I tested this machine for a small needlework shop to see if it were worth keeping around for emergencies and odd jobs.
Although the description claims that this little machine takes the "intimidation" out of sewing, it's really a fussy little gadget that best serves experienced stitchers in emergency situations or while travelling. To expect that a neophyte would be able to know how to adjust tension and manipulate fabric is to invite verbal abuse from those who don't know what they're doing.
One of the main flaws of this machine is not necessarily its mechanics (it's far noisier than a regular machine), but its accessories; it's shipped with a pack of bobbins and spools pre-wound with the worst thread imaginable: cheap, fuzzy, short-fiber spun polyester. Not only will spun polyester thread cause expensive machines to choke, but in this machine, it's a recipe for the disasters of tangling thread, throat plate jams and damaged needles.
The needles it's shipped with -inferior metal, semi-ball point -will only handle plain-woven midweight cotton fabric. If you attempt to stitch on stretch or knit fabric, be prepared for skipped stitches and jamming, unless you purchase ballpoint needles and long staple polyester thread. Woven fabrics are best stitched with sharp-point or universal point needles.
I was disappointed that I couldn't find a way to adjust stitch length, even though I've operated dozens of domestic, commercial, and industrial sewing machines. The "speed control" buttons are practically useless, and do not control the feed dogs. There is no reverse stitch control to form backstitching at the beginning and end of a seam.
I found the size of the power pedal small enough to hold between the knees (to keep it from "creeping").
When the proper thread and needles are used for the project (and again, a complete beginner would have no idea about using undamaged points or when to choose long staple poly or cotton) this machine stitches well enough for quick seams and hems.
If you're looking for a "first" sewing machine, buy one in the $80 $140 range from a shop where the staff are willing to help you learn to sew. The Euro-Pro Dressmaker 998B is NOT for raw beginners without an experienced sewing buddy, but for experienced or casual stitchers who use the proper thread & needles for small projects or emergency repairs.
Although the description claims that this little machine takes the "intimidation" out of sewing, it's really a fussy little gadget that best serves experienced stitchers in emergency situations or while travelling. To expect that a neophyte would be able to know how to adjust tension and manipulate fabric is to invite verbal abuse from those who don't know what they're doing.
One of the main flaws of this machine is not necessarily its mechanics (it's far noisier than a regular machine), but its accessories; it's shipped with a pack of bobbins and spools pre-wound with the worst thread imaginable: cheap, fuzzy, short-fiber spun polyester. Not only will spun polyester thread cause expensive machines to choke, but in this machine, it's a recipe for the disasters of tangling thread, throat plate jams and damaged needles.
The needles it's shipped with -inferior metal, semi-ball point -will only handle plain-woven midweight cotton fabric. If you attempt to stitch on stretch or knit fabric, be prepared for skipped stitches and jamming, unless you purchase ballpoint needles and long staple polyester thread. Woven fabrics are best stitched with sharp-point or universal point needles.
I was disappointed that I couldn't find a way to adjust stitch length, even though I've operated dozens of domestic, commercial, and industrial sewing machines. The "speed control" buttons are practically useless, and do not control the feed dogs. There is no reverse stitch control to form backstitching at the beginning and end of a seam.
I found the size of the power pedal small enough to hold between the knees (to keep it from "creeping").
When the proper thread and needles are used for the project (and again, a complete beginner would have no idea about using undamaged points or when to choose long staple poly or cotton) this machine stitches well enough for quick seams and hems.
If you're looking for a "first" sewing machine, buy one in the $80 $140 range from a shop where the staff are willing to help you learn to sew. The Euro-Pro Dressmaker 998B is NOT for raw beginners without an experienced sewing buddy, but for experienced or casual stitchers who use the proper thread & needles for small projects or emergency repairs.
