Sewing Machine Help?

[dakotanorth]

Alright, I've got this idea in my head that I can find a keyhole buttonhole machine, used, for a GOOD price (say, $300 tops?) but it's not working out too well.
Does anyone know of a way to buy used industrial machines? I know a lot of the home Bernina/Pfaff/Singer machines have buttonhole features, but 1. they don't radiate around the circle end and 2. they don't allow buttonhole twist to be added.
I've done TONS of keyword searches on Ebay, Google, Craigslist, etc. Anything that isn't on the web might help! [huh] :eusa_doh:

 

[Lady Day]

Ah, the keyhole button hole
The high end Berninas have that button hole, but those are starting at $1200.

eBay sells used industrials. Good luck.

LD

 

[Elaina]

You can also try the buttonhole attachment route. I just put 1 1/4" keyhole buttonholes on a coat I made today using a Singer attachment, not a machine...but does the trick.

 

[Snookie]

I think looking diligently on Craigslist is the key for an industrial. You can also try Apparel News. http://www.apparelnews.net/classifieds/ But I think that Craigslist is the best bet.

I think that you'll have more luck looking for a buttonhole attachment on Ebay. Anyone have info on how to find an attachment that's compatible with your machine?

When I got a new machine last year, getting a keyhole buttonhole was a major thing for me.

 

[KittyT]

What is the advantage of keyhole buttonholes? Are there practical considerations, or are they purely an aesthetic garment detail?

 

[dakotanorth]

Follow-up: keyholes

Thanks everyone, I guess Time and Luck will be the driving forces. Someone also mentioned the Ventura College Flea Market (I live in Ventura County.)

The keyhole buttonhole, for KittyT: They do look better than a typical buttonhole, more stylized, but they are also easier to work with when you're wearing them. I've noticed you almost always see them on overcoats, most likely b/c the buttons are big and you might actually be wearing gloves at the time. Plus, just because they have that little hole at the end, the button passes through better. I think in general they are a buttonhole that looks more finished.

I should note though to all- the rotary attachments for your home machine work differently. Even if they sew a keyhole, they still zig zag from left to right. As you go around the circle, you get a "flat tire" shape on the end. A true machine will radiate around the circle. Plus, you usually can't use buttonhole twist (twine) in the attachment.

Snookie, I'm not totally sure on this, but I think the biggest factor is whether your machine is high, medium, or low shank???? I can't recall, but I bought a random one and it worked on my machine. Two different labels, two different eras (both vintage though). If your machine is new they might have recommended labels on a website.

 

[Lady Day]

Most of the new machines Ive come across are low shank. I know this because I spent three weeks looking for a new zipper foot. I have a 3/4" gap between my shank (slanted needle) and presser foot. Im a mid shank, crap. But I did find the presser foot yay eBay!

Good luck on the keyhole venture. I agree, they are a fine looking finish.

LD

 

[dakotanorth]

Machines

Oh god, it's beautiful....

http://www.amfreece.com/video/s101.wmv

Turns out these machines weigh about 55 lbs!! I'm not even sure if I have a table that could support one... if I could afford one.

 

[Lady Day]

Wow, sewing machine porn!

Thats cool!

LD

 

[BellyTank]

Make them by hand..?

Takes a lot o practice.

I have a book, which explains how to do proper "handworked" buttonholes, reinforcing with gimp, to fill out the stitching, make a crisp edge and shape and tighten the buttonhole.
If you're interested, I can try and scan and post it.

Actually- this page explains it, I think.

http://vintagesewing.info/1930s/33-pt/pt-03.html

and look at this:

http://www.chholderby.com/IndSew/Buttonhole Machine.htm
(the illustrations)


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