Any sewing machine recommendations?

Paulie'sGirl

Hi OSers!

I'm looking to buy my first sewing machine. I've used my mum's a fair bit in the past, so I'm not a complete beginner. I thought the thrifty OSers would have the most experience here.

I'd like something which can be a bit flexible and cover a multitude of uses. I've seen the Janome DC3050 in John Lewis for £299.

Do anyone have one of these machines? Or can anyone recommend a multipurpose machine they think would be good for dressmaking, curtains, a bit of embriodery and quilting?

Many thanks in advance for your help!! :T

PGxx

ChocClare

This is not dissimilar to my old Janome (same automatic buttonholer, same stitch patterns) and I still use it all the time for most of my sewing needs. I do have an all-singing, all-dancing machine as well, which I use mainly for embroidery, but I saved the old machine thinking I'd eventually give it to my daughter, and like I say, I still use it all the time!

I would say Janome machines are generally fab and this one looks fine - the automatic buttonholer is really good (especially the keyhole shape). It doesn't do embroidery as such but it does have nice patterns (feather stitch, various floral ones) plus you can drop the feed dogs for free machine embroidery. It will probably do an alphabet and let you program in a name, but it will be quite basic. Fine for marking stuff, but not really decorative.

I would suggest that if you are going to do quilting you invest in a walking foot if you haven't already got one - also brilliant for curtains, especially if - like me - you interline your curtains so that there is quite a big thickness when you come to sew on the heading tape. A walking foot is hideously expensive, but will save you hours of frustration with puckered material! I think mine was about £35 MANY years ago, but I don't suppose they've gone up that much since then.

For dressmaking, you've got everything you need - zigzag, buttonhole, stretch stitch, quite decent gathering plus you can increase or decrease stitch lengths and widths. You can also get quite a good range of feet for the Janome and they are interchangeable from machine to machine, so if you already have a Janome you can use those feet you have (or borrow your mum's). I have a pintuck foot, one that does rolled hems, one that attaches ribbons/sequins and those types are not that expensive. The machine will come with straight, zigzag, zip, satin stitch, button sewer-on-er (why yes, that IS the technical term), quilting guide and free embroidery feet as I recall.

HTH anyway - best of luck!

Paulie'sGirl

Hi ChocClare,

Thanks so much for that response, that was so detailed and helpful!

I was thinking of getting a walking foot, and you've just convinced me. There seem to be a lot of add-ons you can buy, but I think I'll see what it comes with and try with those to start with (aside from the walking foot) so I don't buy extras unnecessarily.

I'm sure the button sewer-on-er will be indispensible....

Thanks again!!

PGxx

csarina

If you are thinking of doing patchwork invest in a 1/4" foot, They are quite cheap for the Janome machines. I would always recommend Janome machines, but I am biased, I used to work for them and have used their machines for years. I have two a 4800 which you can no longer get and the TOR 11000, I love them both.

mancbird

Hi,

I have a Janome DC3050 and love it! It's a great machine and I haven't tried to so anything on it that it couldn't cope with I got mine from a company called Sewing Machines Direct (they're based in Wrexham but also so mail delivery) and the service was great AND I got a huge pack of threads, scissors and other sewing equipment free with my order.

HTH,

mancbird x

DianaMattos

I want to buy a sewing machine as it is a skill that I want to learn and be productive at.

I have borrowed my mother-in-law's mother's one, and it is ancient and doesn't work very well at all, as well as being really heavy and complicated to thread.

I am looking for an easy-to-use machine that doesn't cost a bomb. Can anyone point me in the right direction for one like this?

Many thanks x

thifty

Hi Diana
have you tried asking this on the special occasions thread as there are some v talented people on there who might be able to help you.
Best wishes
Thrifty

plumduff55

Hi, advice wanted ?

I am looking to treat myself to a new sewing machine next month, my current one was bought second hand in 1968 for £45 and worth every penny.

I would like a machine with a metal body, one step buttonhole and a top loading bobbin holder. I will be able to spend up to £300 - any suggestions please ?

Pink.

Hi Diana,

There is lots of advice on buying a sewing machine on this thread:

Any sewing machine recommendations?

I'll add your thread to that one later once you've had more replies to keep the suggestions together.

Pink

plumduff55

Hi, I'm also looking for a new sewing machine and posted on the 'sewing machine recommendations' thread.

I've nearly decided on The Janome 2522 (mystyle 22), it's at the very top of my budget (£300) but has all the features I was looking for.

Any other recommendations for a metal body, top loading bobbin and one step buttonhole ?

Thanks