Want to buy a sewing machine - what do crafty MSErs recommend?

KaySamuels

I hope I've put this in the right place - most of the craft related threads seem to be in this section.

I would like to treat myself to a sewing machine so I can make some nice gifts for friends and family. Have used them before (years ago) but have never owned one and wouldn't know where to start when it came to buying one. Any recommendations? Things to bear in mind? Makes to avoid? etc

PootleFlump_3

Hi Kay

Whats your budget?
I would definately suggest you get one with a front loading bobbin and the ability to lower the feed dogs and one which has a free arm. Have a think about whether you might want to eventually do embroidery for example and if so then think of getting a sewing and embroidery machine rather than just a standard machine. If you think you will eventually want to do quilting then perhaps think of getting one that you can buy an extension table for.

Edit: I have a Brother and love it. Have heard lots of good things about Janome too.

lch_2

I was given a sewing machine for my 21st birthday, it was a Consort and bought from Argos. Now although it did last 10 years, i had barely used it! The side handle broke, and although i could still use it with the peddle, you often have to start or finish a stich manually, so it became useless. I took it to a local sewing machine shop that do repairs and due to the make not being well known, i was unable to get it fixed. I searched online for parts, but had no luck finding a replacement handle. The sewing machine shop did say they had just sold out of their cheapest machine which was a Janome at £99. I might have considered this had they still had stock, but the next one was £125, so i'm waiting for a special offer and to save up my pennies. So my advice is think about how much you intend to use it and whether or not you'd be better going for a better known brand, so that should you need parts or repairs they are available.

mouldydc

I personally have had a lot of trouble with Joy's Machines. The last one I bought didn't even work from the get-go and their customer service is terrible. As we all know, something's only "affordable" if it's useful! otherwise it's just cheap plastic tat.

I actually ended up buying a gorgeous old Singer on Ebay, which works like a charm for basic sewing. I imagine it does all kinds of things, but I don't have a manual.

Read up on all the different kinds at as many craft-related websites as you can, and ask advice from the people in your local craft stores too.

Mayflower10cat

From the age of 12 I'd only ever had second (or third!) hand sewing machines, usually old Singers, but I also had an Alfa. Considering some of them were 50 years old and still worked says a lot about build quality! Admittedly, I'd have to open up a machine and give it a good clean out & oiling fairly regularly but you learn a lot about the workings.

I sold my old Alfa before we moved house. And bought a new, very basic Brother machine. It does about 8 stitches of which I use four. And a semi-automatic buttonhole stitch (which I've never used!) For me, it was a real revelation that a sewing machine could be so light and portable, and work perfectly with no tension problems or needing to be stripped down and fiddled with! It cost £70 from Argos and it's so easy to set up, I use it far more than any of the old, bulky machines I've had before.

My sister rates Janome very highly. She used to sew for a living. At college we used Vikings or Berninas and I liked both (whether they still exist I don't know). So my ten pennorth is don't buy anything that's more complicated than you need and check the weight, too.

nykied

I got bought the Brother X-5 for Christmas. I think it cost less than £100 and, whilst it's great when you're starting, part of me wishes that I'd been able to put some money towards it and get one that does more stitches and can handle thicker fabrics.

Then another part of me shouts at me not to be so ungrateful

AlisonHarrison

I use a Brother machine. Granted, I am no great shakes at sewing, but it does me. I got it at an auction. Most towns have these house clearance auctions. Lots of older people had sewing machines, and there is nearly always at least one at every sale. I think I paid £20 for mine which does zig zig, hemming, the whole lot. I, however, only use it for back and forward.

sethsgran

I bought my new machine just a few weeks ago. I love it. Janome Memory Craft, from Hobkirks in Blackburn. I sew alot so decided to treat myself as my las machine has lasted about 34years, I think. I would suggest to buy the best you can within your budget

babyfreckles

I have a so called mini machine from John Lewis, but I dont think its a mini at all. Has 12 different stitches, and comes in lovely bright colours! Use mine all the time for monkey making and card making, and it only cost just over £50

LJM

i have a singer and bought it because it looked the easiest to use for me and ive had singers in the past

diable

My girlfriend has two industrial jobbies that she uses at home one is a 4 spool, at work its a £1000 brother though.