I’ve been using my Janome Thread Banger for four years. Up till now, she has served me very well even though she had to endure my rough treatment. But finally, I think all my mistreatments have finally caught up with and now she has decided to start misbehaving. The stitches are uneven and the bobbin thread is pulled. I cleaned, oiled, tried different threads and fabrics, gave her much needed rest (4 days!), but nothing changed. I’m taking her to a local machine shop for a repair this weekend.
Right now I’m sewing with my mother’s sewing machine, a home machine by Toyo. It is terrible and doesn’t have any strength at all. I’m literally sewing at a snales pace; work that usually takes me an hour takes three hours with this little Toyo.
So I’m seriously considering purchasing an industrial sewing machine. I’m looking into Juki, specifically the DDL 5570N. It is an older model (they have since released 5571, 8000, and 9000) but I can seem to get the oder model without paying a fortune. It is a single needle, straigh stitch machine with automatic thread cutter and runs with servo moter. How many of you here use industrial sewing machines? Do you have any recommendations/advice? If you use home sewing machine, have you considered purchasing an indsutrial?
Shop Update – More Fall Pieces
Sneak peak – new creations for “after the carnival” shoot
Currently on My Sewing Table
Photoshoot at the Beach in Chiba
theperfectnose says
Err… sorry to hear of your hardware troubles-that is always a right drag to deal with. I don’t use industrial machines but Simon Henry uses Janome for sewing and Toyota for overlocking/ serging so I guess I can (indirectly and with no experience whatsoever) recommend those..
Chie says
Great info! Thank you. I don’t really hear any bad things about industrial sewing machines, my concern is when it breaks or needs maintenance, it costing a fortune..
Thewallinna says
残念
The more I use my electric machine, the more I think that I don’t really need one. At school, we all use partly industrial, party mechanical sewing machines. I really like the feel and the end result coming out an industrial machine! Go for it, it’s definitely worth buying! Especially, if sewing is your daily bread 😉
Chie says
I know すごい残念！What kind of school do you go to? Fashion school? I went to a sewing machine dealer yesterday and used what they called “professional” sewing machine. It’s half the speed of industrial, but it was still super fast and smooth! I love how it did not shake the table to sew too.
Thewallinna says
Sorry for the late reply. I go to ESMOD and study pattern-making. After I read this post of yours, I’ve done a serious research on sewing machines. Soon, we are moving from Japan and I will more likely sell my electronic sewing machine here and buy an industrial one in my “new” country 🙂
Your JUKI DDL-9000B is a stunner! I would like to hear more about your first impressions! 5000stitches/min YAAAAYY!
Chie says
Good luck to your move! My juki is great! Super fast! I had a trouble figuring out inserting a needle since it’s different from home machine, but once I figure that out, its working great!!
Hanna says
I don’t own an industrial machine myself but have been using Yuki industrial machines for a decade at school and work and they really are wonderful to sew on.
I’ve used a variety of models but my favourite is the newer machines that have silent engines, not sure what they are called but they are probably more expensive. If you can’t get one with the silent engine it is still totally worth getting a industrial machine, they are really the best machines to sew on.
Ella says
I don’t own an industrial, but I’ve used one. I know it was by Juki, but I don’t know what model it was :T It was good sewing, fast and powerful.
I own only home machines and I’d love to have an industrial! If only there was more space… Good luck with your current machine and your possible new one! 🙂
Chie says
Hi Ella, now that I did some research, I’m thinking of buying a newer model than Juki DDL 5570. Juki discontinued the model, so when I need to have it fixed they might not have any parts any longer. I use Juki overlocker, so that’s why I’m looking into the sewing machine in Juki too!
I know the industrial machines take a lot of space! I have to sort out the sewing space better 🙂
kris says
Hi! I actually just bought that older Juki DDL5570 used… I live in the los angeles fashion district and they sell them fairly cheap here… they are also easy to service here. i thought it would be better than spending more money on a newer model. I have to say I am totally in LOVE with it. The stitches are so perfect… and there is no fighting fabric with it. I was using an older bernette before. The power behind an industrial is amazing. so far, i’ve worked on everything from quilting to fine silks on it and no problems. not even a broken needle. i thought i’d miss the zig-zag capabilities of my home machine, but so far not. also the feet are very cheap. the invisible zipper foot works great.. i dont even have to pin it in place first. and the speed… it’s so fast! i don’t have to pin anymore. they do take up more space, but it’s worth it if you sew a lot.
Chie says
Hi Kris, thanks for the comment! You are so lucky to live near the fashion district and have easy access to maintenance services…While I was on the search for the machine, I checked out US sites too (ebay etc), and they were so much cheaper! Many DDL 9000 series were sold for less than 1000 dollars, although I had to pay more than a double amount here in Japan. Also the problem here is that the sewing machine mechanics are all older people and they don’t seem to have younger generation who are willing to take over their business. I wonder what would happen in next 20 years..I will need a maintenance guy!
Anyway, I hope you are enjoying your new industrial sewing machine! xo
Amber says
Hi Chie,
I am rather new to sewing and was wondering what you do if you need to use a zig zag stitch with your Juki? Do you just use your serger? Thanks!
Chie says
Hi Amber! I have a surger to finish the edges. I have the home sewing machine too, with decorative stitches.
Amber says
Oh, thank you for the information! I see now.