for Art Embroidery". Check the first copyright date…

Or are you talking about automated machinery for embroidery?

For More Info or to Buy Now: http://www.hsn.com/redirect.aspx?id=il&url=http%3A//www.hsn.com/cnt/prod/default.aspx%3Fpfid%3D397689&afsrc=1&sourceid=youtube&cm_mmc=advsvc*youtube*na*397689
Think of the directions your creativity can take you with the powerful Singer Futura CE-250 Embroidery and Sewing Machine. With 100 stitch patterns, 6 styles of buttonholes and countless…
Prices shown on the previously recorded video may not represent the current price. View hsn.com to view the current selling price. HSN Item #397689

Duration : 0:5:18

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For More Info or to Buy Now: http://www.hsn.com/redirect.aspx?id=il&url=http%3A//www.hsn.com/cnt/prod/default.aspx%3Fpfid%3D397690&afsrc=1&sourceid=youtube&cm_mmc=advsvc*youtube*na*397690
Fun and function – have both - with the Singer Futura CE-150 Sewing and Embroidery Machine. Enjoy the convenience of the 24 pre-programmed stitch patterns, 13 needle positions, 1-step button holer…
Prices shown on the previously recorded video may not represent the current price. View hsn.com to view the current selling price. HSN Item #397690

Duration : 0:18:42

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This video is showing the Singer 401-A machine with 1 needle embroidering with varigated thread

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From Inspiration to Reality. Introducing the Baby Lock Ellisimo, the newest addition to the Baby Lock Sewing machine family. For the Love of Sewing – Baby Lock

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