Chandler 217 Sewing Machine

Updated August 6, 2026

This auction ended on August 6, 2026. See upcoming auctions from Fox Creations.

Lot number	135
Estimate	750.00 USD
Auction	2603 Entertainment Equipment- Audio Video Lighting and More
Date	August 6, 2026 at 9:00 PM EDT
Auction house	Fox Creations

The Chandler 217 (often called the Bernina 217) is a heavy-duty, Swiss-engineered industrial sewing machine renowned for its exceptional straight and multi-step zigzag stitching. It is heavily utilized for sailmaking, canvas, leather, and upholstery. Key Specifications & Features Stitch Capability: Straight stitch, standard zigzag, and 3-step (or multi-step) zigzag. Stitch Size: Up to 12mm zigzag width and up to 6mm stitch length, depending on the subclass. Speed: Heavy-duty rotary hook capable of over 2,500 stitches per minute. Needle System: Utilizes 287 WH or 135 × 17 style needles, often running V69 polyester thread for heavy-duty materials. Accessories: Highly sought after for its decorative stitch cam-box attachment on the rear, allowing for specialty patterns (such as 3-step zigzag for sailmaking). Operation: Usually mounted on an industrial table and powered by a modern, highly controllable Servo Motor. Usage & Community Insights The machine is widely regarded by industry experts and hobbyists for its high-quality construction, but using it properly requires specific attention to machine settings: [1, 2] Material handling: It is perfectly suited for light- to mid-weight leathers, Sunbrella, and canvas. Tension troubleshooting: Users on Leatherworker.net share mixed opinions and technical tips on dialing in tension for heavy fabrics, frequently noting that upper-thread tension issues can lead to thread fraying. Maintenance: Like all heavy-duty machines, it requires frequent but conservative oiling to keep the rotary hook and gearboxes running smoothly.

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