Good sewing machine recommendation for beginner??

sc2009

Hello, I'm about to start a sewing course and learn basics such as cushions covers, curtains etc. I'm really excited as have wanted to do this for a long time and hoping I can make some lovely items for my home. Question is.......what sewing machine do I buy?? Seems to be so many out there and some very expensive. I don't live anywhere near a shop so makes it difficult for me to try some out. Any recommendations??

dori_dormer

My first was a singer from lidl/aldi for a hundred euro. Great little machine. Wouldn't do curtains though as the fabric would be too thick I think.

sc2009

I actually bought one from Lidl other day but was told they are not the best. The lady teaching sewing class also said she has come across few problems with them and unable to get them repaired :-(

Dozen Wicked Words

Getting my arts and craft mad 12 year old one for Christmas so going to keep an eye on the thread. There's a Brother one for 70 sterling on Amazon that I'm edging toward at the moment.

Millem

What is your budget? I am a home ec teacher so I sew an awful lot!
I learned how to sew on a Bernina and always thought they were they business but very expensive €850 for basic model and use a bobbin case. I have since changed to Janome and can't fault them they are around €250 for basic model and have a drop in bobbin. I have the machine (sewist 525s) that they use in bbc tv show "the great British sewing bee" it was voted a which best buy. An awful lot of schools are switching from bernina to Janome. If you are in Dublin I can give you a name of a seller.

I would avoid brother! I will never forget the tears I cried in first year of college using one at home. Pure rubbish at any machine appliqué!

Dozen Wicked Words

Honestly don't think it's going to be more than a hundred euro, would love to make out that I could afford the higher end machines but I really can't. It's a shame but that's the reality of it, bog standard and limited is my budget.

Millem

Dozen Wicked Words wrote: »

Honestly don't think it's going to be more than a hundred euro, would love to make out that I could afford the higher end machines but I really can't. It's a shame but that's the reality of it, bog standard and limited is my budget.

Sure your 12 year old might stop using it in a few months!!
Check out Janome on Amazon as maybe you might pick up a bargain! We got 2 years warranty with them they are so easy to use, my students love them!
To service a sewing machine it could cost a good €70 which is something to bear in mind!

dori_dormer

sc2009 wrote: »

I actually bought one from Lidl other day but was told they are not the best. The lady teaching sewing class also said she has come across few problems with them and unable to get them repaired :-(

Singer are very easy to get repairs done to. If it's silvercrest there might be an issue. Just keep your receipt! Lidl are very good at returns but you have to give the machine back and they send it off for repairs.

I got years out of my singer, then passed it on to a friend also. I just got it serviced every year and never a bother.

I upgraded to a husqvara Viking there. Great machine. Does very heavy work but cost about 400.

Did the teacher give any suggestions as to what she thought would be the best machine to go for?

sc2009

Hi all. Don't really want to spend more than 150....200 absolute max! My teacher recommend a singer too. I hadn't thought of amazon will have a look :-)

sc2009

Would anyone recommend a janome machine? Seem to have great reviews...

Millem

sc2009 wrote: »

Would anyone recommend a janome machine? Seem to have great reviews...

I have recently bought 10! I find them very easy to use. I am actually going to buy 2 of the next ones up from sewist 525s can't remember the name but they have a soft case and are all digital. The sewist 525s have a hard case which is great I had bought on a lend for a month so students got to trial them. They preferred the cheaper ones sewist 525s.

Millypenny

If you're not in a rush to buy a machine, you should wait till the Knitting and Stitching Show in the RDS on 12-15th November. That way you could test out a number of machines, talk to the dealers and see which one suits you best.

Most of the sewing machine shops will have 2nd hand and demo models for sale, as well as new ones, so you might get a better spec machine.

Everyone has their own preferences for which machine they prefer, I like Pfaff machines myself.

If you're going to be making curtains etc. and sewing with heavier weight fabrics, I'd go for the best machine you can afford. Check out the attachments supplied with the machines, and see how sturdy the bobbin cases are.