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Original poster

Good sewing machine for beginner.

24 replies

TimeToPassGo · 26/01/2014 22:42

I went to a 1 day sewing machine taster workshop just before Christmas and have decided I want to buy a sewing machine and learn how to use it. I have a few crafty relatives (distant) who might be able to help but will mostly be relying on the manual and You Tube / blogs to help. Unfortunately the workshop was a one off and miles away so can't make it a regular thing.

Can anyone recommend a decent sewing machine that is good for a beginner but would be useful longterm if I really get into it? Budget is about £100 maybe £150 for something really good. No sewing shops nearby so relying on the Internet and recommendations. I will have to buy fabric online too.

TIA.

OP posts:
Rowlers · 26/01/2014 22:48

I'm no expert but we just bought a brother sewing machine. It cost £95 from john Lewis (was on offer from £125 ish) and has a good range of stitches and is suitable for all materials. So far, so good. Very pleased.
From what I know , janome are great but I think you have to pay quite a bit more if you want a janome which does heavy fabric like denim.

Original poster
TimeToPassGo · 26/01/2014 22:50

Rowlers do you know which model it was?

OP posts:
MyPantsAreGreen · 26/01/2014 22:50

m.johnlewis.com/mt/www.johnlewis.com/brother-xn1700-sewing-machine/p231648865

Got this one for Xmas. Excellent dvd really helps to set up and build confidence.

Longdistance · 26/01/2014 22:52

I'm sure I saw Singer sewing machines in Lidl for £75. Don't quote me on that price, but I already have a sewing machine, so didn't really show too much interest.

Original poster
TimeToPassGo · 26/01/2014 23:06

Thanks pants that looks really promising will definitely stick it on my shortlist!

OP posts:
BlueSkySunnyDay · 26/01/2014 23:10

Janomes are what they use in my sewing class they are great but expensive.

I have literally just bought another Brother, I have switched from mechanical to a computerised one as I take it to class and it is much lighter to carry about.

It may not be a bad idea if you have a good sewing machine shop locally to pop in as they may let you try a few and give you some adice (you dont have to buy immediately just say you are thinking about getting one) I understand John Lewis are very helpful too. It is worth trying one out as I changed from a brother to a toyota (after reading glowing reviews) and totally HATED it - hence moving back to another Brother.

Go for the best you can get within your budget because otherwise - like me you will be trading up in no time and end up spending more!!

You Tube is brilliant - it helped me put in a zip this week.

phoolani · 26/01/2014 23:10

I got a John Lewis mini www.johnlewis.com/jl-mini-sewing-machine/p367714?colour=Red
50 quid so you don't have to feel bad if you turn out not to be the sewing goddess you were convinced you were!
I do actually use it occasionally - more than I ever used the brother I got - because it's small and easy to store and take out quickly, and it's easy to thread?

Rowlers · 26/01/2014 23:20

It was the one mypants linked to. Really like it.

HectorVector · 26/01/2014 23:22

I got this for Xmas and I love it. I had a 2 hour lesson in how to use it from my dad and I've already made 3 things (learning through blogs and you tube tutorials). It's lovely and very easy to use!

HectorVector · 26/01/2014 23:23

:) pants got the same one! 2 recommendations for it then.

wonkylegs · 26/01/2014 23:24

My mum has just replaced her complicated and expensive Elna with this Janome
as she wanted something lighter and easier now she was getting older. Its the newer version of a Janome I got 14 years ago, and is still going strong.... Many many curtains, dresses, school costumes etc later. I think it's a good machine for a good price.

Original poster
TimeToPassGo · 27/01/2014 10:05

Any other suggestions before I go nuts and order one? Smile

OP posts:
Raptorrrethy · 27/01/2014 20:30

I have an ikea sewing machine! It gets good reviews and I've been really pleased with it. It's called Sy.

BlueSkySunnyDay · 27/01/2014 20:47

You need straight stitch and zig zag stitch - on my previous machines these were the only stitches I ever used.

Ideally a stitch length adjustor and a tension dial. Some of the cheaper machines just have a separate stitch for different lengths, this is basic but fine

What are you intending to sew with it? Is it just for an occasional repair or are you intending to "get into" sewing clothes/curtains?

I spent £120 on a sewing machine and hated it, managed to sell it for £50 and splurged £225 on my new Brother (because I fell in love with the embroidery stitches in class and it was easier to carry to college)

I would get the best machine you can for your budget or if you end up enjoying it you will end up buying a better one in a year!

WoodBurnerBabe · 27/01/2014 20:55

My first machine was a Brother, built like a tank and great to learn on. My current one is a Janome which cost £400 and I love it as well.

You really need a zig zag stitch as well as straight stitch. If it is one where the feet clip on and off as well, that helps. Even if you have a basic machine, you can get lots of different feet to create different effects. I don't have a foot fetish at all, not me

Original poster
TimeToPassGo · 28/01/2014 00:16

I would like to get into sewing. Basic cushions and clothes initially maybe curtains and quilting down the line a bit.

OP posts:
scurryfunge · 28/01/2014 00:23

I bought a Toyota Super jeans machine last year as a total beginner. It does everything I want it to do but now I am more confident I would love a Janome.

WoodBurnerBabe · 28/01/2014 08:17

If you want to do quilting, I would recommend 2 things. Firstly, get a 1/4" foot - makes getting the seam allowances much easier. And secondly, if you can afford it, buy a machine that you can drop the feed dogs on, which means you can do free motion quilting with a free motion foot. However, basic machines don't often have this facility. It's a "nice to have" if it's not out of your price range. A 1/4" foot should only set you back about £10 though :-)

BlueSkySunnyDay · 28/01/2014 15:32

The Toyota Jeans is what I had after my first brother - I didn't get on with it (although to be fair I found out when I sold it I had been threading it wrong, which probably explains at lot of my issues! ) It was brilliant for hemming jeans but once I got back into Dressmaking I decided to get another brother - an added unexpected bonus is that it's WAY quieter. ..a good thing as I generally do my sewing at night when everyone else is in bed.

Like scurry I hankered after a Janome but a similar spec Janome worked out to be about £100 more than the brother FS40

Original poster
TimeToPassGo · 29/01/2014 21:22

Last chance to stage an intervention before I buy the Brother one... Smile

OP posts:
BlueSkySunnyDay · 29/01/2014 21:39

I had a basic brother one for years and loved it - I only replaced it at all because it had an accident (me being a lazy prat and balancing it on something unsuitable)

HectorVector · 29/01/2014 23:12

Buy the brother one!

MiaowTheCat · 30/01/2014 12:51

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

BlueSkySunnyDay · 30/01/2014 22:17

I've been told by a friend that the "John Lewis"own brand machines are actually Janomes - would be interested to know if that was the case

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