Hey
Looking at getting the Mrs a Sewing Machine for Xmas
Don’t want a crap one or a $$$ just one that will last and do most this she wants to do without getting too professional
I don’t know anything about them and she doesn’t really either I just know she would like to have one
Thanks
Was hoping to get some personal recommendations too rather then trying to be sold one by staff
I've found the staff in the sewing machine section of Spotlight to be pretty objective, and usually have lots of personal experience with what they sell.
Google Search ?
Yer I have didn’t help much to be honest as I don’t know much and different sites said different things
How serious is she about the hobby? The best you can get is a refurbished Juki, that is what sweatshops use to make 1000 pieces a day.
The stuff they sell in homewares shops are plastic toys in comparison
Not serious just wants one to fix stuff and maybe make small things etc
Will she be working with thick fabric like taking up the hem on jeans for example?
I’d say so, Jeans yes
@Twisty: In that case I think she should get the mid range. The ones in the lowest range are usually made of plastic and tend to jump around when sewing thick fabric even with the denim needle on. I have a Brother GS2520 which has served me well, I think it cost around $170 about 5 years ago. Elna and Janome are good brands. Singer is not that highly regarded anymore.
The Elna, PFAFF, Janome and Brother (in the $100-$200 range) here https://www.spotlightstores.com/sewing-fabrics/sewing-equipm… look alright for a first machine in my opinion.
Some other factors important to me are the auto threader and good lighting. Might not be the case for her.
If you have a Costco membership they have a Janome, like the one below, for $299. I bought one of these and they are pretty good. They are a bit plasticky but they seem to work OK.
https://www.spotlightstores.com/sewing-fabrics/sewing-equipm…
The best bit about getting it from Costco is, if you don't like it, you can take it back and get your money back. For electronics this needs to be in the first 30 days.
Came up with a few today, what you guys think?
Singer Heritage Sewing Machine
https://www.spotlightstores.com/sewing-fabrics/sewing-equipm…
Janome JR1012
https://hobbysew.com.au/machines/janome/janome-jr1012.aspx?g…
If you can spend that much coin this Elna is much better https://www.spotlightstores.com/sewing-fabrics/sewing-equipm…
Or the computerised one from Costco linked above, which is bang for the buck.
I’m on the Gold Coast so no Costco here ;(
I really want to spend $200 or below to be honest but yer I don’t know why I ended up looking at a $300 plus unit
Is she going to sewing classes or more of a DIY-er? This Brother https://www.spotlightstores.com/sewing-fabrics/sewing-equipm… is going for just $199 at spotty and many beginner DIYers find it easy to learn on.
If sewing classes are more to her liking, either the Elna https://www.spotlightstores.com/sewing-fabrics/sewing-equipm… or Husqvarna https://www.spotlightstores.com/sewing-fabrics/sewing-equipm… (both $179 on sale) might suit. There are heaps of reviews on those two machines. Same with this PFAFF one https://www.spotlightstores.com/sewing-fabrics/sewing-equipm….
My suggestion would be to see those in person and see how flimsy they are. They should have a bit of weight to them so they don't jump around with thicker fabrics like I mentioned.
I bought mine from Ikea for $99 it’s basic but it’s still going strong after 3 years.
Brother in Lincraft should be sufficient:)
can't see in online
Leaning towards one of these
$299 Free Shipping & Bonus gear
https://www.janomesewingcentre.com.au/shop/janome-sewing-mac…
Was thinking of this one too
$185.90 & Bonus Gear ($195.85 shipped)
https://www.janomesewingcentre.com.au/shop/janome-sewing-mac…
Or same machine JR1012 for $178.95 with Dressmaker Shears shipped
Those two are nowhere near comparable. The $299 is the same one that's been recommended above from Costco.
Ok thanks
Spotlight frequently have sewing machines on sales at huge discounts. Go to one of their shops and talk to the staff in that department and see what they can offer.