To ask what sort of sewing machine to get?

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My mum's ancient machine from the 70s isn't working today and since its on long term borrow, and I'm 38, this has spurred me to think it's time I pulled my finger out and bought myself a machine.

So the question is: what should I buy? Budget is up to about 250, but I'd rather spend closer to £100 if all the extra expensive features don't add much for me. I'm not about to stay a WAHM business, this is more to make some baby booties, dolly clothes, and the odd pair of curtains. In theory I might do a sewing course and start making / customising my own clothes as I'm an awkward shape to dress, but this will probably never happen.
Might need to do he book day stuff next year too when DD starts school?!

My main question is computerised or not? Beyond that... Cheap Aldi machine for 70 quid or Janome for more like 200+?

Janome 525s or similar.

It's worth the extra money. It's not so much about extra features, but more about better build quality which translates into better reliability. A cheap machine isn't really cheap if it keeps breaking.

With your budget in mind, I would definitely go for mechanical, not computerised.

If you can afford it, get a Janome. I love mine, it's a reliable workhorse.

Tbh if it's not going to be used heavily you'd be perfectly ok with a pretty pastel John Lewis one, my friend who teaches sewing courses swears by them.

Do NOT get a Singer.

Thanks rain and seagull.
Can I ask you why not computerised? I don't get what it adds but I somehow think I want it. Happy not to, just want to understand what a computer brings to a sewing machine.
Thanks again

Another vote here for Janome, they are solid and reliable. I don’t have a computer on mine.

I don't need a computerised one. I only do straight, zig zag and occasionally buttonhole stitch.

Ideally you want one that you can easily take apart and clean/service regularly.

I love my AEG. Some great things have been made on it.

Janome - beats any other machine I’ve used. Look after it and service it yearly and it will last you forever.

I got my dc1 a smaller one (140m) I think and it’s just as fab. She makes all sorts from mini cushion covers to dolls clothes. She’s super excited as I said she can make the bedding for her new dolls house!!

I have the John Lewis one that's around £100. It's very straightforward to use and has done cushions and curtains and bunting and doll bedding so far

Are you likely to be sewing more with woven fabric or jersey? Because if, like me, you make more things with stretch fabric you'd be well worth investing in an overlocker. I made a lot of kids clothes on mine, and stretchy tops/dresses for me. A sewing machine will sew jersey, but not half as well as an overlocker will.

But you'd still need a sewing machine to finish seams etc. So I'd recommend starting with something reliable and basic.

Computerised sewing machines add extra features - like always stopping with the needle down, or being able to limit the speed. Handy, but you can certainly sew everything without them and they aren't a necessity.

I wouldn't buy a computerised sewing machine for your budget, as I would be concerned about the quality. You'd be better off getting a good mechanical for what you want to spend.

I’ve got a bog standard Janome for day to day stuff - making simple clothes, putting in zips, turning up trousers, etc

I do a lot of quilting so I’ve also got a computerised fancy Brother - which is fab and I’d also recommend, but I always get the Janome out for the day to day stuff.

I love my Janome, I can take it apart and put it back together to service it myself and its done everything I've ever asked it to. It's not computerised.

I've made a a range of stuff from clothes to curtains to pannier bags for my bike on it.

I started off with a Brother basic model which is about £200. It’s still going strong 7 years later.
I didn’t have a good experience with Janome - ended up having my machine completely replaced and refunded due to all the faults and breakdowns. My friend bought the same machine and had the exact same.
I’ve now got another Brother which I love.
Whichever you choose, my advice would be to have a really good practice sew and get the feel of how the machine works with you.

I have a Janome. Simple, easy to service , set up etc and has been super reliable.

OK Janome it is! Thanks tons

I've got a Husqvarna Viking and I've had it for over 20 years. It's computerised but I don't use a lot of it. My sister has just got a Jenome and it's lovely.

However, if you're only doing basic things I think the most important feature is a swing needle machine so you can do zig zag and buttonholes. Hobbycraft do some decent machines in your price range.

Build quality definitely trumps features - I have gone through a few but the best is still my 1960's solid aluminium Viking although the zigzag has stopped working if I want to do any heavy curtains or replace a zip in a coat. I had a Brother which had major moving parts made of plastic - didn't last long!
I should look at the Janomes too as my current Toyota is starting to fail

Another vote for Janome. John Lewis machines are Janome.

I've got a Janome one and it's excellent. Mine is about 15 years old and has had heavy use and has been serviced once, and never had any trouble.

The cheap ones aren't worth it - they won't last and don't have the quality. For your budget I'd get a good standard mechanical one, although you could afford a basic computerised one. The difference would be the quality, as people have pointed out. You'd get a really decent standard one for £100 - £150. You won't need lots of fancy features and stitches - straight, zig zag, button holes, the ability to change the tension and the stitch length is really all you need for most things. Everything else is like kitchen gadgets IMO - you use them a couple of times and then they just take up space.