Second hand sewing machine

I had my old machine repaired which cost a lot. It's very heavy and not very versatile.

I bought a cheap, lightweight machine frim Lidl which im finding very easy to use.

It rather depends how much dressmaking you are going to do but I would probably borrow one for the class and buy a new machine if you decide you are going to make good use of it.
Or use your old machine and ask for help with the needle threading.

You can get self threading sewing machine needles that fit most sewing machines. I haven't used them. I used to use my mother's machine, it was all singing all dancing even though it was bought in the 1970s, she was a seamstress in her youth. When l met my now husband a few years back he had a fairly basic but new modern machine. It's brilliant! Very light, very simple and easy to use. There are plenty for sale secondhand on Facebook market place, gumtree etc. I'd just ask to see it working if you were interested in buying one.

I would suggest visiting a sewing dealer as they very often have pre-loved machines for sale. Never buy from somewhere like Lidl, Aldi, or Argos as there is no after service such if you want advice.

One way is to hold a small piece of white paper behind the needle.
Another way is to thread the needle before putting it in the machine.

I have quite a drive to a really wonderful sewing machine dealer/repairer but they are excellent and I've been using them for years.

When my old machine gave up the ghost (it had been my mum's!) I part exchanged it for at the dealer for a second hand renovated machine and it's been excellent. Good price, excellent afterservice and lovely people to deal with.

A full service and repair of a broken thread spool recently cost me £80 - which is a lot, but I use the machine every week for making clothes and soft furnishings for myself and my friends, so it's a bargain really.

I'd say this is the best route to go down as the guys who work with sewing machines all day, every day will give you the best advice.

Thank you all for your replies. I am going to take the advice and keep on with my old machine, then visit a sewing machine shop once I know how much use I’ll get out of it.

I'd second the advice to go to an established shop that not only sells machines but also services them, if there is one anywhere near you. They will have experience with all types of machines and will know which ones are the most reliable and (in my experience) won't try to "oversell" with one with all the bells and whistles that you don't need.

I was advised that Singer machines are not as good as they were in the past. They were the industry standard back when my Mum was a dressmaker, but are not as highly regarded now.

My advice for you, that regulary check the classified site,,,,,,for your 2nd hand swing machine,,,,,it will be great effort for you.

A simple option can be a Brother model with a built in needle threader, it keeps things easy when eyesight gets tired. I tested a few basic Brother machines at Lords Sewing and it helped me see how smooth they felt and how loud they were before deciding.

A newer entry level Brother is usually enough for classes and small projects and you avoid the issues that come with older second hand machines like worn tension parts or noisy motors.

I bought a new machine from John Lewis some years ago. There was plenty on display and the staff were happy to demonstrate them. And they aren’t as expensive as you might imagine either. I’d sooner buy new than second hand tbh, at least you get the warranty.

You can use an ordinary needle threader with a sewing machine. I would go to a sewing machine dealer and see what second hand machines they have on offer. These will be reconditioned, to give customers peace of mind when buying one.

Brother and Singer machines are good bets.

If you don't want to do embroidery, a good basic machine will work for you. Don't bother with a computerised one, you won't need the fancy stitches. All you will use is a straight stich and a zigzag.

I bought a machine with an automatic needle threader, which very soon didn't work! Good quality thread makes a difference. The cheaper stuff tends to fray more, which makes it difficult to thread.
The other day, I saw an old Singer hand machine in a charity shop. I'm tempted to go back and buy it, as I started with a hand machine and actually prefer it.

Old thread resurrected! OP has probably decided what to do about machine by now.