Ripstop on the Record - The Sewing Machine Scoring Criteria

The Sewing Machine Scoring Criteria

03/29/23 • 72 min

Wouldn't it be nice if there was a scoring system that gave you quantitative info on what machine might be best for you? Heath Jackson has devoted the last 6 years to creating this tool.
Like many makers, he had a dream of making a project to enable his outdoor pursuits. What started as just a tool became his infatuation. Since then he has bought and restored over 30 machines. While working with these machines Heath, kept careful notes on 7 distinctive features. With the help of friendly internet compatriots the homemade spreadsheet has become fairly extensive.
Read our Blog on Choosing an Antique Sewing Machine with the Sewing Machine Scoring System
The Scoring System

1. Power - Not including industrial machines
2. Strength - Punching power
3. Finesse - How delicate of an item can you put through?
4. Machine Tolerance - Finely tuned or thrown together?
5. Durability - Is it metal parts or plastic parts?
6. Ease - Can I find information/parts about it?
7. Features - What are you trying to accomplish?

Machines MUST HAVES:

Has to have reverse
Round bobbin
Must have zigzag (for maker generalist mahcine)
Must have power/motor
Readily available for sale
Avoid non-metal plastic critical parts

Top Home Machines Mentioned:

Kenmore 1914 or1941
Necchi BU Mira
Pfaff 130, 1200 series, 117
Bernina X30 Series, 530-930 for mechanical, 1130, 1230 for motherboard
Singer 411G, Rocketeer 500 series with slant needle
Viking 19-22 series
Elna
Janome 50’s - 90’s any machine especially if made by New Home

Top Industrial Machines Mentioned:

Bernina 217 - $1,000
Pfaff 138
Brother TZ1-B652
Singer 20-U
Pfaff
Juki 8700
Consew Rb

Follow Heath on Instagram @77gearco

Find Us on Social Media 🚀
@RipstopbytheRoll
www.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a text

1. Power - Not including industrial machines
2. Strength - Punching power
3. Finesse - How delicate of an item can you put through?
4. Machine Tolerance - Finely tuned or thrown together?
5. Durability - Is it metal parts or plastic parts?
6. Ease - Can I find information/parts about it?
7. Features - What are you trying to accomplish?

Machines MUST HAVES:

Has to have reverse
Round bobbin
Must have zigzag (for maker generalist mahcine)
Must have power/motor
Readily available for sale
Avoid non-metal plastic critical parts

Top Home Machines Mentioned:

Kenmore 1914 or1941
Necchi BU Mira
Pfaff 130, 1200 series, 117
Bernina X30 Series, 530-930 for mechanical, 1130, 1230 for motherboard
Singer 411G, Rocketeer 500 series with slant needle
Viking 19-22 series
Elna
Janome 50’s - 90’s any machine especially if made by New Home

Top Industrial Machines Mentioned:

Bernina 217 - $1,000
Pfaff 138
Brother TZ1-B652
Singer 20-U
Pfaff
Juki 8700
Consew Rb

Follow Heath on Instagram @77gearco

Find Us on Social Media 🚀
@RipstopbytheRoll
www.ripstopbytheroll.com

Previous Episode

Women's Roundtable

Send us a text

In this episode, we'll dive into important factors to consider when designing for women, such as avoiding the "Shrink it and Pink it" mentality. Our guests will share their insights on this issue and how to approach designing for women in a thoughtful and inclusive way.

We'll also discuss common fit issues in women's outdoor gear, such as hip belts, and how they impact comfort and performance. Our guests will share their experiences and tips for addressing these issues and designing products that fit well and perform optimally. Material choice is also crucial when designing for women, and our guests will discuss the role it plays in ensuring a good fit and share their favorite materials for women's outdoor gear.

Roundtable Guests

Julianne Mahoney - @shopwildbrush
Francesca - @madeby_francesca
Kesniia - @functional_clothing_lab

Show Mentions

Pattern Adventure - Customizable Patterns
- https://www.patternadventure.com
0.75 oz MEMBRANE 10 Ripstop Nylon
1.8 oz AIRWAVETM Hybrid Ripstop Nylon
DIY Kits
Reddit MYOG
Salt Lake Sewciety
Challenge ECOPAKTM EPX200 - for Custom Printing
Challenge ULTRATM 200
pStyle
Kula Cloth
BIPOC Owned Gear Companies
Women-Owned Companies & Makers

Find Us on Social Media 🚀
@RipstopbytheRoll
www.ripstopbytheroll.com

Next Episode

How to Make Backpack Straps

Send us a text

Shoulder straps are like ***holes, everyone's got one and a lot of them stink. But life is way too short to live with uncomfortable shoulder straps. In this episode, we're going to give you all the pros and cons when it comes to making your own shoulder straps. Whether you're making your first pack and you need simplicity or looking to fine-tune your thru-hiking rig, you will leave with a much better idea of what you want to make.
Watch the Youtube episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIFBCiuABqM
Read the blog here: coming soon
Companies: