Sewing Machines
Your new best friend
We are currently stockists for Silver Viscount – a UK-based company known for quality and reliability.
We have basic machines suitable for occasional sewers and beginners all the way up to computerised embroidery machines. We also use Silver sewing machines in all our classes so we really put them through their paces. Not sure what you need? Come and talk to us and take one for a test drive!
Or maybe you’re interested in an overlocker? We stock Silver overlockers that are a joy to use. Not sure how to use one? Book in for a 2-hour overlocker lesson and learn what these wonderful machines can do!
Sewing Machine Information
There are 2 main types of sewing machine: mechanical and computerised.
Mechanical
These start at a lower price and are easy to maintain with less parts to go wrong and even the most basic machines will have all the stitches you need. However, mechanical machines are not just for beginners or for those who undertake occasional sewing, they are good, reliable machines that can be used for almost anything.
Computerised
They certainly look more complicated, but don’t let that put you off, just because there is a digital display does not mean that they are impossible to figure out. They tend to have a few optional extras that can make life easier such as needle position adjustment, and the option to secure your stitches at the beginning and end, rather than using the reverse button. They also have a myriad of additional stitches from the utility stitches, several options of buttonhole and a whole array of different embroidery stitch options.
Overlockers
An overlocker is designed to join the edges of one or two pieces of cloth with an overcast/overlock stitch and cut off the seam allowance as it sews. Simply put, an overlocker can sew, overcast, and trim excess seam allowance all in one pass. The overcast it creates locks around the seam to ensure that fabric edges won’t unravel. While its function is more specialized, an overlocker can really speed things up and produces a neat, professional-looking finish.
The Silver 720D is a lightweight 3,4 thread machine with built-in tension adjusting device, differential feed and stitch length (1.1-4.0) functions, automatic looper threader, built-in rolled hem and upper knife clutch device and a detachable extension plate for free arm sewing. It has a variable stitch width of 2.3 – 7.0mm and an automatic safety switch which is activated when the looper cover is opened. Colour-coded thread paths aid quick threading and a tension release button enables you to remove fabric easily whilst maintaining pre-set tensions.
Repairs & Servicing
Professional help for your sewing machine
We expect a lot from our sewing machines so it’s important to look after them. Servicing your machine is essential and we are here to make it easy for you. Simply drop off your machine at the shop and we will arrange for it to be serviced or repaired and you can collect it the following week. This service also includes overlockers.
Or maybe your machine is unhappy and needs some specific attention? If it’s a repair that’s needed we can arrange that too.
Trouble Shooting
Have your sewing machine at the ready, but try these quick fixes to see if the problem is resolved
- Turn the sewing machine off, take out the thread and the bobbin. Rethread and try again!
- Change your needle! Bird’s nest of tangled thread on the underside of your fabric? Skipped stitches? Try changing the needle and make sure it is the correct type and size for the fabric you are sewing.
- Give your machine a clean. Fluff from fabric and thread gathers inside the machine and can cause problems with stitching. Check your manual to see how to clean it (it’s a very easy job but very important).
- Fabric not feeding through? Ensure that the machine has enough fabric to “get hold of” at the beginning. Also, check that the feed dogs haven’t been dropped for darning or free motion embroidery.
- If the machine is jammed and won’t sew, don’t panic! Remove the fabric, you may need to tug at it gently, and ensure that the needle is in the highest position. Remove the bobbin and throat plate if necessary and take out the jammed threads. Rethread and all should be fine.
- If your thread breaks or shreds, check that you are using suitable, good quality thread and the correct size needle. Unthread your machine and re-thread it and you’ll be ready to sew again.
Anything else causing problems? Refer to your manual or give us a call. It maybe that your machine would benefit from a service, especially if it has been used lots!