Inspired by Kirstie's Homemade Home to create your own, unique soft furnishings or even made-to-measure clothes on a recession budget? A sewing machine is a great piece of kit. But before you splash out on the latest state-of-the art computerised version just to run up a cushion cover, check out our guide to getting the machine you really need.
By Kerry Young
Putting aside Granny’s hand-operated version, there are two types of sewing machine available – electronic or computerised.
Mini Electronic Sewing Machine, £49, John Lewis
Electronic versions use a motor to drive the needle and the ‘feed dogs’ that feed the fabric through the machine. A foot pedal allows you to control the speed of sewing while your hands are managing the fabric. They vary greatly in price and what they can do – although even the most basic versions will have a choice of several stitch lengths and styles.
Janome Memory Craft 6600P Computerised Sewing Machine, £899, John Lewis
A computerised sewing machine is like a souped-up electronic version – it has several motors controlling the different functions for very precise control and a memory chip allows it to store hundreds of different stitch types and advanced sewing techniques. They usually have an LCD screen and touch pad to navigate your way through the available options, plus you can download information (such as embroidery designs) onto the machine.
You might also see overlocker machines for sale. These are for giving seams and hems a professional finish and are useful if you do a lot of sewing, but are only really worth having as an addition to, rather than a substitute for, a sewing machine.
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