Which sewing machine
- Thread starter Nevis
- Start date
Heltrekker
Section Hiker
I think pretty much any type would do for what you want. I would suggest go for something cheap and simple. I've got a 2nd hand Japanese thing, looks hideous, but does about 15 different stitch types, adjustable stitch length, easy to use even without a manual. I wouldn't want to make a wedding dress with it, but for repairs, making uncomplicated stuff and alterations it's fine, and cost next to nothing so even if it does blow up one day I've had my money's worth.
Nevis
Thru Hiker
Gumtree in ireland is pants!! but we Adverts, similar thing apart from you advertise something for say 200 and in no time you get takes of messages saying i’ll give you 75 and can pick up today!!! Or what’s your best price.... that’ll be the price advertised then!!! There appears to be a run on machines at the mo, anything cheap goes in a day or so and everything else is over 200 euro 
cathyjc
Thru Hiker
Gumtree in ireland is pants!! but we Adverts, similar thing apart from you advertise something for say 200 and in no time you get takes of messages saying i’ll give you 75 and can pick up today!!! Or what’s your best price.... that’ll be the price advertised then!!! There appears to be a run on machines at the mo, anything cheap goes in a day or so and everything else is over 200 euro
Ah - I'm in Scotland and have used Gumtree sucessfully but even here there isn't much being listed ATM - not surprising really
An old black singer will do to learn on - put the word out around your family, friends and neighbours and see if that results in anything.
Whiteburn
Thru Hiker
My 'old black Singer' (201K) does about 99.5% of my sewing.
I've also a Janome & a Brother which only come out of the closet when I want to occasionally zigzag stitch something.
Getting hold of a 2nd hand machine off eBay/ Gumtree may be difficult at the moment with the travel restrictions etc as generally few people folk want to post them.
If you want to start to play during the 'lockdown' you could probably do worse than buying an £80 Brother L14S, a basic starters machine.
Michael_x
Section Hiker
Balagan
Thru Hiker
Best of British but, honestly, Swiss and German engineering also have some decent claims to very high quality machines.
Whiteburn
Thru Hiker
That's the only time my other machines get used...…...jig zagging for a strong bar tack or on stretchy jersey fabrics
Teepee
Thru Hiker
A 1970's free arm machine can be a great buy. They often have all metal gears and parts and consequently last better than modern cheap plastic ones.
Elna Super, Bernina 830. Whilst a dedicated straight stitcher like a lovely 201 etc will do 95%, having a zig zag function is a really handy thing to have for our uses. The old Elna super is a cracking machine; it's got proper stretch stitches and will do everything. Metal carrying case too, so you can have it posted without it getting smashed.
All Berninas from this period were very good and whilst the Elna is the best, you won't go far wrong with a second hand Bernina.
Elna Super, Bernina 830. Whilst a dedicated straight stitcher like a lovely 201 etc will do 95%, having a zig zag function is a really handy thing to have for our uses. The old Elna super is a cracking machine; it's got proper stretch stitches and will do everything. Metal carrying case too, so you can have it posted without it getting smashed.
All Berninas from this period were very good and whilst the Elna is the best, you won't go far wrong with a second hand Bernina.
Balagan
Thru Hiker
Nevis
Thru Hiker
The future mother in law donated her singer 457 zig zag Busy watching youtube videos now. Managed to get it set up ok but for the love of sweet baby jaysus threading the needle is like a krypton factor test for me!!!! think i might need new glasses, either that or a **** off magnifying glass
Busy watching youtube videos now. Managed to get it set up ok but for the love of sweet baby jaysus threading the needle is like a krypton factor test for me!!!! think i might need new glasses, either that or a **** off magnifying glass 
WilliamC
Thru Hiker
I don't have a sewing machine so forgive me if this is ignorant: can't you get a needle threader for it?The future mother in law donated her singer 457 zig zag
Teepee
Thru Hiker
Yes.
Needle threaders are generic, they'll work on all needles with an threadable eye.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/DMC-6112-Aluminum-Needle-Threader/dp/B000YZALOG
Whiteburn
Thru Hiker
A simple tip from the OH......always cut the thread at 45deg using sharp scissors & use a piece of white card/ paper behind the needle make the hole more visible..........but for the love of sweet baby jaysus threading the needle is like a krypton factor test for me!!!! think i might need new glasses, either that or a **** off magnifying glass
Odd Man
Thru Hiker
I always 'suck' the tip of the thread so all the fibers stick together and form a sharp, pointy head and then push it through.
I actually have a diploma in tailoring, did a 3 year school almost 30 years ago but never worked as one. I'm hoping to get back into doing some hiking clothes once we've found a house and settled in.
Whiteburn
Thru Hiker
Lip salve or furniture polish is another good 'binding agent' I've used when trying to get thicker thread through the eye.
Nevis
Thru Hiker
Thanks for all the help and advice folks, much appreciated Just another wee question, what thread should i be using? The stuff i got with it just says it’s 100% polyester but it seems a bit thin and seems to snap easy! Of course that could be down to me just starting out and still learning!
Just another wee question, what thread should i be using? The stuff i got with it just says it’s 100% polyester but it seems a bit thin and seems to snap easy! Of course that could be down to me just starting out and still learning!
Balagan
Thru Hiker
Run-of-the-mill polyester thread is often just as fragile as cotton thread. I use Guterman, originally sew-all from the local shop and now mostly Mara and Tera ordered from Adventurexpert. Other will be along to recommend other good brands (Coats, etc).Thanks for all the help and advice folks, much appreciated
Your 457 is an updated 237 which is the machine I started on. It's basically built like a tank (which is a good thing) but it does have a couple of plastic gears that need watching.
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