Can someone help me re sewing machine?

ssparry

Not sure if I am posting in the correct place but I really want to start making my daughters dolly some clothes. I am ok on the sewing machine (and practice makes perfect lol) however my little mini machine can't do button holes and this is something I'd like to be able to do.

I've tried searching for a machine that has this facility but there are sooooooooo many, I am just getting lost!

Has anyone got any recommendations of one that can do button holes and that is reasonably priced?

Thank you in advance x

csarinaknight

If you do a search you will find several posts on this very subject........if you are looking for a new machine I would advise that you get one that does a little more than you think you want.....go for one that does stretch stitch, automatic buttonholes and a triple zigzag stitch for sewing stretchy fabrics.

Go to a machine shop and try several machines, do not be pushed into buying a machine if you are not sure, a good dealer should allow you to try the machines and not hasstle you. Take fabrics that you may be sewing and try them on the machine...........there are many manufacturers Brother, Janome and Bernina spring to mind...........the modern Berninas are made in Japan by Janome.......if you can get your hands on an older Bernina made in Switzerland.....they are superb...........

tallulah_beaulah

Does your current machine do a satin stitch (very close together zig-zag)? because you may be able to work a buttonhole without having to buy a new machine.

annie-c

There are 2 ways that a sewing machine does button holes. The cheaper machines do a 4-step buttonhole, which means that the machine comes with a special foot but you have to follow instructions and turn the fabric at each step. The more expensive machines have an automatic or 1-step button hole which is easier and superior quality.

Personally, I think that if you want a cheap and cheerful machine the sewing machine shops are not your best option.

I have a machine that cost £60 at Tesco with a 4 step buttonhole and it is fab and fine for my needs. For dolls clothes it would be ideal.
http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.100-4215.aspx

If you keep an eye out at Lidl they sometimes have on offer ar £39 machine which is fab (better than mine, actually - my dad has it), but it is only offered 3-4 times a year as part of the weekly offer - personally I couldn't be bothered to wait (and I liked the colour of my Tesco one..... ).

Otherwise why not ask on your local freecycle group - you might get one free!

trying-very-trying

We used to do them by hand when I was at school. If I remember right, it was like a close blanket stitch around the edge, then just cut the opening for the button.
I realise it's a bit too much effort for doll's clothes though.

Ches

Before I had a machine that did buttonholes I used press studs on dolly's clothes.

moanymoany

There may be a sewing evening class near you, ask the tutor if it includes leaning to use a sewing machine.

MagicCat

I noticed the other day in Woolworths they have a catelogue you can order from (I think online too) and all the sewing machines had mmoney off, around £50-70 I think - I noticed because I spend several months looking for a cheap one a while back, but still paid more than in woolies - ah well. I'm not sure what the functions were on them, but might be worth a look.