Sewing Machine ?

logindetails

I've just been going through my old clothes to see what I can give a charity shop and have come across several items that I no longer wear due to stitching coming apart. Rather than throw them out I'd like to fix them but taking them to a seamstress/tailor would cost an arm & a leg so I've had the bright idea of buying a sewing machine and giving it a go myself
I know nothing about sewing machines so I'm hoping someone can advise me what I need to look out for when buying one. Among the clothes to be repaired are leather jackets and some hiking kit which has thick webbing so the machine would need to be able to cope with these materials.
If someone can recommend a machine (as cheap, cheap, cheap as possible) I would be most grateful.
Thanks.

liitleblackcat

Pfaff, Necchi, Bernina and Elna produce the best sewing machines but they don't come cheap. You have to spend at least £100 for a decent machine - anything less than £50 is not worth having. Have a look at the Argos site where they have a Necchi for £84.99. We have also had good reports of Toyota machines. Personally I would steer clear of Singer and Brother but that might be just prejudice.

logindetails

liitleblackcat wrote: »

Pfaff, Necchi, Bernina and Elna produce the best sewing machines but they don't come cheap.

Thanks for the advice.

nuttywoman

I have a Toyota, my 2nd one and the 1st one is still going strong after 21yrs. If your sewing leather , you`ll need to buy leather needles and you might have trouble with the thick webbing, i know i have in the past.
Do you know anyone who has a industrial sewing machine? or anyone who works with them ie: upholstery sewers to do the job for you cos those machines will take anything.Failing that what about a local shoe menders?
Having said that , still buy a machine cos you`ll use it.

Squeaky_Squaw

Hobbycraft have been doing a deal on a brother sewing machine for around £60-£65 ALSO www.burdastyle.com and wwwaboutsewing.com have helpful how to's with step by step instructions, tips and hints for all sewing stuff ie. seams, mending, pleating, resizing, patterns etc........which can all be printed off!
Happy stitching !!!