Buying a Sewing Machine

nic82

I'm trying to get into sewing and I just want to make cushion covers, etc.

I don't want to get a totally basic one (i.e. I'd like one that will do button holes, is strong enough to sew through heavy fabric and also has enough features in case I decide to be brave and do more adventurous things such as making clothes) but at the same time, I don't want to spend lots and lots on a machine that does loads of fancy things that I won't use.

I've found these two sewing machines and was wondering if people could let me know what they think to them.

http://www.tesco.com/electrical/product.aspx?R=8160424

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200015109989&ssPageName=ADME:B:WNA:UK:12

The problem is, neither of them say whether they come with a foot pedal. Is this because foot pedals come as standard? I have emailed the person selling the one on Ebay to ask them but they haven't replied yet.

If anyone has ideas of better machines than the two I've listed above, any suggestions would be great.

Thank you

Debt_Free_Chick

nic82 wrote:

The problem is, neither of them say whether they come with a foot pedal. Is this because foot pedals come as standard? I have emailed the person selling the one on Ebay to ask them but they haven't replied yet.

The picture on the bottom right shows a foot-pedal.

Surely, they must come with a foot-pedal as there is no other way of operating the machine?

nic82

Debt_Free_Chick wrote:

The picture on the bottom right shows a foot-pedal.

Surely, they must come with a foot-pedal as there is no other way of operating the machine?

Ooh, so it does, how embarrassing.

I thought that they must come with a pedal, it's just that none of the descriptions mentioned it, so wondered if you had to buy them separately.

Thank you DFC

susank

I would buy the new one from Mr T - you will have a years warranty and they are getting rid of all their electrical to restock online - the sewing machines are in our local tesco - I saw them on Saturday and look fine.

kiwichick

I've just checked out the tesco one which looks great but is now out of stock. A quick search on the net found this;

http://www.sewingmachinediscount.co.uk/home/productzoom.asp?pid=1759

which looks great and is on sale at the mo for £60 normally £199.99 and is garanteed for 5 years!!!!

wendym

I bought my latest machine new (it was a Brother offer that's gone, I'm afraid) but until then had spent 20 years sewing on 2 reconditioned machines bought from a local shop. Some people do seem to trade up regularly, and there are bargains to be had. Plus, if you do have a problem, they're more inclined to help sort it out. And they'll show how to thread it etc.

Pink.

Hi nic82,

There are some recommendations for sewing machines on these older threads:

Help Please, I want to buy a sewing machine

Any sewing machine recommendations?

Pink

culpepper

TRy this link for sewing machine reviews
They are mostly american but the reviews are so useful.

LizD_2

Personally, I'd be inclined to buy the brother, as it's a well-known brand and I imagine it would be easier to get parts and accessories. Plus if you wanted to upgrade in the future, it would be easier to sell on or part-exchange.

wendym

I have to say that my Brother is the best-natured machine I have ever worked with. It does buttonholes and embroidery stitches, but isn't one of the all-singing all-dancing models.

lynsayjane

i wouldnt bother too much about fancy things on a sewing machine. i do dressmaking on a regular basis, my machine is by a comapny called new home and it's as old as i am (24 an a bit!). the only things i do on it are straight and zig zag stitch, reverse stitch and the odd zip. and i make all sorts of things even corsets.

if you really wanted to go nuts you could buy one of these fancy jobs that hooks up to your pc and does embroidery etc but i know in my case it'd sit doing nowt!

my best advise would be to stick to a basic one, especially if your new to sewing, too many buttons could just confuse you, and work out a budget your happy to spend on it. named brands are not so important, my shop and our local competitor sell own brand needles etc and no named brand items, most needles etc tend to fit as standard.