Buying guides
Buying guides, one product type at a time
Each buying guide covers exactly one type of product and compares a handful of listings on the facts they state.
Beginner machines
- Best sewing machines for beginnersSeven first sewing machines compared by stitch count, buttonhole type, needle threader and weight, using only what each listing states.
- Best sewing machines under £500Six mid range sewing machines from Janome, Brother and Juki compared by type, stitches, buttonhole, key extra and weight, from listing facts.
Computerised machines
- Best computerised sewing machinesSix computerised sewing machines compared by stitch count, buttonhole styles, speed control and needle up or down, from listing facts only.
- Best heavy duty sewing machines for denim and canvasSeven heavy duty sewing machines compared by frame, stitch count, buttonhole, top speed and weight, with the limits of home machines on leather.
- Best sewing machines for dressmakingSix step up machines for garment sewing compared by feed system, stitch count, buttonholes, thread cutter and weight, using listing facts.
- Best sewing machines with automatic thread cutterSix sewing machines that trim both threads at the touch of a button, compared by cutter type, stitches, sewing space, threader and weight.
Embroidery machines
- Best embroidery machines for beginnersFive single needle home embroidery machines compared by embroidery field, built-in designs, design transfer and screen, from listing facts.
- Best sewing and embroidery combination machinesSix machines that sew and embroider, compared by embroidery field, built-in designs, sewing stitches, design transfer and weight.
Overlockers
- Best coverstitch and combination overlockersSix coverstitch and overlocker plus coverstitch machines compared by type, cover hem, threads, threading help and weight, from listings.
- Best overlockers for beginnersSeven three and four thread overlockers compared by thread options, differential feed, rolled hem, threading aids and weight, from listings.
Quilting
Brands and models
- Bernette sewing machines comparedSix Bernette machines, from the b33 and b38 sewing machines to the b44 and b68 overlockers and the b79, compared by type, stitches and weight.
- Brother sewing machines comparedSeven Brother sewing machines from the FS range to the Innov-is line compared by stitches, buttonholes, key extra and weight, from listings.
- Janome sewing machines comparedSeven Janome sewing machines from mechanical models to QDC and Skyline compared by type, stitches, buttonhole, key extra and weight.
- Juki sewing machines comparedSeven Juki machines, from HZL domestic models to the TL-2010Q quilter and MO overlockers, compared by type, stitches, key feature and weight.
- Singer sewing machines comparedSeven Singer machines, from Heavy Duty and Tradition models to computerised and embroidery machines, compared by stitches, buttonhole and weight.