Sewing machine

[NigellaSeed]

I have always wanted a sewing machine. I can hand sew but I'm thinking of getting a machine - I have never touched one - I won't have anyone to teach me how to use it so will need to use online YouTube stuff - so... Should I buy a cheapie beginner - in case I don't use it much - or should I get a good one with more settings - as the cheap ones are naff/I'll want more settings/more power?

Tia

I should add maybe - I plan on doing odd jobs - curtains, cushion covers, face masks etc, and my dream is to learn to sew some clothes for myself and my DS.

But I also don't have loads of free time

Is Singer the best brand generally?

:)

Go for a brother LS14. Best starter machine out there and it's only about £80.

Oo I've just seen it's at Argos. £80 is a great price - I wasn't sure whether I'd have to spend alot more -

Will look at the model, thank you

I’ve got the basic Janome one which seems really good quality, upgraded from a basic Singer before which was very temperamental. John Lewis also have their own brand which are made by Janome so they may also be worth a look

Janome are very good basic machines. We use them in my sewing class . I think John Lewis own brand are also Janome.
Lidl and Aldi sometimes have craft special offers but they tend to sell Singer machines which are quite good too.
Have a look on your local Facebook /selling pages as you might find one for sale.

I bought a beginner Janome at hobby craft about 8 years ago and it's still going strong. Before you do that, put a post on FreeCycle or a local Facebook group to see if anyone has a sewing machine they want to get rid of. I've seen loads being offered lately because people took up sewing and quickly got bored.

I got a Janome having had no experience of an electric sewing machine (learned to sew on a vintage hand-crank Singer). I found the Janome instructions were really clear and easy to follow, which made a huge difference. In fact, my daughter managed to thread it up correctly the first time she used it when she was about 7.

Get a proper one, from a sewing shop if you have one local as they will be of immense assistance.

I have 3 Janomes plus one of the coloured John Lewis ones. I must say JLs customer service was rubbish when I had an issue with it (self inflicted rather than it breaking down) . It's a great starter machine.

You don't need a great range of stitches, I find it's a bit like a washing machine - my favourite Janome which was about £500 has 50+ stitches and I use about 4...

If I was getting a new machine my wish list would include, automatic thread cutter, a wider throat and a knee lift. End/start knotting, needle threader, one touch reverse, button hole foot, clip on feet,

Think about weight if you will be taking it to classes. One of mine weighs a ton and I can hardly get it into the car boot. That one stops at home!

Meant to add, there are loads of YouTube gurus for each brand. And to be honest they are all much if a muchness in how they work.

I like to watch sewing street via you tube - it's a selling channel but their demonstrators are knowledgeable.

Make sure you have the right bobbins in ( my Janomes only like Janome bobbins) and a good quality thread.

You can buy extra feet separately, that are branded (and expensive), but you can get unbranded feet that work fine.

If I was getting a new machine my wish list would include, automatic thread cutter, a wider throat and a knee lift. End/start knotting, needle threader, one touch reverse, button hole foot, clip on feet

The only thing that you'd need as a beginner is a buttonhole function and clip on feet because then you can buy cheap universal feet and they'll probably fit. Don't over face yourself, you can upgrade later once you know whether you're going to stick with it.

Wow thanks for all the advice everyone.

I see hobby craft do lessons if you book so that could be handy

I'm currently reading up on all your recommendations xxx

Torn. Brother one looks good at £80. But most of you said janome.

www.hobbycraft.co.uk/janome-4400-sewing-machine/601437-1000

Would this be a good one? Thanks

Another vote for the brother LS14

I happily used one for years until I 'grew out of it' and I upgraded to another brother. It was great for basic dress making etc but eventually I needed something that could do a vast range of different types of stitches as I started to take on more complicated projects.

Most local authorities offer some kind of 'get to know your sewing machine' type courses through adult education so have a look there.

Brother is fine. Janome isn't significantly better at entry level.