Sewing Machines

faithcecilia

Sorry if this is the wrong place, but I am back after a few years.


I have very few clothes at present but have been given a pile of lovely material that will allow me to make some nice summer clothes. I love making my own clothes and will use the machine regularly. I can pick up a full size machine for around £70, but can extend my budget to around the £200 mark (the fabric I have currently been given will save me around £150 on clothes, not counting cost of the machine). Do any of you currently have recommendations for machines within my pricerange, and reasons why you recommend them? many thanks x

miffy257

I have 2 Janome sewing machines and they are both really good. 2 of my friends have them too and would totally recommend this brand. If you have a look on sewing machines.co.uk they have quite a few models up to the £200 mark. Go for the one with the bits you'll use. They are easy to thread and use and I've never had any problems with tension. Good luck with your sewing X:j

suzybloo

I bought a janome from dunelm it was £109 and I am really pleased with it, I have been to sewing classes and the lady teaching has decided to use this type for teaching, and has offered to purchase mine off me when I have decided to move on to a more technical machine. So I would definately recommend it for basic sewing. I have made curtains, clothes, bags etc with mine, along with using it for patch works etc.

PartTimeMe

Another vote for a Janine here. Without digging the manual out I can't tell you the model as I've had it a few years now, but what swung the decision for me was that this model was designed / marketed with schools etc in mind so takes plenty of beginner manhandling while remaining straight forward to use.

It's not had a problem yet, although I am probably going to treat it to a service soon as it's never had (and has just started to sew slightly wonky).

ringoroses

Yet another vote for Janome, but mine goes under the John Lewis brand badge. It is the JL110 for £99 and it comes in about 10 colours too.
(sorry, not allowed to post links yet)

I am recently returned to sewing after a very long break and this has been great so far. Easy to use and good quality even stitching.

The staff at John Lewis told me it was a Janome and if you read the online info it states that it is "compatible with Janome accessories.

2 year guarantee too.

wilykit

I have a Brother sewing machine and it cost me around £80 and I must say it is absolutely brilliant. Easy to use and thread, the bobbins are easy to change and so is the needle.

Absolutely brilliant machine

I'm also trying to make myself some clothes this summer

xx

Peggybabcot

I have my own clothing alterations business and would highly recommend Janome machines too. Prior to this I had a very old Bernina and they compare favourably. Mine's about 5 years old now and I use it every weekday so it gets some hammer and I've only had it repaired once in all this time. Mine's very basic as I only use straight, zig zag and automatic buttonhole as I have an overlocker. It does have some fancy stitches but I never use them. John Lewis have some nice ones in at the moment and I'd definitely go somewhere to try before you buy so you can get a feel for it. Hth x