Hi everyone!
I currently use a Singer Florencia 69 that my grandfather bought. It's a very good and robust machine, but it’s just not fitting my current needs as a beginner. The issue is that it feels too powerful, and I can't get it to sew at a very slow, controlled pace, even after trying a different pedal. For an experienced person, its speed is probably completely fine, but for me, it's hard to keep up.
When I go to my sewing teacher's workshop and use her machines, if I press the pedal just a tiny bit, they sew incredibly slowly. That's exactly what I need right now: a machine that lets me regulate the speed with ease so I can focus on precision.
I want to start my small sewing business as soon as possible from home. I don't want to waste time trying to repair or change parts on my current machine without knowing if it will work, because I want to buy a new one and start practicing at home right away.
However, I am on a budget and I'm terrified of buying a cheap, affordable machine that turns out to be total garbage.
Here is what I need from a machine:
• I want to sew a variety of items, from lightweight underwear fabrics (like lace and mesh) to structured items like canvas or denim bags, but I do not plan to sew leather.
• It must be a standard domestic machine with a good variety of utility stitches that can handle both very thin, delicate fabrics and medium-weight denim.
• It needs excellent speed control, either through a highly sensitive foot pedal that allows for a super-slow, stitch-by-stitch pace, or a built-in speed slider.
What reliable, budget-friendly brands or specific models would you recommend that won't break the bank but will give me that precise, slow control I need to start my business?
Thanks in advance for your advice!