Aldi sewing machine. What does anyone think of it?

hollydays

Aldi has a sewing machine on offer at the moment for about £70.
Has anyone bought one or have any constructive opinions on it.
https://www.aldi.co.uk/so-crafty-sewing-machine/p/095785200177400
Thanks

purpleivy

Without trying it I would say don't bother. I love Aldi, my supermarket of choice, but I couldn't honestly say the best value for money for a sewing machine. Why?

Well, first off, as soon as you have any problem at all with it, there's a low chance that parts will be available and no repair person will know anything about it if it has a 'Crafty whatever' badge on it.

If you only want to sew thin craft cottons you might be lucky, but if you want to turn up your jeans and so on, then you might struggle.

These reasons are the ones that came first to mind.

So what to do instead if you want a sewing machine? Ring a sewing machine shop, one that does its own repairs. Sewers typically like to upgrade their machine at every available opportunity. (I only do it if there's a reason, but then I sew for a living!) so the shop will probably have machines there to suit all budgets. It's not like buying a used car, you will get more for your money. Especially if you want a machine for every day sewing.

Decide on the features you want. A decent shop will let you try machines so you find one to suit.

The advantage of getting a second hand machine from a reputable supplier, is that you will get a machine that is set up and ready to go and a lot more machine for your money.

PollyWollyDoodle

I should firstly say that I haven't seen this actual machine, so what follows is general advice. I'm going to disagree slightly with PurpleIvy, I respect the fact that you sew for a living and you know more about machines than I do, and probably have higher standards.

For an entry-level machine, I think this looks good value. It includes three feet plus a buttonhole foot. The mention of 60 patterns is a bit misleading, looking at the picture of the machine there are 12 different stitches which can then also be used with double needles, and the four-stepbuttonhole. Nonetheless if you want to get started on sewing and do some basic projects, I think this would fit the bill. I take the point about repairs, but I would guess it uses parts the same as those made by one of the major manufacturers. I started out with a basic machine from John Lewis - still available for around £100 - and it was quite similar to this, and served me very well till I upgraded.

VfM4meplse

I get the impression that the machine is for crafters, or light sewers who are interested in building up their skills / running up prototypes rather than any kind of industrial stitching.

Having said that, the reviews are good and being sold out online indicates there is a demand for it.

hollydays

Thanks very much for all the replies which has really helped me. I!!!8217;m not looking for it for crafting, but for the odd clothing alteration or making curtains.
I!!!8217;m still a little undecided but the price is good.
Thanks again.

purpleivy

John Lewis entry level machines are often Janome ones, Janome is a good brand.

tootallulah

I agree, get a 2nd hand quality machine from a sewing machine shop, curtain sewing is workhorse sewing, you o need a basic strong, mechanical machine. You can get a 2nd hand Bernina for £70-£100 and it will last you a lifetime.

hollydays

I do prefer the idea of a second hand one and being able to get support from the seller. I guess it!!!8217;s down to price. I!!!8217;ll certainly visit some sewing machine shops. Thanks everyone

halogen

I got a 2nd hand one from a sewing machine shop a few years ago but I have to say I use my Aldi\lidi one much more. It's much better behaved

bertiewhite

purpleivy wrote: »

John Lewis entry level machines are often Janome ones, Janome is a good brand.

I'll second this - I got my wife a Janome for £20 more (but from Hobbycraft, not John Lewis)

hollydays

:jJust to update. I got a recommendation on my local cafe for an independent sewing machine shop in a less than salubrious part of the adjoining county and I have just bought a brand new janome 217-S
from him. £99 with a 2 year guarantee

This type
https://www.britishsewingcentre.co.uk/products/janome-216-s?variant=17473412228&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8pPjq9mv2gIVjrftCh2PKAbnEAQYASABEgLO-PD_BwE
Very happy
Thanks for the advice all.and particularly for the persons who mentioned janome as I was not familiar with the name
Now I can make use of all my charity shop fabric finds.