Any sewing machine recommendations?

Fourcandles_3

A sewing machine is a very personel thing, I would go and try some out either at a dealer or at a sewing show. I love my Janome (renamed from New Home), but I also own a brother, singer, and two Jones'.

I'm a member of this forum which has quite a few threads on choosing a sewing machine. You don't have to join to read the threads.

https://www.thesewingforum.co.uk

Nutty_Tart

I have a Lervia 564 - I picked it up in Lidl's at the end of November for £25!! It has loads of different stitches, button holes, a zip foot. I bought it because I was using my gran's old one, which only had 2 straight stitches. Although gran's machine is good and never let me down, I felt that I couldn't pass this one up as it has so much more and at that price - wow! They had some more expensive ones in after that (over £100) which had computer chips in them, but to be honest, I didn't think they were as good. My friend was so impressed with mine she went and bought one aswell! I don't know if you can get them elsewhere, I don't see why not, but they were on special - should have been around the £40 mark. Also, I noticed that Woolies were doing a fairly good one for about £50 a little while ago.

dND

Nutty_Tart wrote: »

I have a Lervia 564 - I picked it up in Lidl's at the end of November for £25!! It has loads of different stitches, button holes, a zip foot. I bought it because I was using my gran's old one, which only had 2 straight stitches. Although gran's machine is good and never let me down, I felt that I couldn't pass this one up as it has so much more and at that price - wow! They had some more expensive ones in after that (over £100) which had computer chips in them, but to be honest, I didn't think they were as good. My friend was so impressed with mine she went and bought one aswell! I don't know if you can get them elsewhere, I don't see why not, but they were on special - should have been around the £40 mark. Also, I noticed that Woolies were doing a fairly good one for about £50 a little while ago.

I saw that one over here in France too(Lidl one). Couldn't get to the shop in time to have a look but can you tell me if you can stitch round small things. I think it's called 'free arm' - the flat bit under the needle is small. Sorry not very good at explaining it am I:o I'll try another way, if for instance you needed to sew round the hem of a child's trouser leg could you do it with the machine?

Cheers

Nutty_Tart

Yes, I have just dug out the book for you - it says it is a "Automatic Free Arm Sewing Machine". I would use wonderweb for trouser leg hems though, but I think that is a personal preference thing.


Edit: It says Lervia 564 on the box, but the book says KH4000 - just incase anyone is trying to do a search.

party_of_five

thanks so much to all of you, for your help and advice. Will spend the rest of my lazy sunday checking out the website and the forum. You're all fab!:j

madmittens

As my poor old Husqvarna *died* at the weekend (mid-project, typical!) I've been having a look on the internet for a replacement.

Don't want to spend too much, don't need anything too flash. Have seen the Brother XL5500SE - anyone able to comment on this machine, or recommend something else please?

Thanks!

madmittens

Pink.

Hi madmittens,

There's an earlier thread for sewing machine recommendations that may help so I've added your post to it.

There are many more threads on sewing machines...too many to list here unfortunately (but if you go to the top right of the Old Style board and click on search this forum, go advanced and put sewing machine in titles you should find them).

Pink

taurusgb

I have had my sewing machine for years - and it was 2nd hand when I bought it. I'm now thinking of replacing it and would be grateful for any reccomendations of what is reliable and good value.

Thanks for reading and for any advice

Smithills

Hi taurusgb- what sort of budget are you looking at? I finally gave in to the craving for a new machine last year- and got a Bernina 230PE for £500. It is expensive- though you can go much madder than that- but what a great machine! Goes through multiple layers of thick fabric, 70+ stitches, loads of needle positions, easy to use.. Bernina are described as the Rolls Royce of sewing machines- they hold their value really well and if ever you want to trade in, they'll lose less than other models.

But you may want something a little cheaper- which is OK too! I suggest you go to John Lewis- they have a good range, and lots to see and have a go on (but not every branch sells machines). And don't forget your local independent- when I bought my machine, I got free tutoring for life, and 10% off all subsequent purchases- needles, thread, fabric, scissors etc. Personally, I would want to have a go on the machine before buying it- which would rule out places like Dunelm Mill.

Independents also will have machines which have been part-exchanged, and serviced before re-selling. So you might be able to find something fab that has been pre-owned which suits you down to the ground.

Happy sewing!:D

Fourcandles_3

DO NOT TOUCH JOYS MACHINES ON EBAY

I have 12 machines and love my Janome's best, but also have Husqy's, Singer's, Brother's and Toyota's. One thing I would say is be realistic about what you will use it for.

Be realistic about your budget. If possible go and play with a machine, before you buy. The machine must feel right to you, but if budget is tight don't ignore supermarket machines. They are lightweight and not suitable for heavy duty sewing, but are good basic machines.

The best machine I have was one of the cheapest. Spending money doesn't make it a good machine.

why not have a look through the posts here

https://www.thesewingforum.com