View Full Version : Sewing Machine: Singer 5532 Heavy Duty vs. Baby Lock BL9
I found a good place for sewing lessons - very close by and I can bring my machine to learn on it. They offer private and group classes. So all good.
Except.... when talking with the instructor who was there with a client, she told me emphatically that my Singer 5532 Heavy Duty sewing machine I bought at Costco a couple of years ago is "difficult to operate and worthless." She tried to sell me a Baby Lock BL9 and said that it is a far superior machine for what I want. Hmmm.... BS or good advice?
What I want is to do basic household sewing tasks like:
1. Hemming (including jeans, which she said the Singer absolutely can't handle, and which the Amazon reviews and Singer description say that the Singer can handle great). I'm 5'1", Dh is 5'6" so having a machine that can hem pants is a high priority.
2. I also want to do things like attach zippers to pillow covers so I can throw them in the wash.
3. Basic sewing of simple items. I'm not a decorative sewer, a quilter, or a crafter, so I'm looking for simple, efficient, and sturdy. Which is why I bought the Heavy Duty.
Please help me figure out how much of what she said is sales pitch bs and how much is true. I've never opened the Singer box, so feasibly I can still return the machine, although I would rather not, since I've had it for a while. I did read that Baby Locks generally have good reviews; but I don't need two machines, and I don't want to get rid of something decent if I don't have too.
:help:
Hmm..I haven't bought a machine for a long time--I gave my DD an inexpensive entry-level one with a minimum of electronics and just good basic mechanics, and I think that's all you need, too.
I don't know a lot about sewing machines, but I know that I learned on a Singer portable (circa 1910) and I made tons of clothes for high school on that machine. DH gave me a new machine for our first Christmas married, and it was fine, but it didn't make a HUGE difference in what I was able to do with my Singer.
Sewing machines are fundamentally simple machines. As long as it's reasonably easy to thread and it responds to tension adjustments and it sews a straight line, I don't think you have to fall for her pitch. Of course, I'm not saying she's wrong from her POV… it's like a sommelier telling a casual wine drinker that they couldn't POSSIBLY stomach a Sutter Hill, when the Sutter Hill drinker probably can't tell the difference between a $5 dollar bottle of wine and a $500 one.
What I'd likely do is just use the machine I already have for the lessons and see how it does, and then once I had more knowledge of both the machine and sewing in general, decide if I needed to upgrade. There is no point in a beginner spending a lot of money initially when there's no guarantee that you are even going to like spending a lot of time with a hobby or even will need all the "features" of a newer machine. I know people who prefer their 100 year old treadle sewing machines over anything they make nowadays. Simple, easy-to-use, and doesn't stop working in a power outage. :)
Catherine - so funny, and so true! The only thing I worry about is whether the machine can handle the thickness of denim, so it's more a function rather than aesthetic issue for me. I think the new fancier options have made machines more exclusive in what they can and can't do. The old machines were workhorses!
Rebecca - the only thing is I don't want to end up with more than one machine. Maybe it's unrealistic to expect one machine to do all the basics that I want, I don't know. When I told the instructor that I didn't want 2 machines, she replied that she had 15 and was wanting another one. I know of others who have over a dozen sewing machines, all with different "specialties" but the idea of that makes me cringe. I want easy and simple - 1 machine. I wouldn't feel comfortable returning the machine if I've already used it.
Is this the machine that you have?
http://www.amazon.com/5532-Extra-High-Machine-Stainless-Bedplate/dp/B0092RC3YI
Under questions, it says it can sew denim and leather with the right needle, and there are people in the comments that talk about using it for jeans too. I didn't really look at a lot of the comments though, but if this *is* your machine, you might want to look through them to see what people are saying and get a better idea for what people are using it for.
Total BS. And this comes from a 40+ year sewer and heavy user. If your machine sews, it should do all that you listed very competently. She is just trying to sell you something. If I was looking for a simple workhorse, I would get an old used machine off craigslist. $50-$100 should get you a very good machine. Otherwise, just ignore her sales pitch. I know I am going to get a sales pitch in every store when I just look towards their machines.
Some sewers/quilters have very rigid rules about what is right. We call them the quilt police behind their backs and merrily go our own way. There is rarely one best way or one best tool or machine.
