I am pretty new to the upholstery world. A few years ago, I purchased an old Juki LZ-586 zig-zag machine from my uncle after my aunt passed away. She used to do awnings, covers, and the like. I am learning on this machine with passion to do automotive work. This machine has worked but I often struggle with it getting the tension adjusted right and I dare not adjust the timing (again). I would like to take my work up a notch and have better quality but I also know I have a lot to learn.

I believe it helps to have the right tool for the job, but also understand that you have to learn to walk before you can run. I have been thinking of selling this machine and upgrade to a nice double needle machine. But then, I found articles saying you could convert a single needle zig-zag to a double needle. I wonder if converting it is possible or even worth it.

One of the articles I referenced:
https://www.heirloomcreations.net/can-i-use-a-double-needle/

What are your thoughts? Is it better to buy the new machine and learn on it or continue to learn then get the new machine? My thought is that the one I have might work a little bit, but will not give me exactly what I am looking for and frustrate me more than it would cost me to get a nice used machine to learn and grow on.

Thanks for reading and any and all advise is greatly appreciated.