New sewing machine - advice please

[user1466515173]

sorry for the long post

Hi all,

I am looking to purchase my first sewing machine and would like some help/advice. There are so many options it is overwhelming!

I have done some machine sewing in school and on mums ancient machine in the past. I'm pretty handy when it comes to learning new hobbies. I hand-sew, embroider, knit, crochet etc - all self-taught. I learn pretty quickly. That being said, I currently know next to nothing about sewing machines.

So I understand I probably need a ''beginner'' machine, though since I pick things up pretty quickly, and tend to (successfully) launch into ''advanced'' projects with zero experience, I am wondering whether there is a machine that is beginner friendly, yet has enough functions that can see me through my sewing skill growth.

I would like a machine that isn't gigantic as I don't currently have a designated sewing space.

Budget
Initially [without having done any research] I was budgeting around £100-150. Ideally I didn't want to spend up to £200-250, though if there was something perfect that you all thought would be ideal for me, then I would 100% be willing to stretch my budget. Buy nice, rather than buy twice.

Functions
I think I need/want;

• metal chassis
• top loading bobbin
• minimum (circa) 14 stitches
• needle threader
• speed control

Additional features, if possible;

• top loading storage compartment rather than having to remove the front section to access it
• adjustable/high presser foot
• adjustable stitch length/width
• some pretty decorative stitches such as scallop (definitely don't need a gazillion different stitches)
• the extended table for larger projects eg quilting
• one step button hole (i cant see myself churning out many clothes so perhaps I can manage on a four step?
• embroidered lettering (names etc)

Hobby Projects I envision sewing in the near future;

• hemming work trousers
• Large puff quilt / quilting
• making bias tape
• adjusting denim jeans (thick material) / take in waistband
• cushion covers
• sewing machine cover
• other small crafty projects
• taking in waistbands (/adding darts) on dresses / adjusting clothes to fit me

The machine which keeps popping up is Brother LS14S (currently £89 on Amazon). It has great reviews and is good value. Whilst this would absolutely be sufficient for my current purposes/learning phase, I'm wondering if I would kick myself for not spending an extra amount on something with a bit more pizazz within the next year or two.

Brand Comparison
I have seen some negative reviews of Brother & Singer for their recent machines - sounds like they weren't what they once was. Janome & Alfa are also brands which keep popping up and quite a few people seem to say they are more reliable?

I have also come across 'Uten'? e.g. the 2685A for £169 on Amazon.

Mechanical vs Computerised
I have also learned there are mechanical vs computerised machines. I noted that a benefit of computerised is the ability to not rely on a foot pedal (and perhaps more control on speed?). I note that mechanical machines may be easier to service/fix at home. The sparkle of a computerised machine is tempting me though. What would you say are the main benefits/drawbacks of each?

Thank you for taking the time to read my ramble. I would appreciate any & all info/suggestions/feedback/advice.

:)

I love my John Lewis own brand sewing machine. It’s super easy to use and all the reviews were fab. They come in lots of different colours too and are £130-£190. I’ve had mine for about 10 years and don’t use it much but it was a great purchase.

www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-jl111-wildflower-print-sewing-machine-blue/p5548442

I suspect you'll need to increase your budget a little bit for all the features you want.

I have a Brother one that does everything i need it to although it doesn't have a thread cutter which would have been nice. (I'll add link later)

Janome seems to be the brand of choice for a lot of people. Avoid Singer like the plague.

If you are going to be making quilts you'll also need to buy a walking foot so factor that in with the price.

Bernina are then best and will last years. I’d go to a proper sewing machine shop and try out different machines. They often have reconditioned machines that will have all your features.

Link to Amazon Price was about £330 when I bought mine.

Janome machines are fantastic, good quality, easy access to parts, solid and reliable. John Lewis machines are actually made by Janome so if you see a good deal get it.

I strongly recommend looking on eBay, loads and loads and loads of people buy sewing machines then forget about them and sell them on so there are lots of bargains for barely used machines available out there. They are kind of like bread machines in that way.

Automatic needle threader is a sanity saver so definitely look for that. You'll also want to look at price of compatible feet. Most machines come with a couple of basics as part of the package but as you start adding in more projects you'll find things like a piping foot or walking foot useful.

Take the time to learn how to clean, oil, thread, adjust tension and replace the needle. Learning how to sew on it is one thing but if you can't maintain the machine it will cause you problems. Incorrect tension and you'll end up with gathering or saggy seams, dry machine and you'll have snapped threads, dull needle and you'll end up with a broken needle. Familiarise yourself with the troubleshooting guide so you know what is causing your problem and how to fix it. Also learn about the different types of needle and which fabrics they work with, ie a ball point for jersey, universal for standard weight cottons.

My most used tool is a magnetic seam guide, cheap but really useful in getting nice straight even seams.

