Re: Use of chainstitch sewing machine?

On Tue, 07 Oct 2008 20:34:07 -0500, Bill Boyce <w_boyce@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Most chainstitch machines I've heard of are heavy duty and used as "bag
closers", like on jute feedbags, etc. In the home sewing arena, I've
heard of attachments to convert a conventional machine to chain stitch.
Lastly, I've heard of people learning to sew on one as a child, so maybe
they predated lockstitch machines.


My mother in law still has her grandmother's chainstitcher, which was used
for her childhood dresses, among other things. She discovered she could
get sent home from school if she picked the stitching out... ;-)

What are the advantages of a chainstitch machine and how are they
usually used in the home/factory today to advantage? I only can think of
the advantage of uninterrupted sewing because of no bobbin to fill and
the fact that they make more spm.

There are single thread chainstitchers and double thread. I think the double
thread (with a bobbin) were and are more common. It's great to have a
chainstitch handy for basting, and I use the chainstitch on my coverstitch
machine for doing padding stitching for working hand embroidery over.

I'm looking for an excuse to buy an old timer I found to restore, but
would like to have a use for it when it's done. Any ideas? JPBill

Buy it, restore it, and sell it at a profit if you don't want to use it...


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