Bewertung der tragbaren Nähmaschine Fleetwood E-188 (Update 2023)

Anmerkung des Herausgebers: This Fleetwood E-188 Portable Sewing Machine review was originally written in 2012, and has been revised and updated in 2023. Since Fleetwood sewing machines are no longer is production, we have added alternative home sewing machines such as Elnita EM16, EverSewn Spatz 15, Und SÄNGER macht den Durchbruch.

Many people do not even remember that Fleetwood was once a brand of sewing machine. When you hear the word Fleetwood, Fleetwood Mac almost immediately comes to mind—even the Cadillac Fleetwood, but a sewing machine? The Fleetwood E-188 is possibly one of the sturdiest sewing machines in the world. Its metal construction makes it heavy to lift, but that same metal construction is also its beauty. When well maintained, the Fleetwood can serve the home well for many decades beyond its manufacture date.

Fleetwood E-188 Overview

The Fleetwood E-188 is now considered a collectors’ item, but in its heyday, it was one of the hardest working sewing machines around.

This all metal dynamo was made in Japan for home use only. It has a 50-60 RPM, 1.3 amp, 115 volt precision made motor and weighs approximately 80 pounds.

What are the features on Fleetwood E-188?

The five step buttonhole feature was ahead of its time when the E-188 was made, but is ancient when compared to today’s computerized buttonhole features. This machine was made long before the dawning of automatic tension adjustment. A simple twist of the wrist is usually all it takes to adjust the upper tension. The bobbin tension is adjusted by turning a small screw on the bobbin case.

It is important to have the same type of thread in both positions. For example, if you have cotton thread in the upper tension, you must also wind your bobbin with the same type and weight thread. Combining thread types will create tension nightmares that will result in clumsy, unsightly stitches that are either too tight or too loose. No amount of tension adjusting will correct this problem. Some home sewers are tempted to use different color thread in the upper and bobbin positions.

This is quite acceptable and even encouraged for creative expression. Just make sure the threads are both the same type. While manually adjusting your own tension seems troublesome to people unaccustomed to doing this for themselves, adjusting the tension on the Fleetwood E-188 is far less complicated than adjusting the tension on a four thread serger.

Other features include:

• Drop-Feed
• Blindsaum
• Einstellbarer Nähfußdruck
• Rückwärtsstich
• Ability to wind bobbins while sewing
• Storage space beneath and beside machine head
• Zwillingsnadelkapazität
• Einstellbare Stichbreite und -länge

Working on the Fleetwood E-188

Sewing on the Fleetwood E-188 is a pleasure. Some sewing aficionados recommend that a Nähmaschine this old be reserved for mending and alterations only, leaving the heavy sewing jobs for newer machines. That is not the case for this machine, however. The E-188 is still excellent as a primary machine after all these years. You can relax and be comfortable using it to make just about everything.

This machine is fast, quiet, and clean. The whisper-quiet motor and broad work base make for a very comfortable time in the sewing room. The built-in thread cutter and seam guide, novel for the time the machine was made, are handy features that enhance the sewing experience, making any sewing job move along more efficiently.

Whether you have your Fleetwood E-188 mounted in a sewing cabinet or keep it in its original wooden case and put it on a desk or Tisch when you are ready to put it to work, you will not experience leg or back pain or discomfort of any kind while working on those long, time-consuming sewing projects.

Be aware, however, that if you continue to use the original carrying case, you will notice that it shows signs of wear much faster than the sewing machine itself.

The carrying case, however, is extremely functional with its convenient storage compartments on the sides and bottom. Because this machine is so heavy—more than 50 pounds—it might be a good idea to leave it out, if you have enough space to do so. Not only will this reduce wear and tear on the carrying case, but it will also reduce the amount of stress and strain on your back and shoulders caused by moving this workhorse around.

Winding the bobbin couldn’t be easier The stitches produced by the Fleetwood E-188 are delicate, yet durable. With the proper needle in place, you can sew the most delicate of silks and synthetics and the toughest denim, leather, suede, and real or faux fur.

It goes without saying that the Fleetwood E-188 is excellent for sewing cotton, wool, suiting, micro fibers and all other fabrics used for everyday sewing tasks.

Threading the Fleetwood is a very simple process. Simply follow the thread guides through the tension dial and down into the needle. Winding the bobbin couldn’t be easier.

Loop the thread from the spool pin through the thread guide on the base of the machine and up to the bobbin winder. Disengage the needle by turning the flywheel one quarter turn clockwise and press the foot pedal. The bobbin winder will stop automatically when your bobbin is full. An added time saving benefit, however, is that you can wind bobbins while sewing if you do not disengage the needle. This feature really comes in handy when working on large projects.

The Fleetwood E-188 is limited in its stitching options, however. The zigzag stitch can be adjusted from very narrow to approximately half the width of zigzag stitch options on newer machines. Freehand or pattern embroidering on the E-188 is fun. Embroidering is easy with or without embroidery hoops.

Depending on the project, you might prefer using the hoops. Getting them under the needle is a bit of a challenge, but the presser foot release at the top of the Fleetwood E-188 makes the task a lot easier. This feature makes it possible to sew thick fabrics with ease. It is important, however, to remember to depress the button and lower the presser foot before attempting to sew.

What are some alternatives for Fleetwood E-188?

We have noted in this review that the Fleetwood E-188 is now a discontinued model. Fleetwood, in itself, is a retired brand and no longer manufactures sewing machines. Fleetwood machines were typically mechanisch sewing machines meant for home sewers and people pursuing sewing as a hobby. Nähmaschinen von Fleetwood came with basic features and a sturdy build quality, with the promise of longevity if maintained well.

