Any sewing machine recommendations?

nanokitten

If I was to buy a new machine I would choose one which did automatic hemming (some machines cut and bind the edge for you) as this will give a really proffessional finish on fine fabrics like silk on the long hem round the skirt.

If your objective is to save on money it may be cheaper to buy a dress in the sales (ex display dresses if your the right size are often heavily discounted at the end of the season and probably at quiet times like around xmas) also oxfam has dedicated wedding dress shops. There is weddings forum over on the special occasions board they know all the tricks on there.

sairy2005

I dont think I would start with a wedding dress. It will be too stressful with every thing to consider. I have been sewing since I was 5 years old (my dad bought me my first machine then) and I wouldnt make a wedding dress. I made a jacket and trousers for my daughter to get married in and found that too stressful.

Having said all that sewing is great. I make all sorts but really just for fun. I also do cross stitch and knit and crochet and a bit of every thing really. Once yu can sew you can repair all your own clothes, make curtains and cushions and generally save a fortune. So try a few things first and then if you feel confident have a go.

Maybe he wont propose too soon to give you plenty of time! Good Luck

pbfhpunk

I have acquired a sewing machine grom my Grandmother (I bought it for her about 18 months ago but she's never used it!) It's a brother one and was around £79 form Dunelm so I'm not expecting miracles. Thing is I've never used a sewing machine before!!

So question is, how easy are they to use? was going to have a practise this weekend as have got loads of thread as we've also bought a Brother PR620II (anyone has one please PM me need help!!)

Any good practise ideas for them would be great, I've seen the sock monkeys thread and am quite intrigued by those!

Also how soon from first using a sewing machine did you make your first finished piece that you were really happy with?

Sorry know that's a lot of questions!

Thanks

r.mac_2

hi

my sister knows lots about sewing machines and says that Brother is the best make to go for for a balance of affordability and usability so think you should be ok - esp for a beginner.

My advice is to have a play around on a piece of scrap fabric, but good things to start on are cusion covers, perhaps even a simple christmas stocking pattern? Build up your skills as you go along. Sock monkeys look cute and are meant to be reatively easy to make as well.

I made roman blinds as my first 'big' project - pretty easy as all straight lines

Have fun and congratulations on your acquisition (I wish my gran had one to give me)!

purpleivy

Hi

you will find a lot of help on www.thesewingforum.co.uk You might even find a sewing club near you, where you will find folks are very willing to help. There are lots of specialist threads, some on sewing machines too. You can post with any specific difficulties that you may have. THey're used to members of all ages and abilities.

Addiscomber

I suggest that you learn to guide the machine by using a piece of paper and not using any thread. This will however blunt the needle and render it useless for actual sewing, but much less agro than getting threads caught up whilst you learn. Then, once you have gained confidence in controlling the speed and direction, make sure that you thread the machine according to the manual. All sorts of problems are caused by very tiny mistakes in threading - just missing one of the thread guides for example.

kizzie01

Hi

I have a Brother Innovis 1200 sewing/embroidery machine and think the Brother sewing machine are easy to use. The embroidery unit takes a bit to get the hang of but I'm getting there.

To start with I would visit your local library, there are lots of sewing technique books. Ebay always have them also along with sewing patterns. Start with simple items, cushion covers, simple curtains, kitchen items like pot holders, coasters, place mats, shoe bags, gym bags for kids There are also lots of free tutorials if you google.

Use fabrics which are not too slippery, cotton is ideal. Visit your local church jumble sale for old items of clothing/curtains which could be cut up and used. Fabric shops usual have remnant bins also.

follow the instructions for threading the needle, tension etc and don't use a blunt needle.

Am I right in thinking the PR620II is an embroidery machine? I can't help with that particular model, but I've just started machine embroidery, if I can help. I've just made pretty cotton shoe bags with embroidered flip flops to take on holiday as Christmas presents.

Hope this helps get you started and enjoy your new hobby!

pbfhpunk

Thanks for all your help, yes the PR 620II is a massive beast! a 6 needle embroidery machine!

But for the moment I'm fine with the simple sewing machine, I threw loads of my Primas away the other day, I kept the patterns (have a subscription) bit a few times they've had little projects in, wish I'd kept them!

Hindsight and all that!

Thanks for the forum link, will have a look.

H

Purple_Sparkles

Once you've mastered or at least can understand the basics of the machine and how to use it it would be worth borrowing a sewing book from the library, a kind of how to sew thing, simple projects like aprons, table cloth, etc.... and take your time.

It really is worth taking the time to follow the instructions to the letter, tacking and pressing as you go etc, makes the finished item look a million times better too.

mumoffour77

I cant help.......the thingy that is used to hold the spool af thread has been broken:( and i wanna make snakes for the doors!!!