Sewing machine?

[atomicnotsoblonde]

I'm looking to buy an entry sewing machine to adjust clothing, make curtains/cushions and basic sewing. Sewing bee I'm not!

Which machine would you suggest is best? Budget is circa £100, but I can spend a little more if the machine is worth it.

Suggestions (with links if possible!) welcomed!

Thanks all xx

Anyone?

Take a look on gum tree there are usually plenty on there, to save you a bit of cash. If no joy, your local charity shops usually have one or 2 donated so ask them as they may be in the back store room. I have a toshiba. If you are starting out then you could look up doing s course at your local college/ school. Most councils run evening classes for adult learning and sewing skills is often one of them. I went along to one of these it cost £60 for 10 weeks - ended up ditching the sewing (not for me after all) but in the class I met s really lovely woman and we are now very close friends 6 years later. Good luck OP!

Thanks for the reply, I'll have a look. I won't manage a course, although I'd love one. I'm a single parent and work full time. I'm planning on trying the online tutorials. Will definitely try gumtree! Thanks you! C

I've just got a John Lewis basic machine for £99. It does everything I wanted as a total newbie, and more.

And it has a full warranty.

Second the John Lewis one

Look for Janome or Brother on Ebay as you can get some great second hand machines that do exactly what you want for a fraction of the new price.
I've heard that Singer has, sadly, gone downhill in recent years.

John Lewis machines are made by Brother - so just have a different skin on them - a bit like when you buy a M&S yogurt and it is the same product made in the same factory but sold in Aldi for half the price.

I have a JL machine that I have used for 20 years - and use as a loaner when students need to take something home. Recently I have found Janome machines to be rugid and robust at at very good price point with pretty much all of the stitches that you will need - and as I teach with them - they get some real abuse.

With regard to the level of machine - to start with go mechanical rather than computerised - think of the computerised machines like a laptop - if that memory card goes it is cheaper to replace the laptop than have it fixed - same applies to the sewing machines.

Also - figure out how many stitches you need - if you walk into a sewing machine shop you will be oversold - as they will tell you that you need over 60 stitches - quite frankly you don't and in the future if you do then upgrade.

I have written a guide to buying a first sewing machine - it is free - just let me know if you want it.

A poster mentioned Gumtree - but start with Freecyle - you wouldn't believe what beautiful machines people give away on there.

If you are in a tight spot - let me and I'll see what I have in the garage - it may not be fancy -- but if you pay a nominal amount for me to service it and P& P to you - I can do that for a basic straight line sewer - which will be fine to start you on curtains and cushions - will also throw in my basic course notes for making curtains and cushions for free (normally my course is £250 - but that is more for people who want to turn it into a business).
But let me know - and we can get you up and running.

I took delivery of a brother LS14S yesterday, no idea how to use it but it has great reviews and comes with a dvd for guidance.

Found on ebay for 65 quid

Looking forward to making some seasonal decorations with it

Sorry amazon not ebay

You have a great machine there - promise - and at £65 - bargain - have fun.

Can't say too much - but doing some work with a programme for X-mas decorations - why am I thinking about stockings at this time of year - so if you want seasonal patterns and inspiration - let me know.

Thanks @JaneHitch I'm really looking forward to starting! Seems a bit daunting right now.

Haha I was thinking along the stocking line too, be nice to have them hanging above the fire place.!