I have a brother FS210 which does everything on your list except doesn't have a top loading storage compartment and is double the budget - I don't think you will find your list within budget sorry unless you look for secondhand.

I don't use the storage compartment really anyway though- it forms part of the base of the machine but half the time it just sits in a drawer as I prefer using the machine without it. I certainly don't store stuff in it.

I started with a brother LS14 and it was a great machine but I outgrew it very quickly. Didn't have enough stitches or choice of stitch length/width etc.

Forgot to say I've used the FS210 for heavy duty bag making, curtains, jeans and on lighter fabrics too. It handles everything well but it's worth knowing how to use all the different feet it comes with to get the most out of it.

For bias tape it's absolutely worth getting bias tape tools

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08CD9QXPQ/ref=sspa_mw_detail_0?ie=UTF8&psc=1&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9kZXRhaWwp13NParams

More advanced machines aren't necessarily harder to use. If you learn quickly I'd buy a machine that will tackle clothes/home furnishings/bags etc. Decent no turn buttonholes are worth having and a range of useful stitches including stretch. Options to expand with feet/accessories. About £250 / £300 will get you an easy to use machine that you'll never need to replace. After that you'll probably be eyeing up an overlocker!

You can get a bargain with a reconditioned/part ex machine from a dealer, there's nothing much sewing machines do now that they didn't 10 or 20 years ago.

It will probably be a "mechanical" machine IE dials not buttons ,but really there isn't much difference with computerised apart from more fancy stitches. A good quality manual machine will sew better than a cheap computerised one. You control the speed with your foot pedal on either type but theres a slider to adjust the range. Good sewing machines don't need that much servicing as long as you oil them every so often.

Eg. Viking Emerald, Bernette B35, Janome 423s/525s/ 725s. Janome HD2200 is a model often used by schools ie versatile and robust, if you find a used one.

Another vote for a Janome/John Lewis machine.

I got one a few months ago when John Lewis had them on sale over a bank holiday.

Easy to use, sturdy and pretty to look at!

As a beginner I went for the most basic in their range, but they have a good choice of more complex models.

This is mine :)
https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-jl110-sewing-machine-soft-pink/p6368341

Would it be ok to hijack thread and ask for any beginners tips on where to find sewing lessons for total novices? Online ideally. I have a machine from years ago and I'd love to use it for making upholstery but not sure how to go about learning be basics first!

My Janome machine has literally survived being dropped from a full height Ikea Kallax (so about 5 foot or so) onto a tiled floor without a dent to it so if you're wanting indestructible - there's your recommendation!

Another Janome fan here, I would suspect that for your wishlist and ambitions any machine under £100 would be a waste of money as you would soon outgrow it or find it too unreliable. I've had my fairly basic semi-computerised Janome machine for over 10 years and with the addition of a walking foot (makes sewing layers/thick material much easier without slipping) have made many coats, waistcoats, shirts, trousers, dresses, curtains, cushions...you name it!

Think about having some lessons or doing a short course as this avoids learning via too many expensive mistakes - in my city there are quite a few makers/craft hubs that offer day workshops or problem solving sessions which can be very helpful.

And by the sound of all your other crafty activities you'll no doubt catch the bug and end up making lots more things than you ever envisaged!

https://www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com/

https://www.thestitchfestival.co.uk/

If you are able to travel to one of the Knitting and stitching shows you may find one of their workshops are suitable for you

I have the basic John Lewis machine and it is good value.

Another janome fan here. I scoured eBay and Facebook and bought my computerised one second hand (DC2160). Its about 10/15 years old I guess coat me £250 and would have retailed for about £500. My old mechanical one is literally decades old and is New Home (aka Janome), this was a hand me down. It weighs a tonne (one reason for buying my computerised one so I could take it to classes without throwing my back out!). The mechanical one is great for sewing upholstery fabric and denim where as my computerised one - whilst it will still sew them will likely throw a wobbly at some stage. My 4 come overlocker is also Janome and bought via eBay for £50.

My fav things are the button stop start and the free arm.

I'd love a bigger throat, a knee lifter and an auto thread snipper. But can't justify the money to get one.

Make friends with your local dealer. The closest to me by about 50 miles will only service Janome. This was problematic when I purchased one of the John Lewis Janome dupes and he wouldn't touch it and JLs famous customer service wasnt so great as it turned out so I had to faff on with it myself. The JL one is very basic and okay for straight lines and non challenging fabric.

I took think you will have to up your budget.

Coming on for tips as well as to say - don’t get the Brother LS14s - I have it and I’m looking to sell it on. It’s clunky. You press the foot pedal and it goes from nothing to whoosh. There’s no separate speed setting. Do not recommend!

Oh goodee, spending money on sewing stuff, spending money by proxy even better!

