The sewing thread

carly

What brand of sewing machine would you all recommend.?

I have sewn before but not for many years and the choice nowadays is bewildering. I had a very basic Singer electric that weighed a ton, but was extremely temperamental, both in threading needle and bobbin and tension. Stitch consistency was poor.. I will be using it initially mainly for repairs , alterations etc of clothes and household items. I would like a one step buttonhole facility and easy threading. Self threading needle would be a plus as my eyes are not what they were.
Budget is around £300. I have seen Janome machines in this bracket ,but reviews are mixed. Is simpler better ? there's a Bernette B35 which looks interesting. I have seen a Janome DKS 30 which looks amazing and I might be able to push the budget if real life users rated it highly enough.. I would like to progress to clothes making in the future. Any advice would be greatly appreciated

PollyWollyDoodle

I can't really comment on different brands, I don't know enough about them; all I can say is that I have a Janome and I love it.

I started with a very basic 'entry level' machine a few years ago, and then upgraded to my Janome XL601 which was second-hand. Things I like about it, which my earlier machine didn't have, are: top-loading bobbin, so you can see how much is left; variable speed control; ability to finish with needle down/needle up; automatic function to back stitch at the end of a seam; one-step buttonhole. It has about 20 different stitches, of which I use about three! I think any machine in your budget would probably have all those features.

Is there anywhere near you that stocks a range of machines, so you could go and try a couple and get some advice?

silvasava

I have two machines - a very heavy elderly Singer that I use for heavy duty stuff but my everyday one is a Husquvarna - I've had it over 20 years. It's a 'basic' machine with zig zag, blind hemming and a four step button hole. It also has a reverse stitch. I didn't want one with embroidery stitches as I'd never use them but I did want a machine that would cope with 4/5 thicknesses of denim - with 2 sons and DH I was always repairing jeans!! .........actually still do! It also copes quite happily with fine fabrics too.
I've heard good reports of Elna too

carly

Is there anywhere near you that stocks a range of machines, so you could go and try a couple and get some advice?[/QUOTE]

Thanks for your reply..... I wish there was a local sewing shop but the last one closed last year. My nearest dealer is over 20 miles away.

Good to know that you are happy with your Janome though

silvasava

Carly - I've also heard good reports of the Ikea sewing machine but not sure if it would suit your criteria

buildersdaughter

I would see if you have an old fashioned sewing machine shop near you - there are still quite a few about - they usually stock second-hand, refurbished machines. These are often very good value, and the staff can give you good advice.
If, however, you can't do that, then at present, Janome seem to be a decent machine at a sensible price.

Wraithlady

I would third(fourth?fifth?) the Janome suggestion - my Huskystar, bought over 6 years ago, has been used and abused on a regular basis and still works fine (fingers crossed) and that's apparently a Janome make

beaujolais-nouveau

carly wrote: »

What brand of sewing machine would you all recommend.?

Another vote, from me, for Janome. :-)

Wraithlady

Isn't anybody sewing anything at the moment?

silvasava

DH was going on a rideout with a friend on their trikes and really cold so needed his thermal long John's under his leathers. Except they have no opening for him to go to the loo! Cue me at 8.30 yesterday morning doing a couple of rows of parallel zig zag so I could cut a slit without the fabric fraying for easy access lol! That's all I've done for a few weeks but there is a small pile accumulating. Some cushion covers to be made and a top to alter.