Sewing Machines

Sorry if I'm posing a dumb question. In my search to be able to do anything I want with my car, I'm startign to get my hands on upholstery. I have a questions about the machines and equipment. DO I have to find a sewing machine designed with upholstering in mind, or can I use a regular home sewing machine. I am asuming at the moment that I will need to use a special machine due to the heavier materials and different feet involved. If I do need a special machine, any ideas where I can find chep or second hand machines...I'm not going to be able to do this enough to justify more than $100-$150. Thanks for any help.

The best type of sewing machine to use is an industrial walking foot machine. You might be able to fing an old used one in your local classifed ads for about $150-$300. I paid $750 for a used Pfaff and $1,800 for a new one. You can probably also find a good used standard (non walking foot) industrial sewing machine without any frills for about $150-$200.

A home machine will probably work if you are only doing 1 or 2 projects, but the results will not be the same as those of an Industrial walking foot machine.

Thanks for the help. I was actually able to find a couple of military surplus machines online...one was $50.00. I live pretty close to a parachute school so I am hoping that they will have one soon rather than driving to texas for the $50 one.

Hand stiching works great for apholstering , Ive done it alot fix a tear sew it up with 20lb fish line nice and tight and youll never see it. but thats for repairs