Learning to sew. I need advice please

[TheRealMBJ]

Morning. I need to learn to sew. Am fairly competent with a crochet hook and knotting needles and can cross stitch and do some basic embroidery but have never sewn a single thing in my life. I have realised though, that it would be an infinitely useful skill to learn and my mother (who is an extremely competent seamstress) has agreed to give me a machine for Christmas. YAY!

She has, however, only ever used Berninas and these are sadly out of the price range. So... I need recommendations for a half decent machine, suitable for beginners but that allow me to grow a bit and perhaps do a little quilting eventually. Needs to be under £200.

Have looked at the Husqvarna Viking E20.

Any advice or recommendations will be greatly appreciated.

Oh, and what in particular should I be looking for when I go to try them in the shop. (Any supplier recommendations in the York region?)

A sewing machine is a sewing machine - thread it, select stitch, go :o

Thanks Pidj

They pretty much all do the essential straight stitch and zig-zag. Aside from that most things are extras. I love the "buttonhole" feature on mine (a basic Brother) and have serious envy for my Mum's Janome bought at about the same time because the thread goes "inside" the top so it can be left threaded.

It can't be true though, can it? Why else would people pay over £1000 for a machine?

I have to add here that I really, really do not have a clue about sewing at all.

Look on Ebay for a second hand Bernina. That`s what I did, I love mine.

I really want a sewing machine and keep hinting at dh for a birthday/Christmas pressie!! I have been looking at the John Lewis one for £100 which seems to have great reviews.

I have an elna which is a brilliant machine- I used my birthday money from everyone and got it for £150. It's great and easy to use. Please don't buy the John Lewis or get one second hand unless you know it's been untouched. I used frank nutt who delivered for free. I have been sewing for over 20 years!

I've always had a Brother, they are reliable, and extras for them are in ready supply.

People pay higher money for faster speeds (I have made several dresses and only use about 1/2 speed on my basic machine, faster speeds mean you finish quicker, but are more likely to make mistakes if you aren't v experienced), harder wearing parts (important if you sew constantly - my machine has been going for 5 years without a grumble) and programmable stitches (which I don't yet understand the use for).

My DM complained about the speed of my machine compared to hers, but she is much better than me and was making curtains which are technically very easy (straight lines, sturdy, non-stretch fabric).

The more expensive ones have lots of stitch patterns, embroidery patterns, usb port...

Straight, zig zag andbutton hole will cover everything a beginner needs - you can save for a flashy one when you establish what you need from it.

I take occasional commissions, many were on a 1971 husqvarna viking, now i have a Singer bought in Lidl for £80. I don't need flashy stitches to make trousers, dresses, cushion covers etc!

I think I have decided on this

That's the one I have . It's lovely, and will last forever.

The drop feed means that if you are interested in quilting you can use the same machine too. :)

Yay . I ran it past my mum, who said she thought it sounds great especially for the price. I think I'll go and have a look at it in person first though.

I did too (my mum that is!), and she recommended the elna. The John Lewis ones are plasticky and fragile looking. They are cheap for a reason. They will push the JL one as they make them more money. Are you near Leicester by any chance? The fabric guild there is amazing.

Unfortunately not. Nearest centre to me is York.

I'd recommend you save your money by going for a good old solid reconditioned work horse of a Machine, such as an old Jones (60s//70s) - it will do all the basic stitches, are built to last, unlike most modern machines & wont bounce across the table & drive you nuts like the more lightweight ones do if you try & pick up any speed.

If you go to a local specialised shop, you will likely find one with a guarantee at around £50/60 depending on where you are & you can spend the difference on accessories - I have old & new machines (my trade) & I hate modern machines, too much to go wrong & too lightweight to be much use sewing wide hems or curtains & don't get me started on corsettry

Thanks rock I'll investigate it.

Rockin, my '71 Husqvarna is still going strong in my dad's garage mending car upholstery :o

If only my mum kept her old machine for me but when she upgraded (15 years ago) she thought I'd never be interested

Is Bridlington too far for you to travel? I bought simplest machine I could find, New Home/Janhome, about 20 years ago. Shop owner delivered then demonstrated and have renewed a bulb since, no other problems. Can't remember shop name but will look it up if location's suitable.

Flynns' might be worth a visit in York? You need to look at, sew and handle a few machines to get a feel for what suits you, new or secondhand. Definitely don't buy unseen.

I'm another owner of a vintage 1980s Elna, I can't afford a new machine of similar quality so on we go: curtains, jeans, wedding dresses, the lot.