Any sewing machine recommendations?

pudding06

its always wise to tell the salesperson what you want the machine for. If you are making blinds and curtain the fabric will be heavier than for dressmaking generally. the salesperson should be able to advise you accordingly.

I love brother machines, have the all-singing-all-dancing innovis 500D. I did buy it from coopers, actually i bought a different one (make) but really didnt like it and so exchanged it for this one. coopers were great, no problem with this. they picked up other one at the same time as they delivered the new one. they have a 2 week trial period anyway, or did when i bought mine last year.

also mine has actually increased in price substantually since i bought it. unusual for it to do this, but the Disney ones are difficult to get hold of.

pennystretcher

I got a Brother XL 2230 a few years' back and I have saved the price back already by repairing my clothes etc.

I have never had any problems with it and I am happy to recommend Brother - although I'm sure there are differences between models...

helyg

I have ahd a look through the indexed threads and can't find the answer, but if you know of a thread please post it!

I am after recomendations for a sewing machine. It doesn't need to be fancy, and I don't wnat to spend too much. But obviously I want it to do the job!

I used to use an old Singer with a wheel rather than an electric one when I was a child, TBH I would love to have one like that again! But not sure whether buying needles etc for them would be tricky.

I have seen cheap electric ones in Argos, but wonder whether they would be false economy?

Any opinions?

Patchwork_Quilt

My sewing machine was made by Brother, but I've had a look and can't see which model. I deliberately didn't buy one with lots of fancy stitches although it can do zig zag and button holes. We've used it quite a lot and I lend it to a friend too, so it has been very reliable.

Is it possible to ask around and see if you can borrow or have a go on one or two different models so that you get an idea of what you might like?

ladybabe

i would just make sure that it not only does standard stitches but also a stretch stitch (you will need this if you ever sew silky or slightly stretch fabrics-which covers most modern fabrics) just saves you having to sew without paper under the fabric as with fabrics like that if you dont you could end up getting the thread all snagged (worst case damage you machine).

if you get an old machine the needles should still be ok as they are a standard shape (you will need different ones for different fabrics/the only difference is the widths). Why not have a look in the free ads for anyone selling theirs some of the ones from the 60's and 70's are excellent and most people service them I have my mums singer from this era and it works perfectly (actually better than the one i bought for myself when i left home which is a brother). if you buy second hand you could pick up a really decent one for about £40-£50 or if you want new you can get one with the stretch stitch for just over £100.

hope this helps :-))

helyg

Thanks. My MIL has a Singer that she was given as a wedding present in 1963, and it is still going strong. They made things to last back then!

I have been looking at ex demonstrators on the Singer website as that seems to be a good way of saving money whilst still getting the guarantees etc.

Rummer

I just bought a Brother BC2100 and it is fabulous!

angelaf_3

I'm thinking of buying my mother one of the Tesco own brand sewing machines and I was wondering if anyone has one what they thought of it and if it is worth purchasing.

Thanks Ange

funkymonkey849

Me and my friend are starting a dressmaking class. I have a little sewing machine but she does not.

It doesn't need to be fancy, just basic stitches - but not one of the really mini ones. A really old and heavy one may be a problem as we have to take them into class!

I know tesco were doing a basic compact one a few months ago for about £25, but obviously this is no use to her now! Any suggestions on anywhere else to buy one?

Rikki

Janome J1012 S at John lewis is a good starting machine.

There is another thread on this I will look for it and post a link.


Useful links

Does anyone else sew their own clothes

sewing machine recommendations