Simplicity BH600 The Blind Hemmer

I spent an extra cnote having the timing repaired. And it so happened that I already had a copy of the manual. Overall the machine works good for me. I do a lot of hemming so now I no longer have to hem most things by hand.

I would agree that the Simplicity BH600 does not take a long time to learn to use, but a better manual would really help. The instructions for threading are good, but not for other operational details. There are 3 knobs which can be adjusted to accommodate different fabrics, stitch length, depth, and thread tension. The manual tells you that much. However, it doesn't tell you what those things mean nor what the numbers mean or when you should turn the knobs which way.Take stitch length, for instance. On my old Singer machine stitch length meant the number of stitches per inch, and measured the distance the feed dogs moved the fabric per stitch. Higher numbers meant smaller stitches. On my Janome, stitch length refers to the number of millimeters the fabric moves per stitch the needle makes. Smaller numbers mean smaller stitches. I have no clue what the "stitch length" means on the BH600 or what is measured. The total information given is "Variable stitch length to customize the stitch for every fabric weight." Not a clue concerning what is measured (interval between stitches? length of the stitch from the edge of the fabric?) or when you should turn the dial one way or the other.Nevertheless, its compact size is very important for those of us who only need a blindhemmer once every couple of weeks, it stores very neatly in the box it ships in, and it worked well right away on the lightweight cotton the machine was set up for. I'm just afraid that it will be a bear when I have to try to figure out those knobs by trial and error.One year later: I would take away some stars at this point. The tension system is not at all robust in this machine. Even though I do not use the machine heavily, with months going by without using it, the tension mechanisms are totally shot. It started giving trouble just before the warranty was done and I contacted a certified shop to see about getting the machine worked on. I was told that the spring is a little weak, just take it out and stretch it a little. I did and that worked for a while, but it is pretty worthless now. I supplement the spring with a washer my husband found that is the right size, but the plastic knob that holds the tensioner parts together is also cracking.I would also not buy another straight needle hemmer. The problem with the straight needle is that a bar lifts the fabric up just as the needle is about to pierce the fabric. This tends to pull light-weight fabrics out of alignment, making the hem a little crooked unless you really fight it. All in all, I would not buy this machine again nor recommend it. Pay a little more and get a machine that is more robust and will work better.

I am a seamstress. I had one before this one for 14 years. I always said you are as good as your tools. This is a must for every seamstress

I recently purchased this machine from an auction site and was curious as to how much they are new. if anyone could help me out that would be greatly appreciated. I cant find any information on this item and could use any advise or tips. thanks in advance

I did not purchase through Amazon, but through another business. I do like the machine for it's efficiency. So much faster than sewing by hand and the stitching is uniform. It gives a professional look to your finished work. With that said, adjusting stitch length, tension, etc. is a guessing game. Would prefer to see more detailed explanation in the manual. Biggest pet peeve is that needles break. Frequently. Great value and portable.

For almost a year now, I have been doing the alterations and hemming for a local boutique. A lot of the nicer pants and skirts need to have a blind him. Hand sewing used to be the only option, but once this new service took hold, I was getting more and more garments to hem. I started researching a machine that would do this for me. This little gem has been a real life saver. It is very simple to use and the blind hem that it creats looks very professional. This machine allows the user to lengthen or shorten the stitch length and also the depth of the stitch for different fabrics. I don't know how I ever got along without this!The price is reasonable, the machine is a dream.

My wife has a Baby Lock BL-101 for more than 10 years. She enjoyed the machine very much and did a lot of sewing, and quilting works as hobby. However, the machine now need a replacement needle and the screw to tighten the needle. Can anyone help her locate a shop in Houston, or anywhere to find the kind of needle she needs (and screw if possible)????