Is it too late?

Every so often Lidl have a sewing event, I bought a basic machine I think around £75 it’s been invaluable for keeping the grandkids away from my expensive Brother machine whilst fostering their interest in sewing. Please don’t get a childrens machine, the problems they have will send u around the bend.
Janome and Brother have good basic machines, I personally avoid Singer.

I’m 72 and had never sewed in my life, but then last year I decided to learn. I bought a basic Hobbycraft sewing machine which is very easy to use, although it doesn’t thread itself. The ladies in the shop were really helpful, showing me how to thread it and to refill the bobbin. Then I watched a few YouTube tutorial videos for extra instructions and now I’m making cloth dolls and their clothes, other craft creations, as well as basic repair jobs. It’s become a really rewarding experience and I love my sewing machine. If you’ve got a Hobbycraft near to you, I’m sure they can guide you on what you’re looking for as they have a range of machines to suit different needs, experience and budgets.

I have a basic Singer with knobs no fancy buttons. I bought it in lockdown to pass the time but didn't want to learn any 'modern' mechanism. It has served me well and similar to my then 'modern' school machine.

Good suggestion. I was thinking that.

My Janome has a needle threading option - very easy!
I only wish I had opted for the slightly more expensive model which would do writing as I mad tooth fairy bags, stockings and some other things I'd have liked to embroider names on. Got around it by using applique though. Have fun with your new machine when you get it.

I bought my sewing machine in a charity shop, it’s an old Singer made in 1960.Built to last with metal parts. It is basic, straight and zigzag stitches and all you need for hemming.I think the older machines were machines were better built as they are metal

Many years ago I bought a Silver sewing machine (Lidl’s special offer). Whilst it doesn’t thread itself it is a brilliant machine. Never had it serviced, but I have cleared fluff as and when required. I now have a much more expensive and complex machine, but still go to my Silver.
Like the other poster said, Singer machines are not the same machine or as good as they once were.
The cheaper machines have mostly plastic parts which are not as robust as those with metal parts. The choice between durability vs cost is yours.
You should be able to pick up a modern second hand machine fairly easily and this is a good option for what you want to do with one.
I wouldn’t recommend buying one of those mini machines or the hand hammers. They are usually very quickly given up by users.

Valida - there's a really clever way of turning up the hems of jeans that leaves the topstitched original hem in place. Search online on YouTube. There's lots of demos. I wouldn't do them any other way now.

Allira

Luckygirl3

If your main aim is to be able to hem your clothes then it is best to do this by hand.

Just turned up my jeans on the machine and I have other trousers which I shall shorten by machine too.
I'm shrinking ☹

I can sew by hand, of course, remember the embroidery stitches we learnt at school and have been sewing by machine since I was about 12 but turning up some trousers by machine is fine and much speedier.

Who knows - Cossy might discover a love for sewing and start making all kinds of things!

Jeans don't look right if you hem them by hand - they need the "top-stitching" look round the bottom.

I bought some thicker, orange "denim" thread to do this (as mine always need shortening, men's jeans fit me better). But half the time I end up with the special thread on the wrong side & the ordinary thread from the bobbin showing

I bought my previous sewing machine from John Lewis, the staff allowed me to try several machine before making a decision……but I am a skilled seamstress/ tailor.

I agree with Witzend and always alter hems using herringbone stitch. It's sort of flexible and great for stretchy fabrics, or if the two areas ro be sewn are slightly different lengths.

If it is literally for just sewing gems then why not use wonderweb. It's so easy and after pinning up the hem, just a quick iron over the hem does the trip. Although I make some of my own clothes I've used this when feeling lazy.

Whatever make you choose get one with speed control. If you're a beginner, it can be difficult to control the speed with your foot and the machine runs away with you.

I'm not a fan of Janome but I think that's due to a bad experience with one at a sewing class. A friend has a Brother A65 and loves it. I would avoid present day Singers as they are not the same quality as when they built on Clydeside.

Another vote for Janome. I have a fairly advanced machine and a serger and both have been totally reliable.

That might suit me! I really wish I'd stuck to my decision instead of being persuaded by the very charming saleswoman!

My daughter has a Janome - it's a real workhorse .
Her only criticism it sews slowly.

Luckygirl3

If your main aim is to be able to hem your clothes then it is best to do this by hand.

Just turned up my jeans on the machine and I have other trousers which I shall shorten by machine too.
I'm shrinking ☹

I can sew by hand, of course, remember the embroidery stitches we learnt at school and have been sewing by machine since I was about 12 but turning up some trousers by machine is fine and much speedier.

Who knows - Cossy might discover a love for sewing and start making all kinds of things!

Thank you everyone for your comments and suggestions.

Luckygirl3

If your main aim is to be able to hem your clothes then it is best to do this by hand.

Arthritis in both hands.

Luckygirl3

If your main aim is to be able to hem your clothes then it is best to do this by hand.

This!
I do often wonder how dds, who had a compulsory year of ‘needlework’ at school, apparently weren’t taught a few basics, like turning up a hem properly* (i.e. with minimal showing on the right side) and stitching on a button - properly!

*IIRC it’s what is (or was) called a herringbone stitch (someone will know, which involves (going to R to L on the wrong sides) taking a small stitch from the top layer of the fold, followed by a tiny stitch from the single layer above, rinse and repeat all the way along.
Sounds a lot more complicated than it is!

If anyone wants to see a demonstration, I’m sure there will be one on YouTube. To which I am still grateful for showing me how to purl 2 TBL (through back of loops) - which I could not for the life of me work out!

Luckygirl3

If your main aim is to be able to hem your clothes then it is best to do this by hand.

I was thinking the same.

If your main aim is to be able to hem your clothes then it is best to do this by hand.

Another vote for Janome. . I have had my basic one for about 30 years, never had it serviced ( I do remove the fluff that gathers)and it chugs on quite happily.

Another vote here for Janome. They are very reliable and well-built. Brother also make some good entry-level machines with threaders. I also have Singer machines, but they are not of the same standard and reliability that they were back when my Mum used them. Have a look at the Janome J3-18 online. It's £229 on the Janome web site but can be bought cheaper from other places.