Sewing Machine recommendations

Bathsheba, sorry I didn't look at the date.

Susie42 this thread is nearly 3 years old - I’m quite sure the OP has bought a new machine by now!

Any of the Berninas, the top of the range are still made in Switzerland and the rest are made in their factory in Thailand.
All I would say is buy from a dealer as you will receive better service than buying from say John Lewis, Argos, and the like.
However, I can recommend either of these on-line suppliers, SMD Sewing Machines Direct or Sewing Machine World.

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I think 525 is the official number of my Janome sewing machine, i am away from home at present so cannot check, and, as i said, I love it. Enough features for a beginner but not too restrictive if its ease of use has you exploring more difficult techniques.

Could I also recommend a 'Get to know your sewing machine course'. Lots of local authority and craft centres run them. I did a series of three through a local craft centre. My tutor was May Martin from 'The Great Sewing Bee, although i didn't know who she was when I booked up. She is a supurb teacher. I learnt so much and it was really helpful to have someone knowledgeable to answer all my questions about my sewing machine.

That's a great saying eddiecat
My new Janome has a "one step buttonhole", it's a great feature - much better than the "four step" ones

Hazel I've just bought a Janome 525s after finding that my recently purchased Brother machine was a bit too limited for what I wanted. I'm really pleased with it, it's lightweight, quiet and seems very efficient. Janome has an excellent reputation. I bought mine from Amazon as that was the best price at the time

I`ve got a Janome J3-20 which does have a needle threader and a basic automatic buttonhole. I love it but have now got the sewing bug and wish I`d gone for one with better buttonholes. There is a saying "Don`t buy a machine for the sewer that you are, but for the sewer that you want to become" - wish I`d done that!

I have a Janome TLX 625 - I think that's the number. It's fab. Some of the best features are - needle down option, automatic thread cutter, speed control, stop/start button. It also has a few embroidery stitches and quilting stitches. - not hundreds but enough to do most things.

I agree Hazel that automatic needle threaders are good but please be aware that they are not totally 'automatic' and the hook which goes through the needle is easily damaged if not well treated !
Your old needles you can most likely use but i would doubt if you could use the bobbins. It would be worth a try of course but you will get a few with the machine and extras are not expensive.
I love my Janome and also have a newish Bernina which I would not recommend. It it not nearly as good as the old Berninas and I wish I had bought an old one from somewhere.

Thank you all for responses. I am thinking of a Janome 525 as used on the BBC sewing competition. It has an automatic needle threader that I would appreciate. I hope always to do a bit of sewing, just basic things and self and DH being short, always something to adjust.

About 5 years ago I bought a Janome machine called 'The Sewist'. It was then a Which recommended best buy. I am a cack-handed sewer, all enthusiasm and not much skill, and this machine has defeated even my capacity to get into utter messes. I am now making things I never imagined I could do.

Sewing machines seem to be less expensive than they used to be, comparatively. If you can possibly try one before buying, I would do so. I have used various economy machines when teaching sewing classes, some of the foot pedals are not very sensitive so can suddenly jerk into action at a faster speed than you would like. The stitching on all the machines was fine, whatever the make.
The new tiny machines at around £50 are a bit limiting, although very pretty!
I love my computerised Brother, but repairs to computerised machines are prohibitive, and yes, they are heavy. Any machine can be used with standard needles, but the bobbins can vary, even from the same make.

I've got the Singer Simple 3223 Sewing Machine although it still has plenty of stitch options inc. stretch. I bought mine on offer from Hobbycraft for around £120. I think you should be able to use your Singer accessories with it.
I used to have a computerised Husqvarna machine but gave it to my sister as I wanted something lighter that I could easily carry. It's been excellent for basic dressmaking and curtains although I also have an overlocker too.

I suppose it depends on your budget HazelGreen . My "Brother" does everything I need ( inc zig zag etc) and only cost around £70 from Hobby craft .

I year or so ago, bought a Janome, with the John Lewis label. It's lightweight and easy to take to sewing groups. It does several stitches and is not complicated. The bobbins and needles are standard size.