a cam is an item you insert in a special slot so that the machine forces the needle to move around in a pattern (years ago I had a Montgomery Ward machine which used cams to make decorative designs) Carolyn

This is a really neat presser foot. I'm thinking of ordering one for myself as it replaces several I have with my machine. BUT, in the list of things it does below, 1/4" narrow seams is listed. I would think that if this is true a broken needle would not be necessary. Again, I'm probably missing something here. Are you wanting to sew the seam on the opposite side from the way it would normally be sewn with this foot? Satin Stitch Edges Lettuce Edges Wire Edges Fishing Line Edges Corded Edges Cutwork Satin Stitch Edges Appliqué Enhancements Petite And Invisible Appliqué Trapunto Appliqué Invisible Binding T Shirt Hems Blind Hems 1/16" to 1/4" Narrow Seams Stitch In A Ditch 1/16"- 1/4" Top Stitching 1/16"- 1/4" Pin tucks 1/16"- 1/4" Edge Stitching Satin Stitch Edge Stitching Feather Stitch Appliqué Blanket Stitch Appliqué Echo Stitching Edge Joining Overcasting Overlocking If all it does is make stitching in the ditch easier it would be worth it to me.

I'll take one of those old metal straight stitch machines any day of the week. They literally don't make them like that anymore. No, straight stitch machines don't mean you can't do buttonholes other than by hand! I have, and occasionally use, a late 1800's model treadle machine and there are more attachments on that little sweetheart than I have ever seen with one machine in my life, including a buttonholer. It has bias cones, rufflers, feed dog dummies, darners and things I have never sat down and figured out. It just really depends on where you want to go with your sewing. I have one of those cheap plastic junk brothers, in addition to four other vintage machines and my mother's wonderful old Necchi and also one of my MIL's machines. The only options I use often, aside from straight stitch is the zig zag and the button hole and button attaching function a zig zag stitch gives you. I have made at least twelve quilts on that machine. What I dislike about some of the new machines is their lack of ram force on the needle. It's hard to work with heavy fabric. I just started back into some clothes sewing, and yeah......to be honest a serger would be nice.

Start by a thorough cleaning and oiling. Remove all the access plates you can find. Take pictures before and after so you know what goes where. Starting at the power end, turn the hand wheel and spray WD-40 liberally onto every joint that's moving. Wipe off the excess. Work your way down to the needle end. There are a LOT of joints that wiggle in there. Remove any lint and debris as you find it, and look for broken or cracked cams. Remove the bobbin holder and the shield plate for the bobbin mechanism (I found a rats-nest of broken threads behind mine). WD-40 that too. Let it sit overnight with some cloth under the needle holder to catch the drips and repeat. Adjust the belt tension, adjust the bobbin tension, adjust the upper tension. Double check the threading pattern. Try it again ... if it's still not working, you have a mechanical problem.