Calamity Jane Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 Hello everyone, I am fairly new to crafting and havent owned a sewing machine for many years. I would like to purchase (for as little as possible) a basic, practical machine. Nothing too fancy obviously, but equally, it needs to do what it says on the tin. I saw a lightweight machine in Hobbycraft last week and it was only £49. Is this too good to be true ? Does anyone know anything about this machine (own brand) ? Any advice would be gratefully received, as I do not want to waste my money on an expensive machine if I dont need to. If you could suggest some or tell me about your own machine that would be great. Thanks....... jane . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 I haven't any experience of the hobbycraft one. There are some good deals around for cheap, basic machines but you are usually looking at around £90. Occasionally Lidl and Aldi have them in at around £60 and I've heard good things about those. First thing you need to think about is what you will use it for. A basic, lightweight machine will handle short bursts of use on lightweight fabrics, ie a bit of patchworking and repair work, but would struggle with anything like quilting, curtain making etc. If you wanted to do dress making, check it has all the essential stitches - straight, zigzag and buttonholes. A more expensive machine will be heavier in weight (so it doesn't travel around the table as you sew), plus gadgets to help make things easier such as a top loading bobbin, needle threader and greater variety of stitches. As it is in a shop, go in and ask to try it - a decent shop will let you have a play with it. Although you may be better off visiting a dedicated sewing shop (not sure how much knowledge and experience the hobbycraft staff will have). Hope this helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigmommasally Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 Strange I thought I had posted on this thread earlier this evening but now its not here! So apologises if I'm repeating myself. CJ what type of thing do you want to sew on your machine, this was the first question I was asked in each sewing machine shop I went in when I was first looking. I tried out all different makes and models of machine within my budget range, it really is best to try them out as different machines suit different people. Can you try out the Hobbycraft machine before you buy it. You may find it better to buy a re-conditioned machine from a sewing machine shop. John Lewis have a machine that starts at around £50 which I think a few people on here may have bought, they also sell Janome and Elna machine so they may be a good place to start looking. If there are any big shows coming up it is worth looking there as they often have special offers on, be wary of buying on line I've read some bad feedback on some on line supplier and their lack of support. Take your time and make the right choice as whatever one you get you are likely to have for a few years. I made do with my mums old machine for a while before I finally starting looking for a new one, by then I had a long list of requirements and unfortunately they didn't come cheap but I'm very happy with my machine (most of the time ) my problems are usually operator error Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calamity Jane Posted October 18, 2011 Author Share Posted October 18, 2011 Thanks Snowy and Sally. There is a very good sewing shop in Canterbury that I know sells reconditioned machines, I think that is where I will start. I remember going there with my sister once and they were very helpful with her queries. I am sure they will let me try out the machines in there. I think I will give the Hobbycraft one a miss, It really is very light weight and I think I would probably outgrow it very quickly. I dont have a lot of money to spend, but I would rather wait, save a bit more, and get the right one. Will let you know what I choose ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 Once you get started you'll want to do a bit more so the features I would look for are -an indicator which gives you a numerical value for thread tension -sews a good straight line with even tension - able to attach a walking foot (for even sewing of curtains or quilting) - ability to drop the feed dogs - needle threader (my poor eyes ) - lots of stitches are fun but you probably only use straight and zig zag so check you can change width and length of those two stitches. A lot of machines are heavy which is good so they don't jump around the table but if you are lugging it to workshops you may want to check if you can carry it ok. Happy sewing (says the lady with 3 machines ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