Rebecca - I did read some of those reviews and several of them say that the machine handles denim just fine, even multiple layers of it. That's why I bought it. Of course with the internet you never really know who's writing the reviews.
Sweetana - Thank you! I'm starting to get really annoyed with the sales BS lately. I don't mind when store employees make recommendations, but I do get bothered when they present something as fact, when it is not. It's a lousy practice and lousy business. I guess management doesn't understand that repeat business is based on trust, and that one incident of BS is likely to sour a customer permanently. I really, really want to support local businesses, especially family-owned and long-standing ones, as this store is, but I'm feeling pretty irritated with them right now.
On a positive note, I just discovered TechShop http://www.techshop.ws/ . Anyone have experience with them? They have a facility nearby which offers sewing classes - the beginning class is 1.5 hr for $55 for non-members and it offers a small class size (4 students), using their machines. It would give me the chance to try out different machines and ask questions of the trainers and learn how to evaluate what my machine can do and whether it will serve my purpose.
They also have an amazing variety of machines and tools that you can use and take classes in, including woodworking, metals, 3D printing, etc. You can book their machines for 2 hr periods and work on your own projects. It's a huge facility. That might be a nice way to go. Maybe I'll convince Dh to go with me. It would be something fun to do together and he would get a kick out of checking out all the woodworking tools and machines. And probably the 3D printer >8)!
Yep you always have to take reviews with a grain of salt. Still, I doubt they would all be conspiring together to deceive people into thinking the machine could handle denim if it doesn't. Would just be too weird...but then, internet. :)
That Techshop place sounds great! Wish there was one in my area!
I agree w/Bekkilynn. You're Singer machine should work just fine for the tasks you've mentioned with the correct needles.
My Singer is similar, just not the heavy duty version, and I'm able to gently work heavy projects like jeans through it. It's just a basic machine that sews up everything from hems to bicycle bags to huge art installations.
Disparaging a potential customers previous purchase is a very poor sales tactic. Clearly very stupid on her part. Enjoy the Singer you already own as it very likely exactly what you are looking for :)
I've sewn for 50 years and would say that Singer should be fine! I've only had two machines my whole life- a Montgomery Ward and this new one is a White- pretty basic and does all you stated you wanted it to do. You might even tell the sales person that her pitch was offensive...or not. Just show her as you take the class!!!
Tussiemussies
8-13-15, 11:21pm
I looked at a heavy duty singer in the vacuum repair shop just for handling thick materials, they did do a sales pitch by sewing through a piece of wood, that was thicker than an ice pop stick.
I had an older singer that wasn't made out of plastic and I had given it away and now wished I didn't . How about if you try your first class with your own machine and see how it goes.
Weren't those heavy-duty Singers used in Home-Ec classes?
Here is the write-up from Singer.
http://www.singerco.com/products/2241/5532-heavy-duty-studio
Here is the write-up from Babylock
http://babylock.com/sewing/bl9/
I've been sewing over 40 years. I've never used Singer and I sew on babylock and an old steel husquevarna. What I read here on the Singer you own: it will be great for what you want. IMO it offers you more versatility than the Babylock she wants to sell you.
I feel silly owning 2 machines but after 9y of schlepping all my gear back/forth (my old Husq is steel and weighs a ton), I spent money on some simple basic duplication and a very basic straight stitch babylock just for my quilting at the cabin.
There are many quilters out there who own tons of machines-they collect them. To each her/his own.
My suggestion is to tell her you like your machine and will not be spending money on a 2nd. Would she like to teach you to use it or does she prefer you find someone else?
ps Others have mentioned that there are "Jeans" needles. It is helpful to use the correct needle for the material. Here is a good PDF on available needles. I googled "choosing the right sewing machine needle" and got a bunch of good sites.
http://www.joann.com/on/demandware.static/Sites-JoAnn-Site/Sites-joann-project-catalog/-/images/hi-res/project/pdf/PA00223.pdf
i have been on my phone and so i couldn't reply but i agree, teaching you to sew does not require replacing a machine before you have even threaded the needle.
that place you pay for classes sounds amazing, i should look in my area in case i want to learn different things than sewing.
