Choosing between two used industrial sewing machines usually comes down to two questions: What stitch do you actually need, and are you buying a complete setup or just a head? The Consew 1099 CS-1H and the Working Vintage Singer 31-15 with table take opposite approaches to the same used textile apparel machinery market, and the right call depends on the work you do most.
Quick Verdict
If your shop focuses on hemming skirts, pants, and other garments that need an invisible hem, the Consew 1099 CS-1H is the purpose-built choice-just be ready to supply the mounting and drive yourself. If you need a ready-to-run machine, the Singer 31-15 comes as a complete package for a lower price.
Comparison at a Glance
| Consew 1099 CS-1H | Singer 31-15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | USD 299.00 | USD 180.00 |
| Price indicator | ||
| Stitch type | One-needle chainstitch blindstitch | Single-needle straight lockstitch |
| What's included | Sewing head only | Machine with table and GE 1/4 HP motor |
| Condition | Used | Used |
| Origin | Japan | United States |
| Operation | Mechanical | Mechanical |
Where Each Machine Wins
- Consew 1099 CS-1H wins when you need a dedicated machine for skirts and pants bottoms and already have a workstation ready. It includes the knee lifter lever for hands-free presser foot control, and it's built for that specific task.
- Singer 31-15 wins when you want a complete, ready-to-run setup for general tailoring. It comes with a few extras like needles, making it the more versatile package.
Product Notes
#### Consew 1099 CS-1H
The Consew 1099 CS-1H is a specialized blindstitch head that suits shops already equipped with a workstation. It performs one-needle chainstitch blindstitching for skirts and pants bottoms, and the included knee lifter lever gives you hands-free presser foot control. This is an upgrade for an existing setup, not a standalone machine. The head is a Japanese model with mechanical operation, and it's a later-model head. If your work is all about this focused task, this design keeps the work moving. The limitation is clear: you can't use it for straight lockstitch seams, and you'll need to mount it before use.
#### Singer 31-15
The Working Vintage Singer 31-15 is a different kind of find: an industrial straight lockstitch machine with a GE 1/4 HP motor and a few extras like needles. It was in active use until the business lost its lease, so it's a working example. It is a single-needle straight lockstitch with a maximum speed of 2,200 stitches per minute and a stitch length of 5.5 stitches per inch. The presser foot clearance is 5/16 inch, and the bed is 18 3/4 by 7 inches. The trade-off is that it is not a blindstitch machine-if you need invisible hems, this won't do it. Also, it's a vintage model from the United States, so be ready for the quirks of older equipment.
Final Choice by Use Case
For a shop doing invisible hem work on skirts and pants, the Consew 1099 CS-1H is the right head if you can mount it. For a tailor needing a versatile machine for general tailoring, the Singer 31-15 is the better fit. Decide based on your stitch type first, then consider what's already in your workspace.
