Toyota Sewing Machine 221

[GammaDelta]

Hi All,
I want to buy a second hand sewing machine to try my hand at sewing curtains. I dont want to spend much because I am not sure if the results will be good enough, and if they are not I might buy the curtains ready made. There is a Toyota 221 Sewing Machine available and I wanted your input if it is any good..
TIA.

I had a Toyota (not sure of the model) which lasted about 5 years doing kids' alterations, curtains and a bit of craft/patchwork. It had up, down, zig zag and a few decorative stitches based on zigzag. It was a good little machine and apart from clearing out the fluff from under the base plate and general oiling I did no maintenance.
BUT....when it did break down (the side wheel jammed, stopped moving and fried the motor) that was it: the repair shop refused to even open it.

So if you are only interested in a cheap second hand workhorse, I'd recommend it. Give it a practice run before you buy, to see if they've messed up the upper or lower tension with too much fiddling, which makes great big loopy stitches. In that case you'll need to take it back to the original settings (youtube will show you how). Start off with a new needle (so no snagging or mangling of your cloth). Ask them for the instructions and accessories (button holer or zipper foot) they may have put to one side, but which are sometimes stored in the pull-out section under the bobbin case.

Just don't expect it to be repaired!

Thanks sgtmajormummy... We finally bought another one. . hope it works