Advice for a beginner sewing machine.

elsmandino

Hello.

Firstly, apologies if this is not the best place to post this - please feel free to have it moved to somewhere more appropriate if necessary.

My wife has recently taken an interest in sewing and wants me to get her a sewing machine.

My initial thought was that we already had one in the loft (I remember seeing one in our loft, which I think was my wife's mother's).

I got it down and it turned out to be a Jones Foreign - it was ridiculously heavy, looked broken and came with no instructions in any event.

Anyway, I have now been tasked with getting something new and would be grateful for any advice on what features to look out for and any particular brands/models.

Furthermore, is it worth going for something new or second hand?

Any pointers would be much appreciated.

TELLIT01

There are still specialist shops in many areas, and they tend to be run be real enthusiasts for sewing. Your best bet it to try and find one of them and get expert advice.

cattie

I bought my trusty Singer years ago from Cash Converter's & would be happy to buy previously used again, especially when getting a warranty.

I think Lidl have just had an offer on a fancy new Singer machine for £79.99. I'd probably have been tempted had there not still been life left in my current machine.

FreeBear

Got a very old Bernina sewing machine - Does all I need, and it is a lot better made than many new machines.

In your shoes, I'd see if the Jones can be serviced and brought back in to use. It is a basic machine, but a solid build. Not much to go wrong with it.

Ectophile

You're probably just too late for the Singer machines in Lidl. They only come out once or twice a year. Mine's made in Vietnam, so it must be good



Most large towns will have a sewing shop, and many sell second-hand machines, by good makers, at reasonable prices.

Moss5

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00A27XD0K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Used by the supplier to teach beginners.
My wife loves it.

FreeBear

Ectophile wrote: »

You're probably just too late for the Singer machines in Lidl.

My local store has several in stock when I went in there this afternoon. So it might be worth trying another store if yours has sold out.

-taff

See if you have a local sewing repairs/service man, they may have sewing machines for sale as well as servicing.
You can talk to them regarding your wifes level of knowledge and what mahcine will do what she wants it fo.

elsmandino

Thanks very much, everyone.

I do not work too far from a Lidl, so I think my first port of call will be to swing by, later, and see if they happen to have any machines in stock.

Further to Freebear's suggestion that I look into refurbishment - great idea but, unfortunately, the Jones has pretty much had it. There is a three-way function switch which has seized in one position and whilst the motor makes a noise, I am yet to get any movement out of it.

FreeBear

elsmandino wrote: »

unfortunately, the Jones has pretty much had it. There is a three-way function switch which has seized in one position and whilst the motor makes a noise, I am yet to get any movement out of it.

Sounds like it needs a liberal spray of penetrating oil (understandable if it has been sitting in a loft for years) followed by a degrease and then judicious lubrication. Possibly needs a new drive belt. Alternatively, bung it on ebay as a "retro antique".

cranford

Yo with itu can find beginners machines for £50 but what does your wife want to do? Does she want to just make curtains or cloths? What about quilting, embroidery or making motifs? If she has plans it might be a mistake to buy a beginners/budget machine.