Here are some alternatives we recommend for Fleetwood E-188.

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Which fabrics work on the Fleetwood E-188?

Stoffe, die funktionieren	Stoffe, die nicht funktionieren
Naturfasern/Baumwolle-Leinen-Wolle Feine Stoffe/Seide-Satin-Taft/Samt Synthetische Stoffe/Mischungen aus Viskose und Polyester Strickwaren (nur mittelschwer bis schwer) Polster Extra dicke Stoffe oder mehrere Lagen Leder und Wildleder Fell Reptilienhaut Canvas/Twill Kunststoff/Gummi	n/a

What are the accessories that come with Fleetwood E-188?

When it was first purchased, the Fleetwood E-188 came with an impressive list of standard accessories, including:

• 5 Nähfüße
  • Geradstich
  • Zickzack
  • Taste
  • Knopfloch
  • Reißverschluss
  • Stopfen
  • Applikationen
• 2 Stichplatten
  • Geradstich
  • Open (zigzag/embroidery/button)
• Screwdrivers (1 large/1small)
• Zusätzliche Spulen
• Lint brush/cleaning tool
• Bedienungsanleitung
• Nahtführung
• Öl Spender
• Felt spool pads (2)
• Hardwood carrying case

Although the owner’s manual has been lost and the original felt pads have worn out, the other original accessories seem to be intact and, with the exception of the carrying case, in pristine condition.

How to maintain the Fleetwood E-188?

Wartungstätigkeiten	Nach jedem Gebrauch	Monatlich	Einmal im Jahr	Wie benötigt
Rennhaken und Futterhunde reinigen	Ja	NEIN	NEIN	NEIN
Wischen Sie den Kopf mit einem weichen, trockenen Tuch ab	NEIN	NEIN	NEIN	Ja
Wischen Sie den Kopf mit einem weichen, feuchten Tuch ab	NEIN	NEIN	NEIN	Ja
Schmieren	NEIN	Ja	NEIN	NEIN
Service durch einen Nähmaschinen-Reparaturprofi	NEIN	NEIN	Ja	NEIN

Summary: Fleetwood E-188 Review

Finding small replacement parts like new bobbins, Licht bulbs, and belts for the Fleetwood E-188 is not at all difficult.

Light bulbs and bobbins are readily available at any fabric and craft store. Just as with all of the newer sewing machine brands and models, belts and other parts can be found at sewing machine repair shops.

Actually, replacing parts is not challenging at all. If you are the least bit mechanically inclined, you can save a few dollars by doing the job yourself.

Taking on tasks like replacing the bulb, belt, or bobbin winder ring is an excellent way to familiarize yourself with the inner workings of your Fleetwood E-188.

The really good news is if you use parts recommended by the manufacturer, replacement parts for the Fleetwood E-188 do not wear out often.

The person who has this particular machine is its sole owner and the only person who has ever used it.

She can remember having to replace the belt only twice and the ring on the bobbin winder once since she got this machine in the late 1960s. She continues to use her Fleetwood E-188 to make approximately three or four items during the course of an average month.

The bobbin housing is a challenge to clean, primarily because it almost requires a third hand in order to properly put it back in its place. That, however, is the only drawback to cleaning the Fleetwood E-188. With all these accolades, one might wonder if there is really anything wrong with the Fleetwood E-188. The answer is no.

There is, however, one drawback that seems to be developing into a serious predicament. That drawback is not as big a problem with the E-188 itself as it is with the fact that it is so old. Approximately every ten years or so, the foot pedal develops an internal electrical shortage. This is the only reason the owner has had to actually take it in for servicing by a professional.

In the past, the repair technician simply replaced the foot pedal and the wiring connecting the machine to the foot pedal, and she was on her way. Recently, however, she took her Fleetwood E-188 to two different repair facilities. The technician at the sewing center closest to her home flatly told her that it could not be fixed and made a serious attempt at convincing her to trade in her beloved Fleetwood for a new machine.

She refused and went home to call the second shop, located approximately five or ten miles away. The technician there informed her that due to the age of the machine, finding a replacement foot pedal would be extremely difficult, if not impossible. He then looked inside the foot pedal housing and made an adjustment that brought it back to life. He went on to tell her that she has a great machine and advised her to invest in a second machine to be used for replacement parts if she intended to continue using her Fleetwood as her primary sewing machine.

With that in mind, she is now in the market for a backup Fleetwood sewing machine to be used solely for harvesting parts as needed. It sounds mercenary, but in reality, this is the only way to keep my favorite sewing machine up and running. No doubt, this Fleetwood E-188 will one day call it quits only because replacement parts are no longer available. Until that time, the owner is not willing to give up on her Fleetwood E-188 or on the idea that it will serve her for at least fifteen to twenty years, or until such time as she decides to quit sewing altogether.

She proudly boasts, “This machine has weathered the fashion storms of the hedonistic seventies, with its bell bottoms, psychedelic patterns, and skirt lengths, starting with the micro mini skirts made with just a half yard of fabric and going all the way down to my ankles with that sexy grey wool maxi coat.

It carried me through the days of big hair and big shoulder pads in the nineteen eighties; the classic suits, minimalistic functional outfits, and faux fur and leather coats of the nineties, and the casual chic wardrobe that I currently sport in the semi-retirement phase of my life. She adds that she looks forward to many more years of satisfying sewing on the Fleetwood E-188, which she refers to as her dear friend.

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