what sewing machine?...£100 ish budget.

[lydiathetattooedlady]

Hi, im looking for a sewing machine suitable for dress making, home furnishings etc. I have been using my mums but she's getting fed up of me constantly hankering afetr hers. My mum has a very fancy-super-duper-electric-computer-type-machine, i can nowhere near afford one like hers, as much as i would like one!
My budget is £100 ish, has anybody any recommendations??
TIA

Hi, I dont know any specific models but would definitely recommend a Singer sewing machine, I love mine and my Mum still uses the one she was given when she was a girl! Mine has been completely reliable and perfect for dress-making, etc.

Do NOT buy a new sewing machine for that kind of a prize if you are at all serious about dressmaking. Brother sell some basic models around that range. Stay away from them as well as anything that is mostly plastic! Please believe me - I have experience!

Get yourself a pre-loved machine instead. Elna, Janome and Husqvarna all make nice machines. Vintage Singers are lovely IMHO, but they're new basic range ones are not. If you can at all get your hands on a vintage Bernina you will acquire a companion for life. Mine is a Bernina 830 Record from 1978 and it is by far the best machine I have ever owned!

Problems with basic range new machines are often that they are all plastic, not sturdy and hard to impossible to repair. Some stitch in a shoddy manner, which you may or may not mind (I'm into couture sewing and if a stitch looks wonky I want to cry). The worst thing you can get is a machine that launches straight from stand still to mid speed without walking speed settings. This is not uncommon on cheap machines but will make armholes, gathers, facings and basically anything other than completely straight seams on non-slippery fabrics a matter of luck.

I would try to find a local Sewing machine shop which does repaiYou should then either b able to get a reconditioned machine or a new one which they can recommend. I got a Toshiba one from a small independant shop in Newcastle (in Newgate shopping centre) and was offered free sewing lessons from them as well as loads of advice.

ugh laptop playing up - should read "does repairs"

John Lewis' own make ones are normally Janome underneath, a bit cheaper with different functions. Worth a try.

Mum got me a pink John Lewis one for my birthday, has been doing me just fine. I'm only starting out so don't need anything with all the bells and whistles, just basic functions.

Not all basic machines are rubbis. I suggest you visit a good shop and ask to try out some of the less expensive models. If buying a cheaper machine I would personally go for Janome. also look out for offers as you can often pick up a good bargain.My neice once brought a silvercrest machine from Lidl it was very sturdy construction and had a good range of stitches plus 3 year guarantee. She has used it to make blinds curtains cushions and all manner of houshold items and all fot £49 only trouble is they only sell them every so often. I would always advise you to get the best machine in your pricerange and don't discount second hand the back pages of sewing world used to advertise these. peed on cheaper machines is usually controlled by the user and can be slowed down with a little practice and skill, good luck.

sorry that should be speed on cheaper machine's. It's late is my excuse