Recommend a sewing machine

jpscloud

Hello all, I'm about to invest in a new sewing machine, in the £100 ish bracket.

Does anyone have a recommendation - it just needs to be comfortable and practical to use and I'll also be doing some quilting, using a quilting foot.

Upsidedown_Bear

I've been looking too

If you have a John Lewis near you do go in and talk to them.
I've been looking at these. Both bestsellers with good reviews.

http://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-jl110-sewing-machine/p317685?colour=White
http://www.johnlewis.com/singer-8280-sewing-machine/p231136647

They do have others. This is a full list (up to £1499 :eek:)
http://www.johnlewis.com/sport-leisure/sewing-knitting/sewing-machines/c700003181?showAll=&sortOption=priceLow

Anne_Marie_2

I have a Toyota which is pretty old, and still going strong, and touch wood, never had a problem with it. I can't remember how old it is, but I already had it in 1987 when I made DD's christening gown, so was bought prior to then.

Mum's Singer sewing machine is still in use, and I remember using it when I was still at school. :eek:

miffy257

As a quilter myself I would recommend Janome every time. Great machines and you can get all the quilting feet for them . I have started a quilting thread on this board so please pop in and join us .

jpscloud

Anne_Marie wrote: »

I have a Toyota which is pretty old, and still going strong, and touch wood, never had a problem with it. I can't remember how old it is, but I already had it in 1987 when I made DD's christening gown, so was bought prior to then.

Mum's Singer sewing machine is still in use, and I remember using it when I was still at school. :eek:

Thanks Anne_Marie, I was looking at the Toyota Quiltmaster which comes in about £140 in Argos. Seems like it has good features so I might be going in that direction.

jpscloud

Upsidedown_Bear wrote: »

I've been looking too

If you have a John Lewis near you do go in and talk to them.
I've been looking at these. Both bestsellers with good reviews.

http://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-jl110-sewing-machine/p317685?colour=White
http://www.johnlewis.com/singer-8280-sewing-machine/p231136647

They do have others. This is a full list (up to £1499 :eek:)
http://www.johnlewis.com/sport-leisure/sewing-knitting/sewing-machines/c700003181?showAll=&sortOption=priceLow

They both look good... there's so much choice isn't there? I think I might pay a visit to John Lewis if I can and have a look. I'm veering towards the Toyota quiltmaster at the moment as it has a needle threader built in, which sounds perfect as I really struggle with threading the needle. It's also got a drop-in bobbin which looks like it might be easier to change.

jpscloud

miffy257 wrote: »

As a quilter myself I would recommend Janome every time. Great machines and you can get all the quilting feet for them . I have started a quilting thread on this board so please pop in and join us .

Hi Miffy! I spotted your thread and have lurked a bit - when I get more time I'll join in.


I'll have a look at the Janome range, I see they do quite low priced models as well as scarily expensive ones!

jackyann

I would go to a local shop and see what second hand ones they have. They will want you as a customer, so will be helpful.

tooties

Enjoy picking a machine, quilting is a fab hobby

have fun

regards

Zed42

Whichever one you do decide on, I do recommend you going to a sewing machine shop or John Lewis and getting some hands on experience of the feel of the machines.

Take some fabric (if you have any) that you're likely to want to sew with, to see how the machines perform.

I have an Elna, but I've had it a long time, and no idea how it compares to other types available these days. I like it

Although, it doesn't do as well as I'd like it to with heavyweight fabrics, my old hand cranked Singer does better !!