Can anyone recommend a good, cheap, easy to use sewing machine?

[MrsMcNulty]

Hi, I have a few sewing projects lined up so need a sewing machine. I'm not going to do anything more complex than hemming skirts/trousers, making cushion covers etc. - i.e. no embroidery or anything.

Can anyone recommend one that's easy to use for a sewing machine virgin, as cheap as possible (ideally not much over £100), and decent enough quality?

Thanks in advance!

www.sewingmachine-sales.co.uk/sewing-machine/janome/janome-2070-sewing-machine.htm

Highly recommend getting a Janome, i have a j324 but wondering if this one would suit you. I bought mine from this company and can recommend them as well

I've one from Lidl and it's great! Cost me ?79 (about £50). Brand Lervia I think.

I'm actually on my second as I broke the first (tried to do about 6 layers of sailcloth at once). Servicing the first would have cost more than buying a new one.

A friend of mine who treated herself to a ?500 machine used mine and found it great as well (this from a woman who makes wedding and communion dresses)

IKEA do one now but I don't know what it's like, hopefully someone will be along in a minute with info on it.
(the IKEA thread breaks easily though, I'm not mad about it)

I bought one from here the 762 model which cost £139

I've been very pleased with it and customer service has been outstanding (they didn't even laugh at me when I emailed a really stupid query)

thanks all two fab links for me to explore there!

My daughter was given this john lewis one for Christmas and it is an excellent wee machine. It is small so doesn't need the same storage as a bigger machine.

It isn't heavy though so if it was heavy material you were working with it might get pulled around by it.

I was recommended a lidl/aldi one by my sewing machine man. (want a back-up machine)

Just waiting for them come of offer again now though...

Get a sturdy second hand one from a sewing machine repair/dealer ( a good make like Singer).

Oh also try Freecycle, I've seen a few on there before (for free!)

Mine was a second hand one £60, have had it about 5 years. It has taken lots of novice abuse and is still going strong!

I love love love the little red one from John Lewis, it sounds ideal and I like the fact it's teeny to store and nice and light too. I'll only be using it for w few light jobs, then hems etc. now and again. Can't see myself ever making curtains!

Thanks so much everyone, and especially carrotsandcelery!

You are welcome [busmile]

It comes in lots of pretty colours too.

Oooh. This is great- I really need a machine. Thanks to the OP as now I know what to get!

I've just got a BrotherX5 for £80. I'm a beginner so just practicing sewing straight lines at the mo' but I like it.