Any sewing machine recommendations?

Mikki

Hello,

Hoping someone can help! I'm thinking of getting a sewing machine but not sure what I need! I'm new to sewing so I'd be looking for something that wasn't overly complicated. I'd like to be able to sew things like bags, kids PJ trousers, maybe a small quilt?? I don't envisage needing lots of different stitch types, and I don't think I'd ever do machine embroidery.

I know people have advised going to an independent shop and trying out some of the machines, but I don't have anything like that near me. The closest thing is John Lewis in town!

Any advice?

Thanks!

newleaf

Hello peeps. I'm also in the market for a new sewing machine. I currently have a 30yr old basic Singer 5525, which does straight and zig zag stitch, buttonholes and top stitching. I recently had it serviced and it works ok, just doesn't do anything especially fancy.
I'm planning to do some crafty stuff, bags, small gifts, cushions and the like, maybe even a bit of patchwork or quilting. I have a budget of £300 to spend on a new machine, but I don't know what to look at. I've read that Janome machines are good? Is £300 a realistic sum to spend? Should I look at computerised machines or are they out of my league? I will read this thread from the beginning, but I'm aware it is an old one so there may be more recent developments. Very grateful for any help.

ivfmummy

I have a 5 year old and I have to make lots of costumes now for plays etc. I would like to get myself an affordable and simple sewing machine. I would love some advise on the best one to get.

Thank you

joedenise

It might be a good idea to ask the question on The Sewing Room forum. You'll probably get more responses there.

I personally would say go for a full sized one which can do several stiches rather than just a small one which only does straight stitch (and possibly a zigzag).

Denise

squeaky

Here ya go... Any sewing machine recommendations?

I'll add your query to that thread later. Good luck

skintchick

I have dug out my sewing machine and begun sewing again, but I feel a bit constrained by my basic machine which I bought from John Lewis in 2009 for £125.

It doesn't have any embroidery stitches and although it's fine for basic sewing I feel the need for something better.

I'd like adjustable stitch width and length rather than set stitches, plus some embroidery stitches, and a buttonhole stitch of course.

I don;t want to spend loads though, although I will sell my old one to help p[ay for it but I'm thinking I'll be lucky to get £60 for mine?

I can;t remember exactly what I've got so if you want to know I'll have to dig it out of the cupboard where it lives and have a look.

I'm planning on making clothes and other things as well as altering clothes, and want to do some textile art as well.

What machine would you recommend?

Peggybabcot

I can't be specific about models but I've used bernina and janome for years and I run my own clothing alterations business and they've been amazing work horses. Regarding embroidery I lust after memory craft machines and plan on spending my lottery win (got to buy the ticket first of course!) on a super duper one of those but they cost thousands x

angeltreats

Hi Skinty

There's another sewing machine thread somewhere if you want to have a search, but what I would really recommend is to buy an older, second hand machine. Unless you spend really BIG bucks on modern machines they have mostly plastic parts and are just not great at sewing heavy fabrics and just not as nice to use.

I have two machines - one is a Viking from the early 1980s which has all sorts of embroidery stitches and does fancy stuff, and is great, but my favourite is a 1961 Bernina that I inherited from my friend's mum. It does forward, backward and zig zag, all adjustable, and that's it - no buttonhole, no blind hem stitch etc, but I use it 99% of the time. Both machines weigh a ton because they are made of all metal parts.

What I would do is look out in the boot sales & charity shops for a good quality older machine, and then spend the money you'd have spent on a brand new one on getting it serviced. It will last you for many many years and be much nicer to work with than a new plasticky effort.

nuttyp

I got a machine from lidl wasnt expensive and does a variety of stiches. These include button hole, variable zig-zag stiches etc. It was under £50 too. I dont use it that much, but it has been fine for me so far.

pws52

I agree about having an older machine. I inherited my mum's 1968 Bernina....and love it. It does straight and zig zag stitches and a couple of others. It is such a work horse.
However, like you, I yearned for one which does more and has automatic button holes so I bought a Janome. Such a lightweight machine. It lasted 2 years.
Last year I invested in a Husqvana....not cheap...and love using it.
Still use the Bernina too as it is faster.