Any sewing machine recommendations?

linz

Really don't know where to post this but heard good stuff about this OS board so i'm hoping some of you clever people will be able to help me.

My mum's recently started making some clothes for my neice but her sewing machine's started playing up so she's having to do a lot by hand. I'd like to get a new one for her.

I have no idea what constitutes a good sewing machine, what good features there are to look out for etc.

I wonder if anyone can help with features to look out for, links etc, also what sort of price I can expect to pay. I'd obviously like to find one at a reasonable price, but don't mind paying a bit more for one that is going to last.

Many thanks in advance

x

Penelope_Penguin

I have a Janome, and am very pleased with it. There's a range of models, with different features and prices

I'll add this to the existing thread to give you more recommendations.

Penny. x

nuttybabe

Hi

Has anyone used one of those little mini sewing machines. Home bargains had them the other week and I nearly got one. I only need to do straight lines for the arms, legs and tails of sock monkeys and dont want a full size machine as I really dont have the space and I was wondering if anyone knew if one of these little ones would work.

Thanks

lucy*locket

vicpick wrote: »

hi, I'm new to the site and am puzzled over what sewing machine to get for xmas, i'm 15 and doing a btec course in fashion and textiles i was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for a good strong sewing machine as it is my first machine and so am still learning. My parents are looking to spend a maximum of 200 pounds, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Vic

We've just bought a Janome as my daughter's studying fashion and textiles at college; apparantly they're used in many schools & colleges and it was a model she recognised from her school. We paid £41 for a machine on Ebay that had only been used a couple of times, we're really pleased with it. HTH

loupoppins

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could advise me about a couple of sewing machines I have been considering.
I am a total novice sewer LOL. I only want to sew crafty things like little bags, fabric toys etc...and maybe turn up clothes...nothing too heavy duty...

Have seen this which looked a good bargain...but dont know??? Any views? Anyone used this site? Are they reliable?
http://www.sewingmachinediscount.co.uk/sewing-machines/cooper/ruby-red/9208-c204-v0.htm

The other option I am considering is the Janome 2200XT which I have seen on the John Lewis pre-sale page for £89....seems a more basicmachine...but reputable brand/shop....

I dont have more than £100 to spend, and only want something basic ...and most importantly simple to learn on!;)

Any views?

TIA:beer:

Kadeeae

I can only speak for my personal experience earlier this year, but I would NOT buy from Coopers (sewingmachinediscount) if I had it to do over. To keep a very long story short I was so riled by phone calls to them that I had to eventually let BH finish making the calls needed to get my machine to me. :mad:

Can't help with what type of machine as I'm only a beginner myself, but was hoping to save someone else from the aggro of dealing with them.

Bella79

I can only speak from my experience but i sew blinds for a living and i have to say having tried loads of them the best are janome

loupoppins

Thanks both. I did some more searching after I posted and found lots of threads on a sewing forum with similar bad experiences with Coopers....so will avoid them I think.
Will probably go for the Janome then.
Thanks both.

natc

Just an update, and proud purchase!

Well, i dint get a machine till last week!!! But im so excited, cant wait to get on with it and get some sewing done now! I got my machine from Dunelm Mill in Leeds. I got this one A Janome simplicity DM3000. It was the last one they had, an ex demo, but had the spool cover plate missing, just ordered one direct from Janome for £9.50. The machine is brand new, apart from demonstration in store, so im pleased, and only cost £134! Bargain. Cheapest ive seen on net is £245. A saving of £101.50! Woo hoo!

Thanks for all your advise : )

xxx

Erme

dragonsoup wrote: »

Thanks Killmymortgage, I am going to have to do the rounds I think.

Unfortunately each sewing shop around here seems to stock only one brand so this could be a long job!! I learned to sew on Berninas so I have a soft spot for them but I agree they are expensive.

David drummond doesn't let you pay in interest free installments anymore but is fab for advice on second hand machines (Have spent about £30 on fossilized machines since sat = 4 machines...a bit of a saga. two of which blew up. One the feed dog didn't work (and David was lovely and said it wasn't worth repairing) and now am on my 4th. A New Home 692 (so long as it doesn't go fizz bang all is well. Has about 20 stitches but no free arm ) which had a really battered case but the machine is fine.

Maybe worth looking in charity shops/local paper. Charity shops are better though cos if they blow up you can get your money back. Which you can't with the classifieds always. You have more rights with the charity shops. And phone DD for advice. He's really nice. I've learnt - the hard way! (fossilized machine but lovely retro case blew up sat. No come back on the classified = £15 wasted!!!). Also any dodgy ones keep pedals (unless they smoke/electrical hazard like the first one on Sat) and any acccesories. If you can't use them you can sell them on ebay.

Mini sewing machines (the likes cost about £15 JML) are only good for 8 year olds who want to learn to sew. Not a good buy. False economy (again speak from sad £70 experience of binning the cable to my £300 machine due to this)

Cheap way to learn to sew is to buy a £5 pattern from the fabric store (something simple) and google the terms and practice. Practice is the most important. That's how I taught myself. Other good books recommended = Yeah I made that myself and S.E.W sew everything workshop which are the only two sewing books I currently have. Yeah IMTM is a hippy 70's retro book but will give you confidence (it's actually quite new). S.E.W book is like an encyclopedia.

All I know...hope this reply helps someone...

E