Is this machine worth fixing?

**MommyinTX** · 10-14-2008, 06:03 PM

My teen daughter is really wanting a sewing machine to learn on. She was given a hand-me-down Brother model VX-847. It's a basic six stitch, 4 step buttonhole. I have know idea how old it is, but I saw the same model on Craigslist for $40 and listed as "vintage" somewhere else.

Anyway, the motor seems to run fine, but we cannot get the tension right. We have adjusted and rethreaded, and no luck. The thread breaks and gets tangled around the bobbin.

Should we continue to work at this or just give up? Is is worth paying for repair? She is willing to spend $100 on a new machine, so would the basic Brother or Singer be the way to go?

Opinions?

Thanks,
Becky

**Jeanna** · 10-14-2008, 06:12 PM

I would say that it is not worth keeping working on. I am not sure of prices there but here a sewing machine repairman will not even look at it for under about $50. I would join a free cycle group and see if someone doesn't have one they are no longer using. Some older people are happy to pass along a sewing machine if they know it is going to someone who will use it. If you lived around me I could get my brother to look at it. He was a sewing machine repairman for 15 years or so.

**madhen** · 10-14-2008, 11:19 PM

The sewing machine repair shop I use always has nice used machines on sale. If she is looking to buy a sewing machine, that might be a way to go. $100 might go a long way on a used, but well-maintained sewing machine. The fellow at my shop is an expert and tunes them up beautifully. He charges $70 just for that service, if you take your own machine in.

**nuisance26** · 10-15-2008, 09:14 AM

~I learned to sew on an ancient Singer that only had a straight stitch. I was truly thrilled when my parents gave me a closeout Brother machine that they'd snagged for around $50. It's pretty basic with just a straight stitch and a zig-zag. New machines are such a blessing when you're learning. Now that my machine is 15 years old I've had some tension issues too. What I've learned is that my problems were being caused by the way the machine wound the bobbins. For some reason it pulls the thread unevenly and it wrecks the tension while sewing. So I rig it when it's winding by running the thread through my fingers to keep it tight and even. You might try rewinding a bobbin to see if that might be the problem. If you decide to buy, I recommend getting a new, simple machine if you can find one for less than $100. Even if you pay less at a repair shop, you'll be getting an older machine with alot more features which increases the likelihood that something will go wrong which will run into costly repair shop visits.~

**ladykemma2** · 10-24-2008, 10:12 AM

a. change the thread and the bobbin thread. thread can age and get old.
b. adjust the tension in the bobbin. take out the bobbin. hold it dangling by the thread. jerk. it should drop. jerk, drop, jerk, drop. use the tiny screwdriver to adjust the tension.
c. are you using cheap thread?
d. did you accidentally wind button or heavy duty thread?
e. are you sewing flimsy, thin or cheap fabric?
f. are you using one brand of thread in the top and another brand of thread in the bottom. this will drive you nuts.

toile · 10-28-2008, 01:15 PM

I am wondering about all this myself.
Since the machine I want is very expensive, I chose the repair shop as a one time tests.
He supposedly will charge $49 but we will see.

I am truly looking forward to a new machine though with no headaches, instruction manual, and knowing what all the feet are for etc..

My hubby is good at oiling for me so I am ok there.

If you buy a new machine get one where you can access the bobbin easily.
My whole machine has to be taken apart to get to mine then the parts wont go back together or stay where they belong LOL?
I tried everything and now am paying this man to do it for me LOL.