I Wanna Buy A Sewing Machine

Reformed

As my combined Birthday/Christmas present my other half has generously offered to buy me a sewing machine. I plan on taking up sewing as a new hobby with a view to eventually being skilled enough to make home furnishings, do repairs/alterations and maybe if I get any good make some clothes!!!!
I am quite crafty as it is so I envisage spending a lot of time practising etc to get better and better so therefore my first machine should be pretty decent so I don't have to replace it soon after I've got it.

I think 30-40 stitches, buttonholes, zips are the most important features for me - can anyone recommend good models that they use? I didn't want to rush and buy the first good one I saw in John Lewis the other day without doing more research and comparing prices on the net (Thanks Martin!!:money: )
Any suggestions would be really appreciated.

Thanks alot!

Jnelhams

Have a run along to Tesco, my local one had these under £80 and seemed ok to me (Ok I am bloke, but I do have lots of sisters who made clothes)

meadowcat

If you are going to be sewing heavy fabric for curtains etc., then try to choose a machine that has a powerful enough motor to go through lots of layers of fabric. Think of how many layers you are going through when attaching curtain tape, especially at the corners where you are sewing through two layers of tape and a number of layers of fabric.

The cheaper machines that you can get will cope well with everyday sewing, but will struggle with layers. Also the stitch quality may not be what you expect. On the other hand, if you go for one of the really expensive computerised embroidery machines, be prepared for hefty repair bills when they go wrong.

I would go somewhere in the middle with a good quality sewing machine with plenty of features. Go to a shop where they will demonstrate the machines and ask to be shown the buttonhole programme.

My personal favourite is a Husqvarna. I have had Singer and Pfaff machines, but much prefer the Husqvarna. I'm sure everyone will have their own particular favourite.

Reformed

Thanks for your advice - I think I need to spend a fair bit to make sure I get a model that can cope with making curtains as well. I'd not thought about testing the buttonhole features in the shop so thankyou! Now I need to find a decent sewing shop in London, any ideas?

eileenfromplaistow

I bought my first machine at Coopers in Finchley
http://www.sewingmachinediscount.co.uk/home/home.asp

They really know their machines, and are excellent for online prices. They are often recommended in replies to the question of where to get a machine.

ebaybaby

Ive always had a Jones/Brother. Most schools use Bernina which are also good and very hardy.

cattie

I noticed in my local Rosebys, the curtain & bedding shop chain, that they have Brother sewing machines in stock. Not sure how much they are, but I know Brother have an excellent reputation for sewing machines and they have been around for a long time & customer service is good.

nuttywoman

eileenfromplaistow wrote:

I bought my first machine at Coopers in Finchley
http://www.sewingmachinediscount.co.uk/home/home.asp

They really know their machines, and are excellent for online prices. They are often recommended in replies to the question of where to get a machine.

I`ll second Coopers as well, great service.Got a toyota quilter last xmas £70 cheaper than argos.