I have a 1960's all metal Singer 197B straight stitch machine that in 95% AMAZING, I absolutely love it. The one thing that lets it down is the amount of "creep" of the top fabric over the bottom on thicker fabrics even if you tension the bottom piece. As I sew historical suits and trousers this is a problem.
I am regularly using 16oz to 24oz cloth.
I think I need to buy a "walking foot" machine and was thinking of the Pfaff Select 3.2 - at €800 this is a LOT of month for me.
Before I order this - does anyone with experience of sewing heavy wool cloth / this machine / other machines / this problem have any advice for me?
[Ive tried the walking foot attachments but they cause more problems than they solve]
Before investing in a new machine, there are things you can do to help eliminate creep.
1. Lightly tension the cloth as you sew: gently pulling from behind and from in front in equal measure (to cancel the forces), allowing the dogs to feed material through.
2. Try a roller foot. You can buy them for low-shank machines. The rollers can scar cloth, however, so you may need to reduce foot pressure. These feet work incredibly well and are a hell of a lot cheaper than a new machine.
I don't have a walking foot machine. I have only seen them sold for around €1500. If you can get one at €800, I would say it's a good buy.