Buying a second hand sewing machine

[Twoshoesnewshoes]

I’m thinking of trying sewing as I have lots of DIY projects which would be useful to have one.
i haven’t sewn since high school.
there are a couple of old sewing machines on eBay near me- a 1972 singer and a newer brother, both around £60.
will they be okay? Which brand is best?
or should I spend more on a newt machine?

Anyone?

I wouldn’t touch a brother, they’re not great. I’d look for a Janome, Bernini are the best but expensive, Pfaff/Husqvarna are great. Singer just ok.

That’s great, thank you I’ll have a look

There’s a Janome 219s for £75

I have this one that I bought new a few years ago. Think it was about £60 then. It’s honestly perfect for a beginner, very basic but sews really well. I use it mainly to adjust hems on things and alter charity shop clothes to fit me.

I've got a 1970s singer I can't give away for free! It was my mum's. If you are south west and you don't mind coming to get it you can have it and some extras too. I would try putting a wanted ad up - I think you'd get one for free.

@BurntBroccoli looks great thank you!
@Ivygarland yes I’m in south devon x

I like brother machines. I dont mind a vintage singer, but more recent ones I wouldn't touch with a barge pole. It might be worth getting it pat tested.

Just bought a second hand, almost new, Singer 9130 Harmonie 100 on ebay, and am really pleased with it. Easy to use, reasonably light to carry and sews beautifully. Whatever you get, try to buy one with a horizontal thread take-off - it makes such a difference to the sewing.

Thank you @Stillamum3 how do I tell if it has this?

My daughter was never taught to sew at school. Hobbycraft do taster sessions for an hour and go over the basics. She loved it and bought the model she’d seen on, about £80, it was a few years ago.

Unfortunately the machine is in a cupboard unopened. She has ADHD and a typical trait of starting many hobbies, buying the gear, then never use it again. Hey ho, I can see and will probably use it one day.

One tip for one of my pet hates during my sewing years, adjusting the tension for different fabrics, it drove me nuts. On Sewing Bee there’s no stressing, sewing away on various materials without adjusting the tension. When I googled the machines they use it transpired that they adjust automatically to the fabric, bloody marvellous!

1970s was a great era of sewing machines because we still had a UK clothing industry and ppl knew what decent build quality was. Elna and Bernina are two sought after brands but they are all well made.

Lots of that era of machines still work and can be serviced. If it has been looked after and runs smoothly you are good. Is it something like a Singer 413 which does zigzag and stretch stitches?

You can look at the pictures of it. The "spike" where you put the sewing thread goes horizontally instead of sticking up vertically. I'll post a picture. This is a different model to mine, but similar.
I found Googling in AI for the features of each machine gave useful information and helped me choose. You need to decide what you want to use it for first.

@Stillamum3 okay I think I get it - thank you!
everyone has been so helpful.
initially I want it for making curtains for my Campervan - I’ve hand sewn two sets so far!