Choosing sewing machine

[cherrypie]

Hello everyone, it is my first time here. I am currently doing a sewing course at London College Of Fashion. I am learning how to use the sewing machine and to modify and cut patterns. I would like to buy a sewing machine but there are so many out there and I am very confused. Should I buy one on-line or go to a proper shop? Thank you

[Seahorse]

Go to a proper shop.The only one I can think of that gives shows you how to use the machine is JOhn Lewis.A big JL will have a selection from around £99 of sewing machines and overlockers.Just ask to be shown the ones you like and Im sure they will let you have a go.

[cherrypie]

To seahorse

Hi Seahorse,
thank you so much for your replay. I was thinking that going to a proper shop would be better in case I had a problem with the machine I purchased. It's just that they are so much cheaper on-line. Thnx again. Cherrypie

[Seahorse]

Cheap is more appealing but at least at a proper shop yuo get to try it out to see if its right for you and ahs all the features on it you need.Also they come with guarantees for 2/3 years and therfore the shop will fix/replace them if necessary(cant say theyd be quick about it tho)
Maybe you could find one you like in a department store like JL then be sneaky and try to find the same one cheaper on the net.

[cherrypie]

Good idea Seahorse! Cheers. Are you really 93? My granny would have been the same age if she was alive. I remember her old sewing machine. My mum still has it at home but she is not using it.

[Seahorse]

Nah, Im 31 but feel 93, theres some kind of problem re birthday info on here.
My nan would have been about 93 too if she was still alive.We have an old Singer sewing machine at home, that you have to power by turning a handle.

I reckon the main features youd need on on a sewing machine is a buttonhole stitch (so you can make buttonholes) and zigzag stich which could do the job of an overlocker.

[cherrypie]

I am 33 and feel very young. My teacher at the sewing course reccommends Bernina machines but they are a bit expensive. What would you suggest? I was thinking Singer or Toyota. What do you have?

[goldy1]

Bernina. not heard of that make in a long time. brings back lots off memorys of school sewing class. You could only use the Bernina if you were any good at sewing . The teacher was very proud of it and it was always locked in the cuboard and the top girl in the class each lesson only got to use it. I think they are recomended by teachers as they are suposed to be a good hard wearing machine, But saying that I've never had a problem with my brother. I also have an old treadle that I love to use on heavy stuff. My dad even sewn our old canvas tent on it when the zip went. And that was very heavy material.
I would recomend finding a machine shop and going in for advice. . I don't know if London has one but there used to be one in Manchester where they had all ther machines set up for you to test . They even sold second hand ones.

If you are going to use it on a daily basis and uses it as a busines I would look into an industrial one for speed. You won't need one with all bells and whistles on. Mine has 22 stiches I've only ever used 4.

[cherrypie]

Apparently Bernina is a very strong machine, according to my teacher. I just want to by one for domestic use, to make trousers and soft furnishing. i am very excited actually cos I want to do so much! but im just a beginner and the first project i am gonna do is a pair of trousers in linen-cotton with draw strings, no zips, no buttons...easy, I hope

[Peter]

Bernina spares and attachments cost the earth! My wife and I have Janomes, no problems at all, and they also usually have some decent offers on if you look around!

[swirlyarts]

I have a Janome too and I've had no problems either. I love sewing - I only made a couple of things but it's so satisfying to think - yep I made that!! Much more satisfying than card making
You will have to post pictures of the trousers when you have made them. We like pictures on here!