She must get a kick-back from Babylock (which I'd honestly never heard of). I've always had a singer. Changing needles for heavier stuff is a good idea. Though I did just sew some patches (used one pair of jeans to patch another) using the regular needle on my cheapo Singer from wal-mart that has been going strong for 15 years. I gave back to my mom the cabinet singer that she bought in 1960. It's still going strong too.
Thank you everyone. It was such a shock to be told my new $200 machine was worthless by a professional in the field. I did see on the store website that they don't sell Singer machines, and they probably do get heavy kick-backs for Babylock, whom I hadn't heard of either. I will not be taking my classes there, as I want to have a measure of trust and confidence in the person who I would be learning from. A shame for them because they are less than a mile from my house and I would have been happy to patronize them for many years.
But I'm excited about the new place I found for classes. Dh and I will take a class there together :) next month and they have access to Long Arm quilters and industrial sewing and serger machines should I ever need them for a project. I can imagine someday tackling new covers for my sofa cushions now that the dogs and cats make themselves comfortable on them. And it will be cool to be in such a creative and productive environment. I read that the community there is great, very supportive and helpful. I'm excited!
I really appreciate all the responses from you guys. :thankyou:
Glad you found a new place and it sounds great!
Things I've made with my cheapo Singer: lots of dog beds, carry cases for DH's wood flutes, my table napkin therapy (over 400 by now), many costumes, a moveable puppet theater (on spring rods so the boys could hang it in doorways), curtains, pillows, quilted bookmarks, skirts, aprons, bags, fitted covers for 2 sofas, a gazillion mending projects, fitted heavy duty table covers and display covers.
Have fun with your new creative community!
I'm not really sure since I've never used one, but isn't a Babyloc just a serger? And aren't sergers used mostly for seams and finishing edges? Are they all-purpose?
Babylock makes sewing machines too now.
rodeosweetheart
8-16-15, 11:28am
I actually just bought this sewing machine for sewing on fabric like blue jean material. I think it's kind of a replacement for the old Singer industrial- a lighter home use version?
anyway, from the reviews, it seems perfect for what you want to do, a nice little machine.
Babylock makes sewing machines too now.
Oh! I did not know that!
This past weekend I went to a Quilt! Knit! Stitch! show over in PDX and it was the slow part of the afternoon on the last day of the show. A sewing machine vendor stopped me and asked me if I'd like to see a demonstration. Sure, I said, why not! Then she asked me what kind of machine I had. I replied I have a 70's vintage, boat anchor Kenmore. She and the other woman just looked at each other like "what can we show this woman? Sniff!" It was hysterical. They had all kinds of fancy stuff on display they'd made, but just showed me how to zip up a simple cosmetic bag. Ha! They looked totally flummoxed, like they didn't know how to dumb it down for me.
Float-on: that's exactly the kind of stuff I want to do once I can sew! I'm really looking forward to it. I have this vintage flat sheet with tiny yellow flowers on it and I want to make it into kitchen curtains. I can't wait to get all my projects under way.
Rodeosweetheart: have you used the machine yet? Let me know how you like it!
KayLR: too funny! :D
I'm getting antsy to open up my machine and give it a go, but I'm really clumsy with machinery and I'd hate to break something. I might have to try some of those youtube videos while I wait for my class! :)
rodeosweetheart
8-23-15, 7:59am
Rodeosweetheart: have you used the machine yet? Let me know how you like it!
)
It's on the pod waiting for transit back from SC, so I will get it back within a couple of weeks and I'll unbox and try it then and let you know!
I'm getting antsy to open up my machine and give it a go, but I'm really clumsy with machinery and I'd hate to break something. I might have to try some of those youtube videos while I wait for my class! :)
Go for it! Start here:
55 minute beginner tutorial:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6B5ESdyWeIhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_WTMH-oTOY
THreading:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0r0o5fWHZU
Threading Bobbin:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mABpFePaS10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byp4d78AfRM
THere are so many YouTube videos on your machine. There is NOOOOOO way this is a bad machine:cool:
I can't wait to see what you do first!!!;)
Oh! I did not know that!
