First sewing machine - what should I get

[thebluehen]

I really want to learn to use a sewing machine so I can make simple adjustments to my clothes firstly such as taking up hems (I am short and fed up with paying and waiting for dressmakers to help me out) and maybe eventually so I can be more creative.

I thought I would buy a second hand sewing machine - does anyone have any recommendations? What sort of thing should I be looking for?

Thanks.

You'll be able to get a much better machine for your money buying second hand so it's a great idea to go down that route.

I make my own clothes and would recommend either a secondhand mechanical Bernina or looking at Pfaff machines.

Ideally you'd want one that does automatic buttonholes (although the older Bernina's don't do this, but they have an excellent 6 step buttonhole). Bernina's sew through everything like butter - I've made jeans on mine with no problems.

Different feet attachments like a rolled hem foot, blind hem foot, walking foot, zipper foot and invisible zipper foot are all essentials for me.

Get the best machine that you can afford - once you get the dressing bug you'll want to upgrade if you buy something too basic/beginner.

When you're buying secondhand, you'll want to know when they were last serviced as if they've been sitting around unused they might have seized up a bit.

Thank you. That's helpful. I know I'd like to be able to hem jeans so good to know not all machines would cope with that.

Silly question - how can I tell how old a machine is on eBay?

I second Bernina or Pfaff - I have a 1980s Pfaff and it sews beautifully. I've also been recommended Husqvarna before. Age wise you could look up the dates for that model number. Then if the seller can locate the serial number for you you should be able to get an accurate date. It's quite common for places that repair and refurbish machines to also sell second hand. If you can find one near you it might be worth a visit as they'd generally be able to offer advice and let you try them out. Happy sewing! It's very addictive.

I’ve got a Janome CLX301 - a relative used to work for them so I did get a discount. Really simple to use - I’ve had it since I went on a basic “learn how to use a sewing machine” day course.

I learned to sew on a bernina 1001, my mums first machine. It's 35 years old and the best machine ever. You can still get parts for them and it literally sews anything.

I bought a brother sewing machine not too long ago, it was lovely because there were lots of stitch options and it was digital but I ended up selling it and went back to mums 1001 until I could find one second hand.
If you do buy one second hand, try and find a decent sewing machine mechanic to give it a good service. A lot of older machines have been left in the loft so the oil goes claggy. I pay £60 per machine to be serviced by our local machine mechanic x

My son did a fashion degree and makes quite a lot of his and his girlfriends clothes. We bought him a slightly higher than entry level Janone 7 years ago and it still works very well.

Hiya, a bit left field from me. I've been through so many machines and I find electric machines even in the mid range so pernikaty.

So I have never looked back since I got an old hand crank machine.
Heavy duty, sews through anything plus you can sew in the garden!
Best 25 quid I ever spent

I'd also add that Elna is another very good Swiss made brand, up to the 1980s (later ones are made by Janome). Best is one that looks a bit like this, the Carina/Jubilee/Air Electronic generation. There are still plenty around and they are easily serviced, and you can still get spares and accessories to fit them. I've had one for years and it's my machine of choice over my newer computerised one.
For making clothes or accessories, it's useful to have buttonholes, good range of stitch length/width, stretch stitches, twin needle and as PP said, enough power to get through a few thick layers.

1970s/80s sewing machines have a "look", usually some brown or orange on them, a bit blocky. But satisfyingly heavy rather than light and plasticky. 1960s/early 70s are a bit more curvy and often pastel coloured.

If you find one of the older Bernina in good condition (mini-matic, 830, Record etc) they are a phenomenon in themselves, my SIL has her grandma's one and despite my Elna I'm a bit