What sewing machine should I get?

I often get asked what sewing machine I would recommend for beginners and for people looking to move on up to the next level.

I’ve come across so many people, who are brand new to sewing, have never owned a machine before and have no clue where to start.

Along with people who have a really old machine, that’s perhaps been handed down to them, that looks all cool and funky but doesn't work so well anymore and, sounds a bit like a tractor - so they fancy trading up.

In truth, my knowledge of the many different makes and models of sewing machines out there isn't extensive. I’ve owned two sewing machines in my life, and now have really lovely ones that I use in the studio for the workshops - and that’s it. Once you find a machine you like - it'll be a friend for life.

However, I do know what I like in a sewing machine in terms of usability and features, and this will be applicable across whatever brand you go for.

If your really not sure what to choose, then use this as a starting point.

Have a think about the types of projects that you would like to make in the future and have these in mind when you go along to a sewing machine shop. Ask to test run different models.

Think about how easy they are to work out and thread, are the smooth and quiet? Try different stitches, figure out where the reverse is - just have a bit of a play. A sewing machine is a big investment and on the whole you usually get what you pay for but there can be a point where things get more expensive just because of the number of stitches so think about whether your likely to actually use them or not.

My first sewing machine was a Janome, the equivalent of the J3-18 model, I’m pretty sure mine didn’t have needle threader though (this newer version does).

I got it for my Christmas when I was 18 and I had moved away from home for uni. Before then I used my Mum’s top notch Bernina (she was a professional dressmaker).
My Janome was a basic entry-level machine and did the jobs I wanted it to. I was an avid bag maker at the time, and very anti-socially spent the rest of Christmas day that year making bags, and it was great. It got carted about a bit back and forward to my student flat and eventually, about 7 years later, the foot pedal broke after getting squashed, the feed dogs wouldn’t go down any more (and I wanted to try free machine embroidery) and the zipper foot had fallen down the back of the cooker - never to be seen again. (That’s another story!)

So it was time for an upgrade. I visited my local sewing machine shop, Frank Nutt in Kings Heath, and after a bit of deliberation I choose a new Brother machine – the Innov-is 10 Anniversary model (it had pink on it!). It cost me about £250 and was like a dream. My previous Janome one was mechanical in that you had to clunk the dials to change stitches and the like. This new one was electronic with its own mini screen and things seemed to be a bit smoother and easier to use. It has a 4-step button hole setting with 3 buttonholes to choose from, a speed control setting and 16 stitches in total. You can also switch the needle from falling to the left or centre of the foot which can come in handy sometimes.

I still use this machine now when I sew at home and I’m overall really happy with it. The needle threader did take a bit of time to master but now I know how it works, it’s easy. The manual was really clear and back in the day I taught myself how to do buttonholes using it. I’ve also added to my ‘foot’ collection and now have a walking foot (for thick fabric, quilting or matching up patterns), invisible zipper foot (my favourite), a daring foot for free machine embroidery a rolled hem foot and a 1/4 inch foot for patchwork.

When I was picking machines to use in the studio for the workshops, I went back to Brother as I had been pleased with my anniversary machine, and they very, very kindly helped me out. I now have 4 beautiful Innov-is 350 Special Edition machines (retail is £599) and 6 Innov-is 100 Prime Edition machines (Retail is £499).

These machines are such a treat to use. So smooth, so quiet, so easy. They come with a very organised accessory drawer with 6 different feet and 30 stitches in total including 6 styles of automatic 1 step button holes.

Overall I would really recommend these machines. On the 350 model there are so many additional decorative stitches for embelishing projects and they have the alphabet in 3 fonts - which has always proved popular in the kids workshops!

The thread cutter button is amazing too, once you finish your sewing, just press the 'scissors' button - the needle magically lifts up and cuts the threads underneath! Woah! No more whispy threads everywhere!

What type of machines do you guys have? Are you old school and have a trusty vintage machine that has stood the test of time? Or have you treated yourself to a swanky new model?