This past weekend I went to a Quilt! Knit! Stitch! show over in PDX and it was the slow part of the afternoon on the last day of the show. A sewing machine vendor stopped me and asked me if I'd like to see a demonstration. Sure, I said, why not! Then she asked me what kind of machine I had. I replied I have a 70's vintage, boat anchor Kenmore. She and the other woman just looked at each other like "what can we show this woman? Sniff!" It was hysterical. They had all kinds of fancy stuff on display they'd made, but just showed me how to zip up a simple cosmetic bag. Ha! They looked totally flummoxed, like they didn't know how to dumb it down for me.
KayLR - I wonder if you and I have the same "boat anchor Kenmore" from the 1970's! I bought mine in the summer of 1977 with my high school graduation money and still have (and use) it. Boat Anchor is right, LOL!
KayLR - I wonder if you and I have the same "boat anchor Kenmore" from the 1970's! I bought mine in the summer of 1977 with my high school graduation money and still have (and use) it. Boat Anchor is right, LOL!
We may have! Mine was a wedding gift from my mother-in-law...in 1977! It's kind of a beige color, with no chrome-y knobs or buttons. Everything is beige. It does a number of overcasting and zigzag stitches, stretch stitches, etc. and came with zipper attachments and several feet. I remember at the time how much I loved it because of the free arm capability.
Go for it! Start here:
55 minute beginner tutorial:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6B5ESdyWeIhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_WTMH-oTOY
THreading:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0r0o5fWHZU
Threading Bobbin:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mABpFePaS10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byp4d78AfRM
THere are so many YouTube videos on your machine. There is NOOOOOO way this is a bad machine:cool:
I can't wait to see what you do first!!!;)
Thank you for this Gardnr! I tend to find youtube overwhelming and it was so nice to have something to go to right away. These were very helpful. You rock! And after using it last night - you are RIGHT! This is a GOOD machine!
This week I was walking my dogs and ran into an old friend and it turns out she can do basic sewing and has a machine similar to mine so she came over to teach me how to do the basics on my machine and is willing to do weekly classes for me until I get comfortable with it. We had a really good time. And she'll do it for free! I tutored her for free a few years ago on something else and she is delighted to return the favor.
Next week we are going to make new covers for my kitchen stools for the seat and back with some beautiful fabric that I have already. We are both very excited. She's looking forward to getting out of the house and doing something fun and wants to share some of her sewing tools with me so I can learn what they all do. She's a lovely woman and I'm looking forward to spending time with her. And I'll save the money I was going to spend on the basic class. A huge win/win for everyone!
Thank you for this Gardnr! I tend to find youtube overwhelming and it was so nice to have something to go to right away. These were very helpful. You rock! And after using it last night - you are RIGHT! This is a GOOD machine!
And I'll save the money I was going to spend on the basic class. A huge win/win for everyone!
Yippee!!!! I am so happy for you that you "jumped". That first leap is the hardest! I totally understand how intimidating something new can be especially when it involves electricity and a big chunk of $.
And how incredibly AWESOME you found a sewing a mentor with whom to trade skills:cool:
There may come a time when you choose to spend $ on a class. I quilted over 10y before I took my first quilt class (and I've only ever taken 3).
I cannot WAIT to see what you produce with your sewing machine. So very cool that we can put pics in our messages here!
Happy sewing!
Tussiemussies
8-30-15, 2:34am
WG, that is so fantastic that you have just the right sewing mentor now, and that you can see that your machine is a real workhorse. I'm also looking forward to seeing what you make!
rodeosweetheart
12-10-15, 3:33pm
Just got my same Singer Heavy duty machine going and I LOVE it--it's fantastic and nice and simple. I usually sew with an ancient Featherweight which I also love, but it needs a tune up, and this thing is a souped up workhorse!
Chicken lady
12-10-15, 3:46pm
If she can't teach you to use the machine you have, you need a better teacher.
I have a 30 y.o. Singer and my only complaint is the tension adjustment goes off - but that may just be age and wear.
Sometimes I fantasize about a classic Bernina like my friend had 20 years ago.....
I think you should start the class and see how it goes. The comment the instructor made sounded a bit rough. I wouldn't buy another one until you really feel you can't do certain things you want to do on your present one. Don't let her intimidate you into buying before you even get started. She probably doesn't want to work with that machine......but that's her problem.
I'm still using my mother's Singer that she bought in about 1962. Works just fine.
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