For those who do a lot of handsewing... is a good hand stich stronger or weaker than a machine-sewn stitch? I realize a lot of it depends on what type of thread you use, but in general, how durable is a hand-sewn fursuit?
I hate sewing machines! Loathe them... Want nothing to do with them. It doesn't help that I have virtually no experience with them, but to me they are just confusing and clunky to use. I feel like I have much more control with hand-stitching, even though it takes forever and a day. So I just handsew everything, and seal every stitch with a small knot (I just loop the thread over itself and pull tightly).
I acknowledge that, sooner or later, I'm going to have to break down and buy a good machine that is capable of sewing through fur (my carpal tunnel is starting to act up, so that day might come more quickly than I realize). So for when the time comes, what is a good sewing machine to use for this type of work?