Sewing machine recommendations

Can I just say that while asking what features she would actually like on a new sewing machine, it might be worth asking if she would actually prefer an overlocker, as depending on what she likes to make, she might find that her old machine together with an overlocker would suit her better. Just a suggestion. Oh, and my vote if buying new is Brother, although I paid just under £500 for mine which I bought in December, so far I absolutely love it!

fancyflowers

Bernina sewing machines are good. On their website they have machines starting at £199. They also have far more expensive machines. It depends on how much you want to pay.

I have had my Bernina since 1973. Still going strong. Just a service and check up every 10 years or so.

Janome here as rec by my repair guy. They are ones used on BBC sewing programm and in schools. No need for fancy stuff except a zig zag option.

For furnishings I find the main feature needed is capacity to deal with a thick amount of materials. I have a couple of "modern" do all machines but for thick materials I use my 65 year old Singer. Only machinee I feel confident will hold material in place.Definitely would recommend being able to trial machines somewhere that specialises in them. A good do it all machine will not be cheap.

I'm a professional couturiere, I have three very old Berninas. They are metal and heavy but I would never swap them for a new machine. We bought my 10 yr old granddaughter a Hobby craft machine. It was rubbish and broke down in less than a year. We got a full refund. We then went to the World of Sewing in Tunbridge wells and talked to the technician there. He's very good at giving advice. I have talked to him from France for advice for my sewing students on what to buy. He was very helpful despite not selling machines to them!! On his advice we bought my granddaughter the 2nd up Janome on offer with a good extras packet. I've just used it and it's very good for the money. Wherever you are try to get advice from a proper technician who services machines.

I've also had good advice via telephone from Sew Essential in Hebden Bridge. They have a good website and vlog. They recommend Babylock.

Spend as much as you possibly afford, don't buy cheap, you will be disappointed and put you off sewing so it's a false economy. Good luck in your search.

I bought Brother 1700 sewing machine last October from Amazon..
I'm yet to use it properly.

It's driven me potty. I'm about to give it to my great grandaughter to see what she can do with it.

But, my biggest mistake was not buying a machine with a self threading needle attachment.

Elna.

Budget and space is key here. I wouldn't entertain going to a department shop JL or Hobbycraft first, if you can - go to one of the sewing/quilt festivals, they all have stands there and you can try them out and also usually they discount the machines. If you can't get to one of those, look up sewing machine shops on google maps and you will see what you have nearby. I sew a lot, clothes making, friends alterations, curtains, blinds, cushions and recently quilting. Not as a job just a hobby. My current machines are Janome Aterlier 7; Bernina 700; Bernina Overlocker 1150MDA; Juki Coverstitich. On paper all good brands. I started with a treadle and hand turn models at school but in my last year they had a new Bernina (this is in the 70's), and I have always coveted one but new ones are expensive. After giving up work I returned to sewing and in 2010, still in semi lock down, as a treat I went out to buy a Bernina but bumped into the Janome rep and ended up buying the Janome Atelier 7 - she assured me it had all the features I mentioned and would take bulky fabrics and had intergrated dual feed etc. This was not entirely accurate, it doesn't really like thicker fabrics. For anything thicker than 2-4 pieces of cotton, I have to go really slow or work around the problem. I rarely need or use the fancy stitches, the Pro machines are more solid in any brand and usually are straight stich only. I regret my purchase but at £1700 I can't just let it go. It is ok, I use it but sadly I don't and have never loved it. The small work area to the right (throat )where you push bulky items through is far too narrow- it is frustrating me no end. So what I have done, I bought an old Bernina 700, one of the originals - took a gamble at £49 online, had it serviced and PAT tested and I love it, don't get me wrong, there is no auto anything but it doesn't mind what I put through it. It's like an old soldier, just keeps going. I had thought of part exchange but the Janome is now out of the 5 year warranty (had no issues at all to be fair) so that doesn't seem a possibility. If I had my time again, I'd think about the Juki DDL 8700 - it is a straight stitch only machine, wide throat area (good for pushing big curtains through), you need the table it comes with, hence the space issue- I could have got one for about the same price as my Janome had I known. If space is limited then look for something small in the Juki range especially if she's more into upholstery than clothes. I think even the domestic Juki is better due to their dual feed system. If she's more into clothes, then sure then any of the swiss made machine are good. Janome and Elna are made in the same factory. Good luck. PS. not sponsered in any shape or form but I've used most makes:-)

I agree with Annifrance re World of Sewing in Tunbridge Wells, I haven’t bought from them but have machines serviced by them and have been very pleased with the service and advice.

Also ask your daughter what machine she wants but stay away from today’s Singers but be prepared to pay at least in the region of £500 or more for a machine if she uses it for commercial work. It might be worth looking at industrial machines both second hand and new.

I have a Janome, it is OK, I bought it about 8 years ago. The needle threader broke twice and I have not replaced it. I find it very flimsy compared with my old Elna which my DIL has inherited and says it is still going strong at 45 years old! I would, as others have said, get her old one serviced. I find newer machines less robust and able to cope with thick fabrics. My Elna would go through anything!