Sewing machine for a beginner

[BelleandBeast]

who last used a machine in 1982!

Under £100, one that can cope with stretchy material and does stitches at the end of things so they don't fray? Is this possible?

Suggestions and recommendations please

Anybody? Im asking for one for my big birthday!

The one in Lidl is supposed to be good and is around £65
Have you a shop near you that could help?

Definitely try out one of the John Lewis own brand ones, they come in some funky colours and cost about £110

m.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-jl110-sewing-machine/p3330070

Failing that I'd check out John Lewis anyway for a Janome or Brother machine with the basics on, if your local one has a good Haberdashery dept they can be quite helpful sometimes! John Lewis does machines on special buy a lot which can save you a bit.

Really can't fault the John Lewis own brand one, had mine for about 7/8 years now and it's only just starting to have a few problems with oily thread which could probably be solved with a service. I've upgraded to a Janome now but used my John Lewis one all through my studies at college for fashion and my mum now uses it to fix stuff so it's still going!

The only problem with buying a Lidl one that's own brand or externally branded (like singer or something) is that you don't get the assurance that you'll have a guarantee or warranty and there's no way to get another if they've all been snapped up which could be a bit disappointing if it's broken or faulty :)

The john lewis one is made by janome! I'd go for that with that budget if you can add another tenner somehow

@LinkyPlease didn't know that! Makes sense why it's lasted for a while then! The company I work for does a lot of work with Brother so I always feel a bit cheeky recommending Janome but their layout and options always seems more beginner friendly 😂

Thank you for these suggestions - a trip to John Lewis is on the cards then