Need new sewing machine - recommendations pls?

[MaggieW]

My trusty 25 year old Toyota is beyond repair now as parts not available, so I need to buy a new sewing machine but don't know where to start. Something quite basic would be good, but with the facility to do button holes, has free arm etc. I see that there are electronic and non-electronic machines - what's the difference? TIA.

You might get a better response in Arts and Crafts. I have a mid range Janome from John Lewis - think it was about £160. It does brilliant button holes and has a free arm. I like it a lot but am looking to upgrade to one which could do embroidery. I think - though I may be wrong - embroidery machines are computerised. Just make sure you try some before you buy. JL are good for that, or an independent retailer.

I'm new to sewing but have recently bought the Janome DC3050 from John Lewis as they have it on offer for £299 (rather than the £349 that it is on for elsewhere). It's really easy to use and is computerised with lots of different stitches, plus it does buttonholes etc. It also has auto-tension. I'm really pleased with it. It was recommended to me by the local sewing machine shop, who said it's got lots of features that you normally only get in much more expensive machines (such as the auto-tension).

I don't really know what the difference is between computerised and non, except that the ones we use at night school are not computerised and they have dials to select your stitches etc and mine is computerised and you select your stitches with a button and it comes up on a digital display . Mine is super-clever and it knows when you're spooling so your needle doesn't move, which I think is really fancy, and it has a needle threader too (although I've never used that as it's quite easy to thread by hand).

If you can find a sewing machine repair shop (always in a back street!), they'll have reconditioned machines. Mine does all you're asking for, and they are great with spares.

Thanks. EMsyj does the auto tension mean you can sew stretch fabric without any difficulty or adjusting? If so, that sounds very attractive.

I bought a sewing machine online from here 2 years ago they were great & really competitive. Good Aftersales too & great warranty. Mine is a Singer 4220 & has been fab, auto tension is great!! Dials for stitches which I personally find easier.

Mmmmm I don't know as I'm not advanced enough to be trying to sew anything stretch as yet! Might be worth popping into John Lewis or a sewing shop and asking about the benefits of auto tension though. I have sort of got the message that it is A Good Thing, but not sure why.... although in theory yes I suppose it might make it easier to sew stretch fabrics/chiffons etc.

I have a Janome too, think it's the same model as emsyj has, bought from John Lewis about 6 years ago.

I love love love it. It does everything I'll ever need from a sewing machine (mainly making curtains/blinds!)

i got my janome memory craft 9000 of ebay a few years ago now. got it for a very nice price. from a lady who was going into a home and could not really use it that much now. she had been a super sewer in her day and it came with lots of nice accessories. its the best thing i ever bought and i use it quite a lot. do not underestimate a seconf hand machine, especially a quality one.

I did a bit of research on his a few months ago because I wanted a new machine.

Janome and brother came out best.

I went for a Janome. Does a good selection of embrodery stitches but really, am I going to use these....probably not.

Dont even need a foot control! £250 is really plenty for a straight stitch machine.

Havent used it yet! cant with two pre-school children then too tired in the night!