Can someone advise me on a sewing machine please? UK?

I am trying to sort out which would be the best sewing machine for me.


I want to be able to dressmake on it, but I also want to be able to do freehand embroidery on felt.


Can someone advise please?


Thank youCan someone advise me on a sewing machine please? UK?
You'd be best to go to a reputable shop to try out the different machines.


Take a sample of fabric you'd be using most (or just an example of different thicknesses if you're using lots!) and an idea of the embroidery designs you want to start with.


Most good shops will let you have a play with the machines before you make your mind up and will have knowledgeable staff to help. (admittedly you may have to travel to find a good one as many retailers(department stores etc.) haven't a clue!





Good luck with your search and happy creating!Can someone advise me on a sewing machine please? UK?
You have Walmart UK that sells sewing machines on-line.





The brands they sell can be used as you have indicated.





If you should get a sewing machine that does not have the option of lowering the feed dogs (or feed teeth), you can set the stitch length to zero. Use a darning foot to free motion stitch.





The other option would be to visit shops that sell sewing machines.


If they want to keep their customers, they are not going to sell a brand that does not sew well.





Bernina %26amp; Husqvarna are the most expensive.





Brother is very popular and user friendly.





Which ever brand you buy - read and follow the instructions, in particular, how to thread (presser foot up - always) and inserting the bobbin correctly.
mumof2 is spot on! please go to a reputable sewing machine retailer rather than a high street store, they will not have the knowledge nor the time to demonstrate. I could list loads of different machines, but you really need to try before you buy, have an idea of how much you want to spend. Take sample material with you and go armed with as many questions as you feel necessary, a reputable dealer will not mind spending time with you. Good Luck
I agree. Go to a reputable dealer and test drive some machines. Don't listen to all the sales talk, as they will all tell you their machine is the best.





Consider the following:





1. Your needs as indicated in your question


2. Ease of upgrading i.e. can you use the same accessories on a bigger machine if you some day choose to upgrade.


3. Mechanical or computerized - each have their advantages, and price tags to go along with them!


4. Number of stitches and type of stitches


5. Ease of changing accessories


6. Trade in possibilities when you want to buy a bigger machine
http://www.bernina.co.uk/artista630E640E鈥?/a>





I think this type would suit you, but it looks a bit expensive, there are others there too,


( got folks who sew in the family ).
Any machine can do free motion embroidery.... the machine supplies the needle and bobbin threads and the way to interlock them, you provide the method of moving the fabric. Should you ever get a chance to see a copy of Singer Instructions for Art Embroidery, please page through -- all of the laces and embroideries were originally done on treadle straight stitch sewing machines in the late 1890's/early 1900's.





Here's my standard ';beginner sewing machine'; rant... it's meant for US audiences, but most is also applicable to you. I'd also direct your attention to Kate Dicey's website: http://www.katedicey.co.uk/


Click on ';resources'; and ';sewing machine gallery'; and you'll find some interesting bits and pieces. Kate may be able to suggest some professional sewing machine shops for you to visit.





http://www.cet.com/~pennys/faq/smfaq.htm





What I want for beginners in sewing:





- a machine that doesn't scare you


- a machine that isn't balky (cheap new machines are often very


balky or need adjustments often and are rarely repairable --


just too frustrating to learn on!)


- very good straight stitch


- good zigzag (4-5 mm is fine, more than that is gravy)


- a method of making buttonholes that makes sense to you


- adjustable presser foot pressure (which helps some fabric


handling issues)


- accessory presser feet that don't cost an arm and a leg


(machines that use a ';short shank foot'; typically handle


generic presser feet pretty well. Some brands of machines use


proprietary or very expensive presser feet)





If the budget stretches far enough:





- blindhem and stretch blindhem stitches


- triple zigzag (nice for elastic applications)


- a couple of decorative stitches (you won't use them nearly as


much as you think)


- electronic machine because of the needle position control and


because the stepper motors give you full ';punching force'; at


slow sewing speeds -- mechanical machines often will stall at


slow speeds.








Please go to the best sewing machine dealers around and ask them


to show you some machines in your price range, *especially* used


machines you can afford. You'll get a far better machine buying


used than new, and a good dealer is worth their weight in sewing


machine needles when you get a machine problem -- often they can


talk you through the problem over the phone. While you're trying


things out, try a couple of machines (sewing only, not combo


sewing-embroidery) over your price limit, just so you can see


what the difference in stitch quality and ease of use might be.


You may find you want to go for the used Cadillac. Or you might


want the new basic Chevy. Might as well try both out.





Suggested reading: John Giordano's The Sewing Machine Book


(especially for used machines), Carol Ahles' Fine Machine Sewing


(especially the first and last few chapters) and Gale Grigg


Hazen's Owner's Guide to Sewing Machines, Sergers and Knitting


Machines. All of these are likely to be available at your public


library.





Used brands I'd particularly look for: Elna, Bernina,


Viking/Husqvarna, Pfaff, Singer (pre 1970), Juki, Toyota





New ';bargain brand'; I'd probably pick, if new was my choice:


Janome (who also does Kenmore).