That looks to me like a very well thought out list of requirements. But I don't think you'll get a new machine everything you're looking for within your budget. I know you mention the Brother LS14 but this review points out some disadvantages, some of which might well be dealbreakers https://threadsmonthly.com/brother-ls14s-sewing-machine-review/. Have a look here for some alternatives https://threadsmonthly.com/best-sewing-machine-beginners/.

Honestly though, I agree with others that you'd be much better served by getting a quality used machine. They are generally sturdier, quieter and and much better at doing the basics than new machines at the lower end of the market. I have two Elnas from the 70s which purr along and do a great straight stich through practically anything. They have 4 step buttonholes which I use in preference to the automatic one on my Pfaff. I bought the Pfaff when I started quilting as it has a bigger harp space and (crucially) a built in dual feed so you don't need a separate walking foot. This has been a game changer for all sorts of tricky fabrics, not just for quilting, and I highly recommend it.

I suspect the most difficult compromise for you will be to do with storage of the machine rather than the machine itself. Anything lightweight enough to be easily put away will likely be too lightweight to be comfortable with thick fabrics and high speeds, unless it's also tiny. You may not have a dedicated sewing space but think about whether you can reconfigure the space you intend to use so that it's just a question of (say) sliding the machine to the back of a cupboard instead of lugging it about. You don't want to end up with the perfect machine that you never use because it's too heavy to get out, or a lighter machine that you can get out easily that isn't sturdy enough to do the job.

Thank you everyone for your help so far! All of the tips & advice is so useful (keep it coming!).

I was gifted a £100 Liberty of London voucher for xmas which I won't use (I have spent hours looking in store and online in the past week). Would love to use that money to buy an extra special sewing machine. Anyone want to do me a favour and take it off my hands? 😅Liberty have some lovely fabrics....... 😜

Yes if anyone offers you a working Elna or Bernina from the 1980s or older, say yes! Many of these machines are still doing great including mine, the build quality is so good. (Few photos attached as examples).
With used machines, you want it to have all original parts/accessories and see it running smoothly, and budget £80 or so for a service.

I also have a Singer from the 1950s and a New Home from the early 1960s that I need to get up and working at some point too. They were handed on from someone whose mum used them her entire life and they feel like blooming tanks and the mechanisms still run - just can't get the bottom thread to pick up on one of them.

I learnt on a solid chunk of a Bernina at school which was pretty much idiot proof (although we got screamed at when we broke any machine needles)

I’d start with a basic machine and see if you actually enjoy sewing.

Depending on your definition of an “advanced project”, you may well find that a basic machine is perfectly capable of doing all those things. It could certainly do most, if not all of the projects you listed.

I started with a basic machine (John Lewis one mentioned upthread) and used it to sew button down shirts. Not a problem on a basic machine - the techniques are more advanced, but the materials and stitches needed are not. The main disadvantage of that machine, for my uses at the time, was the speed. Sometimes you just want to sew slow, especially as a beginner, or when doing work that requires a lot of accuracy.

I’ve upgraded twice since then, with a good few years in between. All three machines are Janome machines. Big benefit of that brand is that parts and accessories are easy to find and reasonably priced. Lots of places service and repair Janomes as well.

I put my first machine on Facebook Market place and it was snapped up in minutes. That may also be a good place to look for a basic 2nd hand machine?

I use the LX14S for my sewing students, but I'd not really suggest it for a long-term machine if you're actually intending to use it frequently and regularly. For the odd hem repair or kid's book day costume, I'd say it was perfect, but I'd not be happy to spend all day sewing on it. However, to get you going, why not? It's a bit clunky and I doubt it would be up to sewing soft furnishings, especially not header tape on curtains, but it'll get you started.

Most sewing shops will take machines in part exchange so you can upgrade when you're ready to, without making a huge financial outlay immediately.

For online buying, check out Sewing Machines Direct. I've bought all my machines through them, and Russell is very knowledgeable - if you call, he will be able to make suggestions to suit your budget and needs.

With your budget you might not be able to find all the features on your list, especially fancy embroidery. I would prioritise the following on your first machine. Decent make. Automatic needle threader. Adjustable tension and ideally look at reviews or you tube video reviews to see how it handles a range of fabrics. The ability to do a range of straight and zig zag stitches. I've just upgraded to a fancier Janome after years of owning a very basic Toyota. It is a better machine but I still like to use the foot pedal to control the speed, I find I have less control with the stop start button, so I wouldn't worry too much about it being electronic.

The German brand Pfaff is very good. I’ve had mine for nearly 20 years and still love it. I’d love to upgrade to one of their very fancy ones in the future. They have an offer on one of their basic starter machines:
www.sewingmachinesales.co.uk/sewing-machine/pfaff/pfaff-smarter-140s.html

I’ve been sewing on a Brother A65 that I ordered through Lords Sewing and it surprised me in a good way. It’s easy to use, the automatic buttonholes come out neat, and the LCD helps you see exactly what you’re doing. It feels like a machine you can start with and not outgrow too quickly.