I received this wonderful gift for my 48th birthday. Those who follow my blog, you know that I gifted two of the first three machines I ever owned (Singer 247 & JCP 7064). Additionally, you know that I currently have in production two sewing machines (Brother XL3200 & Viking Emerald 183) along with two serger/overlock.
Not one machine failed me. With minor maintenance: required needle/bobbin, bulb change, dusting, oiling, and covering, they keep rolling right along, humming that precision tune.
My latest gift, an estimated 25+ year old Brother VX-950 deserves an ovation.
It is essentially the marriage and best features of all of the machines I ever owned. Like the Singer 247, it is heavy duty, and I mean heavy. I know that the parts are steel and thus durable. Though smaller in size than the Emerald 183, this gal is sturdy and heavier...go figure!
Anxious like it's Christmas, I removed the machine and plugged it in, searching for its maintenance page in the owner's manual. All machines require maintenance between use. Even if it has not been in production for years, it still requires the same love as if it was regularly stamping out garments several times per week!
As you can see it has a boatload of stitches and for a dated model, quite similar to my JCP 7064, i.e. a reverse stitch button, and electronic digital display that provides a 'cheat sheet' to operate the indicated stitch on the dial.
What I needed to get started: oiled its required parts, adjusted the upper thread/bobbin tensions, and changed its needle...then off it went!!!
I absolutely love this machine. I am so unbelievably grateful for this gift. The universe has conspired to gift me with such a wonder and I will cherish it always!
If you own a similar model, and you have some questions about it or you saw one and wondered more about its operations, leave me a message below and I will return your question a.s.a.p.
Not one machine failed me. With minor maintenance: required needle/bobbin, bulb change, dusting, oiling, and covering, they keep rolling right along, humming that precision tune.
My latest gift, an estimated 25+ year old Brother VX-950 deserves an ovation.
It is essentially the marriage and best features of all of the machines I ever owned. Like the Singer 247, it is heavy duty, and I mean heavy. I know that the parts are steel and thus durable. Though smaller in size than the Emerald 183, this gal is sturdy and heavier...go figure!
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| Brother VX-950 Electronic Sewing Machine |
As you can see it has a boatload of stitches and for a dated model, quite similar to my JCP 7064, i.e. a reverse stitch button, and electronic digital display that provides a 'cheat sheet' to operate the indicated stitch on the dial.
What I needed to get started: oiled its required parts, adjusted the upper thread/bobbin tensions, and changed its needle...then off it went!!!
I absolutely love this machine. I am so unbelievably grateful for this gift. The universe has conspired to gift me with such a wonder and I will cherish it always!
If you own a similar model, and you have some questions about it or you saw one and wondered more about its operations, leave me a message below and I will return your question a.s.a.p.
thanks for your post. just bought one without the pedal which I will order tomorrow. happy that u are enthusiastic about the machine..
ReplyDeleteI still love it! Thanks!
DeleteI just bought one and thrilled with it. I need to get the cover for the free arm l part if you have any idea where I could order .
ReplyDeleteSorry for the delay in replying. You can check eBay, SewingParts.com.
Deletehi i was wondering if its a machine thats hard to fix i received one recently but it doesn't move when i press the pedal
ReplyDeleteYou may need to replace the power/pedal. The machine is a dream. It does not require anything more than dusting, lubricating, and it works like a dream.
DeleteTwo of the pieces that hold the bobbin in are catching on mine.( my original machine from 1980's). Help?
ReplyDeleteMake sure those parts of the bobbin case assembly seat (shuttle hook) are positioned per instructions.
Delete1. Rethread bobbin.
2. Make sure bobbin is inserted correctly in the case, forming a "p" ( groove of the case sits left, thread also sits to your left)
3. Dust for lent.
I just got one of these from my mom! It has not been used for years , do I need to oil ? What kind of oil? I do have the manual . I’m so excited after reading your review .
