Could someone recommend a sewing machine for a beginner?

dn852k4

I'm looking to buy my girlfriend a sewing machine for christmas (she's been after one for a while). She's had a little JML sewing machine, but it's wasn't very good. Now she wants a 'proper' one as the JML one was only half the size.

Could someone who knows their sewing machines recommend a good quality machine that is dieal for beginners? I was looking on johnlewis and was considering either the john lewis or the janome machine, both at £99 http://www.johnlewis.com/Electrical+Appliances/Sewing/Sewing/+Sewing+Machines/516/ProductType.aspx
Are these machines suitable for beginners?

I know rosebys had a brother machine for £59, I looked up the machine, apparently it's a horrible machine and not ideal for beginners at all.


Thanks in advanced.

Dan

baby_bronagh

hi
argos have a brother LS2125 sewing machine reduced to £59.99 down from £89.99 with 2 year guarantee!! or you could try tesco direct they stock sewing machines as well.I do quite a bit of sewing and I'd recommend a brother machine.

pollsdolls

Hi, I have been using sewing machines for 40 years, and have recently bought a new one from http://www.joyssewingmachines.co.uk/ They are manufacturers and their prices are brilliant. They also have amazing free gifts of cottons or needles with every other. The higher the price the more gifts. The price also includes Next day delivery.

I am delighted with mine. Well worth having a look here. They also have a telephone and email helpline, which I have used. (That is something that is not available from Argos, etc)
I can highly recommend Joys. Good luck. Polly

rosekitten

if you can go into a John Lewis store
or have a chat with them over the
phone(they will put you through to
the sewing dept).They will be able
to let you know whats suitable
and it may be there are offers instore.

When you dont know what your buying
at least there ,they will let you return it
and pick an alternative one if its not
right.The aftersales service is really good
if you cant figure something out they will
show you instore,really handy for a beginner.

remember,Its a lot of money if you get it wrong
the the right machine will get used over and over
again.

amaialondon

Lidl have once o twice a year one sewing machine that cost £39.99, the brand is Lervia. I bought it last february and is great, my mum also got one and she says that is better than the expensives ones. You just need to wait for it to be advertise and on sale.

DUKE

The Lidl one is on sale this week. I got myself one of those mini one's, reduced from £20 to £10 - it goes like the clappers but you have to be careful that it doesn't tip over :rolleyes:

Enterprise_1701C

I agree with the idea of the Lervia one from Lidl. I have been sewing for quite a few years and finally had to give up on my Singer. I didn't want an expensive one so I got the one from Lidl and have to say that it is very smooth, easy to use, and isn't all computerised so less to go wrong.

dn852k4

DUKE wrote: »

The Lidl one is on sale this week. I got myself one of those mini one's, reduced from £20 to £10 - it goes like the clappers but you have to be careful that it doesn't tip over :rolleyes:

I had a look on lidl's site, but couldn't see it? What day does it/did it go on sale?

dmg24

Aldi also have one in stock at the moment ... x

keithwjones

Here's the place to ask:

http://www.thesewingforum.co.uk/index.php

Keith

GusBus

I have been a sewing machine retailer for some 20 years working in a family business which has been established for over 70 years dealing with the sale and repair of sewing machines. I will not say where my shop is as you may think I am touting for business.

My advice when buying a sewing machine (beginner or not) is to avoid supermarket chains, shopping channels and internet firms who specialize in selling "cheap" items. Remember - you get what you pay for.

We have these cheap machines bought into us on a regular basis for repair. Unfortunately it is impossible to repair them as they are made up of plastic components block set into plastic body shells. They rarely last past guarantee and are a false economy.

We sell Janome & Elna sewing machines, from about £129, and we also put these brands into local schools and evening classes. They are excellent value and hard working .

So buy your machine from a local specialist who can demonstrate to you beforehand the machines capabilities and how to use it. And should you get a problem down the line we are a lot more helpful and knowledgeable than the checkout staff at Tescos and Lidls.