Hey everyone !
Welcome back to my updated series of blogs….
Today we are talking about the big one… Buying sewing machine !
I get soooo many messages and emails about which machine to buy as a beginner or advanced stitcher.
And I’ll be honest… its a minefield ! There are many many types of machines out there , and whilst the majority do the same thing , there are a LOT of extras that are useful for different types of sewing.
I’m going to go through a list of basic sewing machines and why I think they are great , or not so great. Now these are my PERSONAL opinions , I’m not a sewing machine guru per say……… but I have used several thousand of them at this point both old and new teaching various beginners classes etc.
CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO VISIT A WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO ON THE PARTICULAR MACHINE.
- Prices correct as of October 2023
REPAIR MACHINES/ KIDS MACHINES/MINI MACHINES
Now , the problem with this category is that these machines are great for single layer repairs of cotton , poly cotton and thinner fabrics , but are totally useless for anything thicker.
Sadly sometimes these machines are sold as ‘sewing machines’ and give the impression they are a bargain general sewing machine , when in reality they fall over or break easily.
AVOID THESE MACHINES – INCLUDING KIDS MACHINES !
See how tiny they are ? They just fall over or snap and cause lot’s of tears and frustration.
The ONLY half size machines I recommend are these ones below. (£)
We have used these in our children’s classes for 10 years now , without a single repair – and they’ve been chucked about quite bit !
These are great for younger children to practice and stitch on… but I wouldn’t recommend ANY mini machine for an adult or child aged 10+ .
Hobbycraft 32S Sewing Machine
A great machine for beginners and younger stitchers , this model is perfect up to age 11.
BEGINNER / TEENAGERS MACHINES (££)
Great for beginners and all round stitchers.
These are the more common ones used in our classes over the last 10 years.
There’s quite a few out there , SINGER , BROTHER , PFAFF , JOHN LEWIS ( JANOME) ETC.
Here are a few of our favourites in our classes – and why.
THE BROTHER LK14S
One of our top beginner favourites , we use a LOT of these in classes for beginners , teenagers and some older children. The Brother LS14 features a top loading bobbin – much easier to see when you are low on thread . This budget machine has all the basic stitches you would ever need. Prices around £80 .
At number 2……
The singer basics ! TRADITION , 8280 , SIMPLE , PROMISE , FASHION these are all bottom loading machines , slightly tricker but do have more stitches the the Brother. Prices around £200 +
At number 3…….
The Janome JL110 – Also known as the John lewis machines. These come in soooo many funky colours as well as just the white , They have all the stitches you need for the basics and beyond and are bottom loaders. Priced around £100-£140 depending on styles. Good solid machines.
MID RANGE MACHINES. ( £££)
There’s a LOT of these out there !
The difference between a mid range and budget is usually that they have more stitches ( including stretch stitches) and an automatic buttonhole. Some have a needle down function , digital display and automatic tension. They usually are designed for serious quilting , dressmaking or advanced sewing.
These are some classroom favourites.
The brother CS10S – A great intermediate machine , this has all the common stitches plus some stretch stitches … very useful for todays dressmaker. It’s a top loader too so super easy to use.
Currently priced on black friday at a very very reasonable 129.99 !
The brother AE2500 Another good option for dressmaking ! This machine has lot’s of lovely stitches perfect for stretchy and modern fabrics. Another steal at £129 !
A great quilting machine , the Brother FS70WTX Come with all the bits and pieces you would need , plus it’s a top loader so simple threading ! Priced around £250.00
HEAVY DUTY MACHINES
Sometimes you need a really heavy duty machine ! These are great for sewing upholstery , curtains and leather or oilcloth on a regular basis. They really do pack a punch !
BROTHER HF27
A new one to the heavy duty market but a strong favourite.
Singer Heavy Duty – A popular machine but it’s very basic.
SUPER EXPENSIVE BUT OH SO LOVELY SEWING MACHINES. ( Dear father Christmas…….)
I love them all , these truly are dream machines , they come with some accessories and a range of stitches and possibilities , but oh they run like a dream ! These machines start at £500 and go up to 2k.
Gah ! I’m winding myself up now. I’ll stop.
Obviously there are different types of machines out there – embroidery machines , over lockers , cover stitch etc , but today I just wanted to cover some of the more basic models.
The rule of thumb is … check the reviews online , go and see a machine and have a go if you can ( John lewis and some sewing shops will give you a demo) and if in doubt , ask a fellow stitcher !
If you are looking for a new sewing machine , that’s great. But PLEASE don’t be put off by using an older machine. Some of the more ancient machines I have seen and used in my time are perfectly fine to use as a beginner ! The older the machine , the more solid they are too ! Usually a bit of oil and a clean and these too run like a dream. We welcome older machines at our classes no problem , but if in doubt pop me a message before class.
Just an FYI ….. DON’T BUY ONE OF THESE…..
Gemma Stitch 