Any sewing machine recommendations?

Never_Enough_Money

Hi

I need to get my daughter a sewing machine, she is taking textiles as an option at school and her teacher told me that it would really help her if she has one at home, she did say that the type from Aldi/Lidl would be ok. The thing is that I don't know the first thing about sewing machines, I saw that there is one in Lidl next week and there seem to be some cheapish ones in Argos, but I really don't know where to start.I don't want to get one from Lidl/Aldi and find I can't get spare parts for it (I read that on an earlier thread). Please could someone tell me if they can recommend a particular one or a good make to go for.. I have a budget of 100 pounds maximum, would like to spend less if possible.

Thanks

Caterina

How far are you from London? I can recommend a wonderful little sewing machine shop in Deptford, SE8, they sell second hand and reconditioned machines and ALWAYS have spares, my friend got a very nice Brother (straight stitch and zigzag only) for £59, second hand but in perfect condition.

They have recently opened an online shop and this is the link:: http://www.sewingmachinesuk.co.uk/shop.php?app=gbu0&ns=splash

Else, go on Freecycle or Gumtree and put a request. HTH

nearlyrich

The one is Aldi was under £50, they look pretty good value for money I paid nearly £100 for something similar over 25 years ago, it's still going strong. Sewing machines are pretty resiliant, if you want to go for a brand Brother do some good deals I bought my Mum one about 10 years ago and it was reasonably priced. Make sure you get a few stitch variations and you should be OK. Hope that helps.

karmacookie

It may be worth asking on the sewing room thread

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=2169321

I bought a Lidl sewing machine about 2 years ago, I've only just got round to teaching myself how to use it It seems fine though not as robust as the old singer one my mum had for years.

annie-c

The Lidl ones are great, my dad has had one for years, it only cost £39 and has sewn curtains, clothes etc. The accessories, bulbs etc are standard ones that are available in Dunelm and other mainstream shops that sell haberdashery.

I have a Tesco one that cost £59 and is much the same as the Lidl one, but I was able to just pick it up when I wante it rather than waiting for the lidl offer to come round.

Agree that Singer are more robust - I have an old second-hand one that I was given recently and keep as a spare and it is fantastic, but the lidl one will be more than adequate too.

jexygirl

Hi ya,
Did the teacher that suggested it give any specifics or is it practice? I have no idea how advanced textiles is these days, I only made a cushion and a skirt! I only ask because some basic machines do the straight stitch / zig zag etc, however, if its for an option, she may need to do things like zips and button holes and tho these can be done on a basic machine, its alot of work iirc! so a machine that does them is maybe a thought.
I would definitely try freecycle etc, and certainly look on ebay or locally for refurbished second hand ones.
Jex

LJM

i dont know if its what your after but i bought a JML one for £20 quite basic works well and doesnt break the bank

Penelope_Penguin

I have a Janome, but as my children and I do a lot of sewing, it was worth the investent

As this has fallen from the front page of OS, I'll add it to the existing thread to give you more ideas.

Penny. x

brokeinwales

Couple of things:

Unless it's from freecycle or similar (in which case you've nothing to lose, and you might just get lucky) don't buy a machine off the net, or mail order - you need to see it working before you commit - I know people who've made some costly mistakes that way.

You probably won't get a decent new machine for £50 - you'd be lucky to find one for much less than £100. So either save up, or look for a second hand one. I'd recommend you go around local dealers, or try putting a "WANTED" ad in local haberdashers. Also try freecycle, ask friends and family if they have one lying around.

You could consider sharing purchase with a friend - put in £50 each and you get a decent new machine for £100, you can take in turns to use. (I know someone who did this with a lawnmower recently- shared purchase with next door neighbour, so sewing machine could work on same principle)

Don't, whatever you do, be tempted by one of those plasticky £20 "travel" jobs - it'll be useless for anything more than a few stitches at a time, won't cut through anything thicker than the lightest denim, and will jam after a few uses (I know from whence I speak - read reviews on Amazon if you need further convincing!)

Also, try your best to get something that's under warranty, comes with a manual, and has a helpline to call in case of problems you can't diagnose yourself!

Caterina

There is an offer in Lidl coming up, in case anyone is interested, here is the link:

http://www.lidl.co.uk/cps/rde/xchg/SID-3FDB1A27-D3BCCB76/lidl_uk/hs.xsl/index_8384.htm

It says it has a 3 years manufacturers guararantee - at that price you can hardly go wrong!