Any sewing machine recommendations?

Olliebeak

Might be worthwhile getting a fairly basic second-hand one first - just to see if you 'take to sewing' first before spending too much unnecessary money on a super-duper 'do-it-all except make your breakfast' type of thing!

I've been sewing since the age of 18 (56 now) so that's - let me see - oooooh more years than I care to remember!!!

My first machine was an old hand-operated table top with a really old-fashioned 'boat-shuttle'. But it got me through three evening dresses and loads of skirts/waistcoats suitable for working in an office at the time. I was bought a basic electric one for my 21st (stolen during a break-in a few years later). Since then I had my mum's old one till 1982 when I finally swapped it for a 1956 Singer with all kinds of embroidery attachments. I wouldn't DREAM of going in for a new model. This one is my pride and joy - and unfortunately my daughter doesn't share my love of sewing so it will probably go to the tip when I go to kick up the daisies!!!

Good luck with sewing and I hope you do 'take to it' - there's a lot of fun to be had!!!

csarina

There are already several threads on just this subject on the forum, do a search and see what you can find. Maybe one of the board guides will be able to give you a link to one of them.

beemuzed

I started on an ancient Singer (non-electric!) but since then have progressed through a more modern Singer to my current Husquvarna (used to be Viking I think). In recent years have done less sewing as very little free time, but intend to make up for it when I retire! Clothes, bedding, curtains - all great to do yourself! Hope you find you take to it.

Mrs_Flittersnoop

Do you have a friend with a machine that you could perhaps borrow to try out first? Then you could decide whether or not you want to make stuff, and less hard on the pocket if you choose not to.

HTH
Mrs F x

moanymoany

To start with I would suggest a basic machine with straight stitch and zigzag. However, if a machine comes your way that has only straight stitch - and is free, snap it up!

Get a book on basic sewing out of the library, there are several in mine that I've noticed even without looking.

I've just googled 'how to use a sewing machine' and this is the first of several that came up:
http://www.ehow.com/how_5862_sewing-machine.html

I get a lot of pleasure from my machine. I always liked those where you had a wheel to turn by hand, they gave masses of control. I bet if you watch freecycle there may be one. Another good place might be charity shops.

Enjoy!

Juliav_2

Would love to make a table runner and individual place settings - maybe something for friends/family for xmas.

Who knows, even progress onto clothes.

Kinds of need to start with buying a sewing machine. Have two young little ones and have promised to always stay at home with them (hence money is very tight).

Would love some advice as to where to start - right machine for basic jobs, good make? Etc

csarina

Do a search on here there are several threads on buying a sewing machine and what to look for. I can give you some advise if you PM me.

Racklen

think tk maxx or tj huges ( always get them muddleD) have one for around £50-£60 at the moment ??

sure i saw a poster at the weekend in a window.

good luck with the sewing once you start you'll find it hard to stop

pheeni22

This is my first thread and mainly a lurker on the boards. I've done search on the boards but can't seem to find the info I'm looking for.

I want to buy a beginner/starter sewing machine for myself and I was wondering if any of you can recommend any that was suitable for heavy fabrics such as denim as the main purpose will be taking up mainly jeans and trousers.

Many thanks!

P.S Feel free to move this if it's not in the right section

JoeyEmma

Hi, I got my sewing machine from a sewing machine repair man. He reconditions old sewing machines. I paid about £40 for mine (including 12 month guarantee). It was a really old Brother one (ie late 70's) that had previously been used in a school home economics department. The older machines are more mechanical and less electrical gadgetry on, meaning they are easier to repair.

Have a look in the yellow pages and phone up for reconditioned ones.

Oh and mines been sat in the cellar now for a year!!!