Here’s how to spot a ‘fast fashion’ sewing machine.

Sewing machines should last a lifetime. Or several lifetimes. We personally know machines that are still merrily stitching away at over 150 years old! 

That said, not all machines will hold the test of time, especially nowadays. When machines are lasting less time than they should, it tends to be due to one of two reasons…

 

Machines need maintenance

The main thing that shortens the lifespan of a good machine is when it isn’t frequently serviced and cleaned.

Like a car, washing machine, or any machine with moving parts, you should be planning on getting your sewing machine serviced from time to time. Machine servicing is a specialist, skilled job, and a full service takes a few hours. It will cost you about £100, and you’ll be rewarded with a machine that runs for years! 

But what about that machine you bought from Hobbycraft for £50? Surely it’s not worth spending £100 servicing that?

No, it probably isn’t. This machine was never designed to be serviced. It wasn’t made with components that could be adjusted, calibrated and replaced. It was designed to be used until it breaks, then thrown away. 

And that is, unfortunately, the other reason that some machines don’t last.

So how do I spot a ‘fast fashion’ sewing machine, when I’m choosing which machine to buy?

We would love to give you a short answer, but the truth is, it can be a bit complicated to distinguish between proper quality, and something built to break in a few years.

• Some heritage brands have changed suppliers and are not what they once were. And some great brands white-label machines to high-street retailers!

• It’s hard to rely on price. It can give you a good steer, but you get some gems at low prices, and some disasters at high prices.

If you’re not sure, it’s best to speak to an expert. 

After seeing enough machines through the door for repairs and workshops, the Stitching Kitchen team have noticed the patterns, and we are sure that experts around the country will have the same insights to share when you’re making your decisions.

We see:

• Which machines are still being used every week, even 50 years later

• Which brands have common issues that often require the same repairs

• The little things that indicate quality, versus things that just sound good on paper

An example: did you buy a sewing machine from Lidl recently?

Singer Sewing machines were available for bargain prices in the middle aisle at the start of the year. 

Singer is a brand we all know and love, so lots of people thought they were getting a great bargain! But sadly, we’ve had quite a few people coming to see us with machines giving them missed stitches, weird tension, or just not sewing at all.

Here’s the thing. Not all Singer machines are made equal! Since about the late 80s to early 90s, Singer’s production values went from machines to last several lifetimes, to disposable ‘toy’ machines. 

Supplier changes and other differences over time can make buying difficult. We tend to pick up a good amount of up-to-date information about different machines, through industry connections and people coming through the shop, and we’re happy to help you in your decision.

Our favourite brands, for quality we can trust

We sell both PFAFF and Janome machines. We love them because the quality is unmatched.

The two are different, but we trust both enough to confidently recommend them to our customers, along with offering a multiple-year warranty for everyone’s peace of mind.

Here’s the difference, in a nutshell.

• PFAFF are a bit ‘fancier’. They feel a bit more indulgent to sew with (you have to experience it for yourself). 

• Janome machines are often simpler, but workhorses. Not so many bells and whistles, but the balance of quality, features and price point can’t be beaten. 

Our sewing machines start at about £250, and keep an eye out for seasonal discounts. Sometimes there are some great ones.

We can advise on your second-hand options, too!

On a real budget? We can help there too. We offer machine servicing, and we can steer you in the direction of an eBay bargain machine!  Show us the second hand machines on your watch list, we’ll let you know what we think, and even sort you out with a service to get it stitching beautifully. This might mean a new-to-you machine that will last a lifetime, for under £200. 

Download our FREE guide to buying your perfect machine

If you’re reading this, chances are that you’re in the market for a new sewing machine, or at least considering it.

It can be overwhelming so many machines, overlockers and cover stitch machines. 

What do they do, why? 

Which would suit me and my skill level? 

Which machine will be right for now and the next 5 years? 

We have put together this helpful guide to help you find the right machine for you. Just drop your email, and a download link will be on its way by return! Get your Machine Purchase Guide here.