Wren and Mabel Sewing Machine Recommendations

A question I get asked a lot is what sewing machine do you recommend? Of course, this is a very valid question for anyone looking to invest in a sewing machine, especially for those who are only starting out on their sewing journey. Over the past three years, I have sat at many different sewing machines: some brand new purchases, some only taken out of the box after sitting in the back of a wardrobe for 10 years, and then there are the heirloom machines now serving the third generation. Buying a sewing machine is a daunting task — all the terminology, settings and extra attachments can feel overwhelming.

I am a great advocate for servicing older machines and using them. Any sewing machine over 20 years old is well worth getting serviced and using rather than buying a new machine for €100. Older sewing machines were made from metal and were a lot stronger and more durable. They may not have fancy settings such as a one-step buttonhole but believe me, after sewing for over 20 years, all you need is a straight stitch for 95% of your projects.

You may be lucky enough to have a family member who has a sewing machine they no longer use. If this is the case, I would say bring it to a machine technician and have it serviced. If you are fortunate enough to have a hand crank Singer machine, these can even be electrified with a motor. I have used a Singer that was over 100 years old and it was like a dream to use — they are irreplaceable.

Unfortunately, the name Singer has fallen down the ranks in recent years. This is due to Singer and Pfaff being bought by Husqvarna, and in my opinion, the quality is not the same. I have a Pfaff that is over 20 years old and I love it. It has seen me through all my college collections, curtain making and upholstery projects — they are strong machines built to last. I have seen Pfaff machines on DoneDeal for around €200, which is a very worthy investment.

I would recommend getting any second-hand sewing machine serviced unless you are buying directly from a machine dealer. Even if you are told the machine has been sitting idle for 10 or 20 years, it will still need a service.

Bernina 

When I was in college, we used Bernina 1008 sewing machines. I hadn’t sat at one since I left college until a student brought one to class — I had forgotten the strength and speed of them. They were made from metal and had a real weight to them. I have seen them for sale second-hand for €700, which is a testament to the fact that they are among the best machines ever made.

Bernette is the little sister of Bernina and is a good sewing machine without the higher price tag of a Bernina.

Janome 725S

I have used Janome machines in class and I really like them. This is the brand used on The Great British Sewing Bee, and with good reason. They are fast and sturdy. If I were choosing a new sewing machine, this would be my pick. I like the manual control settings rather than digital ones, as I feel digital machines tend to cause more issues — at least from what I have observed in class.

This is the sewing machine I use, and while it sits on the higher end of the price scale, it’s absolutely worth the investment if you can find one second-hand from a reputable machine mechanic — I’ve seen them on DoneDeal for about half the price of a new one.

There’s very little these machines can’t do. They’re strong, reliable and capable of handling a wide range of projects from garment sewing to home décor. A big bonus is that a wide range of attachments are available for these too, so you can customise the machine to suit what you want to sew.

If you’ve got the budget and find a serviced Pfaff Select at a good price, I’d definitely recommend it — especially for sewists who know they want to sew regularly and tackle a variety of fabrics and techniques.

Whether you choose a trusted older machine or invest in a new one, the most important thing is that it suits your needs. Don’t get caught up in fancy stitches and endless features — reliability, strength and a good straight stitch will take you much further than you think.