Can anyone recommend a good, cheap, easy to use sewing machine?

[MrsMcNulty]

Hi, I have a few sewing projects lined up so need a sewing machine. I'm not going to do anything more complex than hemming skirts/trousers, making cushion covers etc. - i.e. no embroidery or anything.

Can anyone recommend one that's easy to use for a sewing machine virgin, as cheap as possible (ideally not much over £100), and decent enough quality?

Thanks in advance!

[NK346f2849X127d8bca260]

www.sewingmachine-sales.co.uk/sewing-machine/janome/janome-2070-sewing-machine.htm

Highly recommend getting a Janome, i have a j324 but wondering if this one would suit you. I bought mine from this company and can recommend them as well

[OnTheBottomWithAWomansWeekly]

I've one from Lidl and it's great! Cost me ?79 (about £50). Brand Lervia I think.

I'm actually on my second as I broke the first (tried to do about 6 layers of sailcloth at once). Servicing the first would have cost more than buying a new one.

A friend of mine who treated herself to a ?500 machine used mine and found it great as well (this from a woman who makes wedding and communion dresses)

IKEA do one now but I don't know what it's like, hopefully someone will be along in a minute with info on it.
(the IKEA thread breaks easily though, I'm not mad about it)

[aJumpedUpPantryBoy]

I bought one from here the 762 model which cost £139

I've been very pleased with it and customer service has been outstanding (they didn't even laugh at me when I emailed a really stupid query)

[MrsMcNulty]

thanks all two fab links for me to explore there!

[carrotsandcelery]

My daughter was given this john lewis one for Christmas and it is an excellent wee machine. It is small so doesn't need the same storage as a bigger machine.

It isn't heavy though so if it was heavy material you were working with it might get pulled around by it.

[cate16]

I was recommended a lidl/aldi one by my sewing machine man. (want a back-up machine)

Just waiting for them come of offer again now though...

[ramade]

Get a sturdy second hand one from a sewing machine repair/dealer ( a good make like Singer).

Oh also try Freecycle, I've seen a few on there before (for free!)

[ramade]

Mine was a second hand one £60, have had it about 5 years. It has taken lots of novice abuse and is still going strong!

[MrsMcNulty]

I love love love the little red one from John Lewis, it sounds ideal and I like the fact it's teeny to store and nice and light too. I'll only be using it for w few light jobs, then hems etc. now and again. Can't see myself ever making curtains!

Thanks so much everyone, and especially carrotsandcelery!

[carrotsandcelery]

You are welcome [busmile]

It comes in lots of pretty colours too.

[sinisterduck]

Oooh. This is great- I really need a machine. Thanks to the OP as now I know what to get!

[PessimisticMissPiggy]

I've just got a BrotherX5 for £80. I'm a beginner so just practicing sewing straight lines at the mo' but I like it.