ReplyDeleteGreat! I would definitely give it a brush up, dust off, and oiling after a sit. Enjoy~
DeleteWhat year was this model made? I just got one given to me. The cord is good but doesn't move when pedal is pressed. Going to dust it real well and oil it. Fingers crossed.
ReplyDeleteI believe it was made in the late 80's. I had JCPenney's version then, and the person who gifted this to me bought it in college in the late 80's.
DeleteJust bought one, vx970, question I how to get it to straight stitch & not zig-zag? Also is the 970 a dream to own as the 950? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI would say it should be. They are pretty close. To get your straight stitch, change your stitch length on the dial. Here's a manual for the vx950. https://www.manualslib.com/manual/442489/Brother-Vx-950.html?page=23
DeleteDoes it have decorative stitches?
ReplyDeleteYes it does. It has quite a few decorative & satin stitches, with 21 stitches overall.
DeleteI just recently found a Vx-950 at a thrift store. There is a piece missing where the needle goes. I have searched and searched. Can you help me?
ReplyDeleteHi Carmen, SewingParts.com is pretty handy for carrying older model machines spare parts.
DeleteThis little machine has been a true workhorse gor me. I have one that I bought in the early 80's. It was to supplement my Kenmore machine that was fixed in a cabinet. I wanted a portable with a free arm. Everything on my machine still works like new. My only gripe is that my upper tension often needs attention. The tension disks are held on by a nylon nut and it may have become worn. I have not found a replacement part, tho I have looked. Over the years I have come in to possession of a few higher ranking machines including an Elna and a Bernina and still this simple little machine is my favorite, especially for buttonholes. I never bought a case for it, I still use the wrap around closure that came with it.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree with you Vicki. I have several machines and I have grown to appreciate their unique value to the "community", but the simple ones are my favorite too...no fuss!
DeleteBeste Vicky, mocht je interesse hebben; ik heb er 1 te koop. Door reuma gebruik ik de machine niet meer. Mocht je interesse hebben dan een mail sturen naar petra.koeleman-winkels@live.nl Hartelijke groet
DeleteDutch to English translation:
DeleteDear Vicky, if you are interested; I have 1 for sale. I no longer use the machine due to rheumatism. If you are interested, send an email to petra.koeleman-winkels@live.nl Kind regards
Question, is there be-950 considered to be a heavy duty machine?
ReplyDeleteHi Bridget, it doesn't say, but I found it be pretty tough
DeleteI just bought one at a thrift store. I read the manual. I carefully took off covers to apply oil and clean. When I took off cover above pressure foot, the on/off switch fell apart. Just fell apart. No nuts or screws lost. It's mostly plastic, so I guess it just got brittle. And I can't find it online. Seems to be discontinued. Any ideas?
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like your parts are either loose or worn. I would check over at the SewingParts.com. Sorry for the late reply, super busy. I hope this helps. Happy Sewing!
DeleteHello - I just came across this post on the Brother VX-950. I've had mine since the 80s, original owner 35+ years .. and it IS heavy, not sure about heavy duty, but it has been a workhorse for me. I've done sewing and mending from cotton to denim, to faux leather, to upholstery, and it handled it all -- I think it was a great machine at that time and ahead of many, and it's build is solid. I reupholstered 2 barrel chairs years ago and now, 2024, a rocking recliner and it's still doing the job, the seams and folded over top stitching thru the fabric layers and it's beautiful. I have taken the machine apart completely several times for a thorough cleaning and and look over, and of course the yearly or so basic cleaning in the bobbin compartment and taking the top off to oil -- don't be scared to really break it open and DIY blow out of dust and cleaning the debris, the oil collection, etc., just be careful. I love the machine. You will need and an understanding of how to thread the machine and the bobbin, and understand tension adjustment of the thread as well as the bobbin case, and as it relates to the fabric and needle required, etc. -- nothing auto about it except your know-how and wherever you want to go with the creativity you have while working with this machine. Long comment, but I'm excited to just share. I want to start quilting so I just purchased a free motion quilting foot. I may upgrade at some point, but I keep asking myself .. why ... if it does what I need. Good luck all.
ReplyDelete