I need a sewing machine.. help!

Younganddumb

Hi,
I'm after a sewing machine but I have no idea what to get! I don't want anything too expensive and I don't need it to do all fancy things. I work with kids with special needs and I wanted to make them some weighted blankets for home as a christmas present so the most I'll be sewing through at any one time would be some muslin cloth, printed cotton and superfine fleece. I went into John Lewis today to get some help had to deal with a very unhelpful and rude member of staff so I'm still no further!
I was looking at their £79 one but I got a quick "No" for that.. craftiness is not my strong point so I'm hoping one of you wonderful people could point me in the right direction!
Thanks
Kirsty

mosaicwendy

Hi,

I do a lot of sewing at home - it keeps me sane!

I use a Janome machine, they are great sewing machines - good quality and reliable. Take a look at the link below for a good, basic machine.

More expensive machines offer different stitching styles, but as a beginner the most type of stitching you are likely to need, and use, is straight and zig zag stitch.

What a shame you had a bad experience at John Lewis - they offer a 2 year guarantee so maybe worth going back and speak to a different person.

http://www.johnlewis.com/janome-decor-excel-20-sewing-machine/p955268


If I can be of more help - just let me know.

Wendy

Katiehound

If you get the opportunity to try out a machine in John Lewis then I would be going back there having first phoned to check who would be helpful in that department and explain what has already happened. I had this idea that JL employees were shareholders so it is in their interest to sell things!

When buying a machine IMHO you need to try it out before purchase, that way you know how easy it is to handle- then it will be obvious if it is suitable for children.

You really only need straight & zigzag stitch if it for basic sewing. A stretch stitch is also useful if you have any stretchy fabrics.

Good luck in your search. I can't advise as I have 2 x Pfaff (which I love) but they were both top of the range when purchased many many years ago!

andymandy

My husband has just bought me a new sewing machine from Hobby craft. It is a Janome 4400. If you join the Hobby craft club you get the machine cheaper and it doesn't cost you to join. It doesn't have lots of fancy stitches but enough for what I need.