sewing machine recommendations

[reesewithoutaspoon]

I took up sewing a few years ago, mainly clothes. I have a basic machine but am looking to upgrade now I know it's something I enjoy and will continue.
A one-step buttonhole is a must, the ability to free sew as I do the occasional quilts. I want a good all-round machine that will deal with a range of fabrics and is reliable.
The current issues I have with my basic machine are, having to do buttonholes in 4 steps and they don't look even, sometimes the loops don't lie flat no matter how much I adjust the tension, no way of knowing stitch length when a pattern asks for it. The zig zag stitch snarls up the edges (less of an issue as I invested in an overlocker now which is the best thing I ever bought ).
Ive looked at reviews and best buys etc, but the amount of machines with different model numbers that seem to do the same thing is overwhelming, would really appreciate some recommendations from experienced sewers

Go to a specialist shop, one that carries a range of models and they will let you actually try the machines. You really need to see them in the flesh and try them out, which is the best way, given the price will be a jump from your basic machine. I did this and have never regretted trying before buying. Another suggestion is asking if anyone you know has a vintage machines sitting around, as some of the older models are briliant machines and rarely beaten by many of the mid range models you can buy new.

@YYURYYUCICYYUR4ME thank you.
I will look to see if there's one near me.
Can I ask what features you would say are a must-have? that maybe I haven't considered that I would need as my skill is increasing?

I know I absolutely want 1 step buttonholes because the basic machine I have just never looks professional and I make a lot more clothes now. more so for grandchildren, but I'm getting a wardrobe of adult patterns too.

I see machines with 100 stitch patterns, foot-free operation, etc. I suppose I just want a machine that will grow with me as I improve. Just don't want to invest and find out that a year down the line the fact the machine can't drop the feed dogs (like my current machine) means doing quilting is frustrating and doesn't get the good results I want.

Think about what you want to make, the types of materials you've used and the finish you want on any item you sew. What's your budget and even my old Frister & Rossman Cub 8 does a large number of pattern stitches, zigzag and overlocking and can handle denim, but when I bought her I bought the best I could afford at the time and the investment was obviously worth it, some 40 years later! I bought my Juki overlocker from this shop: (https://www.franklinsgroup.com/product-category/sewing-machines/ ) and they talked me through the pros and cons of the machine, demonstrated its use, alongside allowing me as much time as I needed playing with the machines. I also have a vintage Singer 99K (only 68 year old, hand crank), with a variety of attachments and even her stitch quality rivals many modern machines and yes, it will handle pattern stitches and zigzag with the right Singer attachment.

I second the advice to go to a dealer and look at several. I bought my Janome second hand from a friend of a friend, after starting with a basic machine, so didn't really look around.

Things I knew I wanted were: one-step buttonhole; automatic stitch to secure the end of a seam, ability to stop with the needle up or down. I've also got a top-loading bobbin although it doesn't stop me running out of thread because I forget to look 😀

I think most non-basic machines would have these functions. Automatic needle threader is handy. I rarely use more than three of the twenty-plus stitch options.

Have you got a lot of different feet? It might be worth staying with the same brand as your existing machine if so, as they can be expensive to replace. (Having said that, I usually buy generic ones on Amazon.)

You might just find one or other feels more comfortable to use, if I was buying again I'd do a few test drives.

Thank you. yes automatic stitch end sounds like a must-have and needle threader too (old eyes).
My current machine is a Brother LS14 which is really basic and my biggest frustration with it is the stitch quality, it randomly drops stitches and sometimes has random snarl-ups on the bobbin side of the work, which means I often end up having to undo and redo pieces. Getting the tension right can be difficult too. I'm like a safecracker, twiddling the tension dial the minutest amount only to find it still won't get a good stitch.
I'm trying to find a sewing centre but there's not much in my area apart from John Lewis.

Ha ‘like a safe cracker’ yes I know that feeling!

I have a Silver Viking that is still going strong after 10 years, and I do a lot of sewing.
It has one step buttonholes, plenty of patterns if you like using them, zig zag that can be very close stitches like an overlooked, lots of different feet.
I don't know if they are still available but might be second hand.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/355073200094?chn=ps&gclid=CjwKCAjws9ipBhB1EiwAccEi1FxaNBLJPinHXw0cFI-d_Vuqs7AA_RiJnfqslAfPRSAiG4WKSbIFCxoCDLkQAvD_BwE

This one is on eBay.

I meant Viscount, not Viking.

I invested in a Janome machine that does one step buttonholes - would not want to be without that now. Also:

• needle threader - so easy. I use it every time
• thread snips - I wouldn't have thought it a big deal, but so nice to press and have both threads cut

Mine was in the discount section on GUR sewing machines website. I know I should have looked at some, but I wanted it yesterday, so bought unseen. No regrets yet.

Just an update. Went to JL. They had no one there to help, went to Hobbycraft, and had a similar story. But I found a sewing centre and they had a Singer Confidence fully refurbished with 2-year warranty and a free £100 worth of accessories for a good price.

It's so lovely to finally have a machine that sews beautifully instead of snarling up all the time. I'm finding the auto threading is a real boon and the one-step buttonholes are a game changer.
Already a pair of trousers, child dungarees, and 2 shirts in, and I'm rediscovering my love of sewing again.

Thank you for updating, that sounds fab. Glad you’re enjoying it. Sewing is my happy place, and having a decent machine is important.

I know this is a slightly older thread but I'm new to sewing and have made myself a top. I really enjoyed it and would like to do more. I'm thinking longer term about getting a machine that makes buttonholes, the one I have is a JL mini which is great but basic. If I want to carry on I'll want to make items with buttons and a one step sounds least stressful! I have my eye on tilly and the buttons seren dress but don't have the capability yet!
Any recommendations? I think the JL is Janome which seems to have a good reputation. I'm just thinking about what to aim for and start putting a little aside to save up.

You’re right, the JL ones are Janome which is a good make. Also means if you want to buy a Janome in future the feet will fit (that’s what I did). A one-step buttonhole is brilliant but the step-by-step ones are still quite effective, just a bit more fiddly.

Worth upgrading from a mini in my view.