Sewing Machine broke last night…this looks interesting for a replacement:

Keep hitting the thrift stores. I have never paid more than $35. And my last find for $25 looks like brand new. Don't rush, look around.

Good luck. I'm sure you will find something soon. Let us know what you find! Any machine that has a bar tack function should have a zig zag stitch. You may have better luck just looking for a straight stitch and zig zag combo. No bar tack. You can make them yourself. It is just a zigzag stitch over a straight stitch.

I'm sorry, but $200 for that POS?! What's goin' on in Lincoln? Something in the water? When it comes to Singers, the only models you should be looking for are:

– 66/99
– 15-91
– 201
– 301
– 401-404
– 237

I browsed around your local CL, and came across this ad for a 404 & 501 (really, a 401 with a Rockateer shell):

http://lincoln.craigslist.org/fuo/3172749715.html

While it is true that these can be had for $25 if you're patient, $50 ain't bad, especially if you're in a pinch. I would run, not walk, if those machines are still available. Start @ $25.

The 500 series is very very similar to the 400 series. They are very good too.

Thanks a lot. I heard back from the seller that it was the 478 that is for $200 obo.

I wasn't looking to spend anywhere near $200 on a machine unless it was a commercial one and even then it's a big stretch for me…I would have probably offered $100 or less and hoped for the best but I'm going to hold off now and I've contacted the seller of the other two. Tons of useful information (listing models was more than I could have asked for) and thanks everyone!

I'll be sure to post back once I get a new machine or if I run into a machine that I'm unsure of.