Help With The Best Sewing Machine.

[joko]

I am looking to buy a new sewing machine - I don't want to spend loads if possible.
dont want a piece of crap but dont want an expensive top of line one

I was thinking it'd be good to have one that is quite versatile, and can perform various functions as well as general sewing

(I have an overlocker so dont need that function)

does anyone know of any hidden gems etc? any recommendations?
thanks

[balliali]

Perhaps first look at some of the more popular brands like Singer, Brother and Bernina and what kind of features they have, then look at websites like Amazon and Argos which gives reviews of machines online. From there you may figure out which is the best one for you....

[Mosaic]

Go somewhere where you can have a go on various machines. We have a couple of shop / show rooms locally where you can see and handle machines before investing.
I've been fairly disappointed in new machines, but bought a 1950s knocked -about machine on ebay. It looks like hell and sews like a dream. Solid as a rock too.

[atalanta]

Bernina or Pfaff if they are still in production. Best of all, if you can get an old Elna Lotus in good condition, but I imagine those were all so popular and so neat that they have probably all been used to death. I really can't like Brother, and my ( other ) Singer keeps breaking needles.

[joko]

yeah i know what you mean - some machines, no matter how good they sound, just aren't 'right', and then you use some cheap one or some old thing and its amazing
thats why i asked - some must have bought some cheap bargain, or even a no-brand one and its been amazing

i dont sew that often, but when i do i need to be able to do whatever is needed for work - i cannot have it messing up, or being a crap - so i thought id see whats out there rather than just buy a top of the range one

i cant buy a 2nd hand one off ebay etc - as ive had too many that play up - the faults can be so hit and miss that you dont notice for ages - at least with new i have some guarantee

[gingejbee]

I know NOTHING about sewing machines...but did you know that John Lewis do their "own-brand" machines (which get lots of 5-star reviews) at good prices....as well as a good selection of big brands?

www.johnlewis.com/sewing-knitting/sewing-machines/c700003181?_requestid=9082541

[jourdain2]

Without reading any other answers.... my Godmother died in 1079. She left me £300. I bought a chest freezer (2nd hand and cheap) and a Bernina sewing machine. That machine is still going strong (I needed to replace the pedal 10 years ago) and clothed my children, myself and husband as well as sewing yards of curtains, duvet covers etc.. I even sewed tent canvas with it! I am now moving back to UK from France and one of my treasures is my reliable Bernina. Hope this helps. :)

[jourdain2]

^^^^ Oops, 1979 - I'm not that old (feel it some days, like now).

[ladyalex]

My Mum had a Bernina that also provided sterling service over decades. (At least 40 years of at least weekly use.)
I eventually gave it away to a Charity shop but I expec it is still gping strong.

[Tilly2]

Jourdain, that machine has lasted a long time?

Was it used to sew the Bayeux Tapestry? :-)

[Tilly2]

Missed the moment there, Tilly!

[EcclesCake]

I'd visit your local sewing machine dealer and try out some machines and peruse their reconditioned models.

[xstitcher]

I have a Singer Talent 3321 which cost new under £100. I've had it for three years and am very pleased with it.