Everything You Need to Start Chainstitching & the Worlden Machine Review
Pros:
More affordable
Fast & easy to ship
Uses the same parts as vintage chain stitch machines
Cons:
You have to cut and assemble your own table & motor with pedal
Some pieces need to be replaced or repaired
Less information is available about the machine because it’s more obscure
Made in China
Overall I have been very happy with my machine, but it did take us several days to figure out how to work it because we couldn’t find videos about the Worlden machine specifically and the instructions that came with the machine were vague.
The Supplies and Tools you have to get if you get the Worlden Chainstitch machine
Servo Sewing Machine Motor with adjustable speeds - $149
Universal Uncut Sewing Machine Table (make sure you add the foot pedal kit) - $245.99
Magnetic Sewing Machine Light - $14.99
Extra Parts and Pieces
Thread & Felt
Regardless of what machine you have, you have to get this specific kind of thread. It’s best to order as much as you can afford at once because it will save you shipping costs with the Tex 15 thread. But remember cheaper isnt always better! For the Chenille yarn shipping costs don’t have a major effect. You don’t necessarily need a specific kind of felt, but if you want something nice then get the specialty stuff.
Troubleshooting problems with your machine
Check the needle direction and make sure the hook is facing towards you at 6 o’clock for chain stitching or away from you at 12 o’clock for moss stitching.
Check to make sure that the rotating screw latch (see video) to the left of the threading area is positioned correctly for the kind of stitches you’re planning on doing.
Make sure the thread plate hole is big enough or small enough to fit your thread and needle. I’ve noticed that this mostly affects how tight the chain is or how loose the moss stitches are, but it won’t make or break getting your machine to work.
If your machine isn’t even making a chain or a moss stitch and it’s catching and picking up and damaging the fabric, check to see if the motor is spinning your wheel backwards away from you, this is the opposite of what your standard sewing machine typically does. This was the problem we faced for hours and it was a simple switch of a button!
If your hook won’t pick up the thread into the inner hole double-check that the thread went through the second hole underneath the top plate when you threaded your machine.
If your thread keeps breaking make sure your thread isn’t experiencing any additional tension and make sure it’s placed directly under where it threads into the machine. I never adjusted my tension, but if all else fails I would try doing that.
2024 update
one year lateR
My Machine is still going strong however I broke all of my needles and I realized I had no idea which size of needle to get to replace the ones the Worlden Machine originally came with, but at the same time maybe a different size would help me achieve a tighter chain especially with lettering. So I reached out to the original eBay seller (TCQtexportpvtltd) I ordered all of my Tex15 thread from, but he was of no help and also said he doesn’t accept returns, so I looked elsewhere and ordered 3 new sizes off AliExpress. The Ali Express needles saved me a ton of money on shipping and they offer returns as well if they don’t work! I ordered sizes 3, 4, and 5 because I am pretty sure my broken needles were a size 4. The links are below. I haven’t tried the different sizes yet but will circle back here with an update.
WORLDEN Chainstitch Machine Replacement Needles
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832820918439.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.5.51af1802H7ey0n&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
Comment with any other questions and I will add them to this blog article! I hope this becomes a useful source for anybody who is thinking about getting this machine! I wish I would’ve had access to this when I got mine! Thanks for reading:)