Sewing machine help please

[bouncydog]

My trusty singer is over 50 and I’m giving it to my near 90 year old mum to replace hers she lost in a house fire. Having looked online at various brands I would like one with an automatic needle threader, thread cutter, drop in bobbin, auto buttonholes and led lighting. Not too bothered about 000’s stitches. Must cope with all fabric weights. Any suggestions please? Budget up to £750 max.

I have this Brother. It meets all of your requirements and is a great price. I love it. It’s really easy to use and reliable 🙂
smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00DAY5PSU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Janome are good.

£750 is enough for quite a fancy machine. You don't really need to spend that much. You could look at the Janome hd2200 which is based on a metal chassis, just doesn't have the thread cutter. Maybe an overlooked would be useful too if you make clothes.

If you want the thread cutter, the Janome m200qdc is in budget. I have the m50qdc and it's a lovely machine that will sew anything thst fits under the feet. Extension table and walking foot come as standard.

I have a brother FS210 that meets all of your criteria (well it has a needle threader that you have to hook the thread round and then it does it's thing) and has fancy stitches and is sub £450

Thank you everyone. There’s so many to choose from. Spent the last day or so investigating and realised my original budget is not necessary! It’s helpful to have your thoughts on different makes.

Also the Pfaff Ambition machines with the integrated walking foot are worth a look.

I have the Janome 5060. It's what they use on the Sewing Bee. Thread cutter is a game changer! I love it - it's coped well with everything from lightweight slippery fabric to decent weight denim.

I'd spend a bit less on a machine (c£400) and get an overlocker too, if you don’t have one and plan to sew a lot. That's what takes things to the next level.

Overlockers are a whole other subject. Many people buy them, find the threading intimidating and don’t touch them for years, thinking “I must learn to do that”! Because of this, I spent £1920 on a baby lock with air threading and it’s worth every Penny as it’s a joy to use.

I never understand the issue with overlocker threading! The diagrams are clear, everything is colour coded, and there are a million videos on YouTube showing you how to do it! Plus once it's threaded, you rarely need to actually re-thread as you can just tie the new thread to the old and work it through.

I spent less than £150 on an overlocker, and it does a perfectly acceptable job. I'm about to trade up, but you can get a lot of overlocker for under £300-£400.

I bought a Husqvarna sewing machine about 30 years ago and it’s still going strong. It’s well used but I have long periods when it didn’t get used. I bought it because the bobbin part doesn’t need oiling.

Do they still have sewing machine shops where you can see them being demonstrated (John Lewis)?

I am v much a beginner but my local Facebook marketplace is FULL of used once machines at brilliant prices

I’m probably a wimp, but fortunately they make one for wimps! If you tie tge new thread, doesn’t the knot get stuck?

Absolutely, my local machine shop is a family business that has been there for 50 years and there are others. I think, as you suggest, John Lewis provides that too.

@AnnieSnap - no - the thread doesn't snap if you pull it nice and tight. The knot is tiny, and fits through the hole in the needle just fine. I always re-thread mine that way, but can re-thread by hand if needed.

Thanks, that’s a great thing to know. I already have my air thread Babylock and I do love it. If I ever need to use a different machine, at least I now know I (or my local retailer) only need to thread it once!

Well I’ve ordered the Janome 5060 which was a lot less than my original budget! Will see how I get on and if I get back into it, will get an overlocker next. Have also taken the plunge and ordered a new sewing box to replace my falling to bits over filled one! I retire in a few months so the plan is to convert my home office into a sewing room instead of using the dining room table!

Great choice! I love mine.

just getting to grips with the new one - can’t believe how much it does. Optician also recommended an LED light with a magnifier which is a game changer for sewing black at night!