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Original poster

sewing machine

6 replies

hatter · 22/04/2004 16:06

does anyone know anything about them? I've wanted one for ages and have decided to take the plunge but I've just got back from the shops more confused than ever: one assistant told me that I shouldn't spend less than £300 because the gearing on anything cheaper is weak and won't stand up to heavy materials/a lot of wear. Another assistant told me that the difference in price is more to do with how many fancy kinds of stitching they'll do and as long as you use the right needles and the right threads the cheaper ones will be ok? Who's right?

The second q is - for a beginner - how worth-while is a speed control? This appeals enormously coz I do remember using machines that run away with you but I can't find one on anything less than (yep) £300. Is it really worthwhile? Or will I get good with practice at being in control?

Any advice very welcome. If it's relevant I want it to have a go at some easy soft furnishings, maybe some patchwork, maybe, if I get really hooked I'll have a go at quilting but that's probably a way off. And the odd fun thing for the kids (eg in the past have made Christmas pillow cases by hand)

OP posts:

secur · 22/04/2004 16:10

Message withdrawn

suedonim · 22/04/2004 16:56

Hatter, have you been to a John Lewis sewing machine dept? The staff in our local JLP are very knowlegeable and helpful and you can try out the machines. They listen to what you want and don't try and flog you anything unsuitable. Have fun!

littlemissbossy · 22/04/2004 17:05

I bought my sewing machine for about £150 10 years ago, the brand is a Janome, apparently popular brand with schools - as I was a beginner this appealed to me! It's still working fine, although I had it serviced last year (it was a bit dusty inside) which cost me £40 and was done at the same shop where I bought it. It's quite a basic model, but it's suited me

Chandra · 22/04/2004 17:07

Hatter, I got mine at ebay, it's a good machine and costed only £80 (is second hand of course). I was very tempted to buy a good new one because after all you that's the sort of thing you will keep for many years to come but after after years of longing for one, I have only used it once since I bought it 2 yrs ago, so... even £80 seems expensive now!!!

GenT · 22/04/2004 20:01

Argos has good ones for half that price. Mine cost less than £200 and works well. Go for one that has at least 15 different stitches. If you find yourself getting bettter or outgrowing a machine you can always upgrade to an industrial one.

I wouldn't recommend one that zooms along for a beginner. Speed comes with practice.

If you are lucky you can even find deals on ebay.

tomkitty · 23/04/2004 07:50

I have a Janome, which I got about 10 years ago. I have used it to make curtains a few times, some pillows. Once I got brave and made loose covers for the sofa. I can't remember how much it cost, but it was one of their more basic models.

For this type of sewing there is no need to get one with all the fancy stitching.

Buying one used isn't a bad idea because lots of people buy these machines then never use them. However, make sure you get the user's manual because it is crucial.

It's a great investment - I reckon on curtains alone I recouped my money.

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