Any sewing machine recommendations?

Jellicat

Looking to get into a bit of dressmaking and I was wondering where to get a sewing machine, how much to pay for it and what features I will need? Bearing in mind I'm just a beginner. Thanks!

leed

how about trying to get one on Freecycle and then once you are used to it you can always buy one. That way you can get a feel for what you would like.

Jellicat

Thats a brilliant idea, thanks!

SunnyGirl

My first sewing machine was from Netto and was £50. I still use it and have made allsorts with it including clothes for me & DD, curtains, blinds, dog beds, cushions, oven gloves and aprons. I love it You'll only need a straight stitch and a zig zag really to start with. All machines come with more and extra feet for zippers etc but with those 2 stitches you should be away. Tesco have some pretty good basic machines in as well.

Good luck with finding one and enjoying all the things you'll make :j

funkymonkey849

Get a second hand one of a good make (singer, janome...) so if anything goes wrong you can get the parts

I had my janome for £30 second hand and it's never put a foot wrong!

ALWAYS_POOR

I saw these in John Lewis at the weekend. Although the description says 'mini' they are not. I thought they were excellent value at £49 and I would have been tempted myself if I ever did any sewing - which I don't.

http://www.johnlewis.com/Search/Search.aspx?SearchTerm=sewing+machine

Also, I understand that if you spend over £30 at John Lewis they deliver it free (thanks for Seakay for that bit of info).

charlies-aunt

Try putting out the word amongst friends, work colleagues and family.....quite often expensive machine are bought on a whim or given as a present...but quite quickly the enthuiasm dies down and the nearly new machine gets packed away...

So the machine and all its paraphenalia sit in a corner and the owner feels guilty that they never bother with it .... and are more than happy to let it go cheaply (or even free) to get rid of an acquisition that is just taking up house room.

Ditto sewing 'notions' and material...again often bought in the first flush of sewing mania and they end up never being used and eventually chucked out....:o

I was given my beloved machine by someone who had basic machine but inherited a top of the range one. It doesn't do anything fancy but for everyday sewing - its great!

I also have a large stock of 'donated' cotton reels - even the very lurid colours can be used for sewing seams that don't get seen.

It doesn't cost anything to ask nicely and to thank profusely if you are lucky to be offered a cheap or free sewing machine.

GemmaB78

Not sure if this is the right section so please move if needed.

My old Singer has died on me so I need a new machine, but the choice is overwhelming!

Can anyone recommend a machine around the £200 mark? It will be used for very basic dressmaking, repairs, quilting and making home decor (curtains, cushion covers, etc.).

Thanks.

Mrs_Thrify

Hi, Gemma, mine is a Singer too and also very old but still going as I do not use it much.

purpleivy

Why not ask over on www.thesewingforum.co.uk. there are a lot of sewers visiting that site and you might get some help from them. It might be worth getting a second hand reconditioned machine from a reputable supplier. You will certainly get more for your money.

Where in the country are you? Near any good suppliers? People often 'trade up'.