Smallish good sewing machines ideas

[Celia]

I am looking to buy a smallish but good sewing machine

I love my Janome HD9 but it is straight stitch only and is definitely not portable. As I have sold my lovely Bernina 570 to @Bill I have a gap and also some money.

Do any of you have machines that you love and can suggest, I am happy with a normal sized machine but not too heavy.
I think I would look at a Janome but am worried about the differences in the models, I know some of the cheap ones are not good and I’m not sure when they get better.
I love the small Bernina 3 series  but they are expensive for what you get.

Suggestions please

[Helen M]

If you are looking for a mechanical one @Celia I'd say this one is good. It's been around under various names for many years.

https://www.johnlewis.com/janome-excel-decor-5024-sewing-machine/p231340607

I have the 18 stitch version and I've seen them described as workhorses by several people.

[Gernella]

I nearly bought a Janome, @Celia just for the G foot on it, like I had on my old MC7000, which did a perfect hemming stitch always in the right place.  I've always considered that Janome are good value machines that you don't have trouble with, plus they have a wide range of models to suit your needs and circumstances.

[Ouryve]

If. I was looking for mechanical I would go the for models that @Helen M suggested but if you want something computerised you can't go wrong with anything in the £500+ bracket. I really enjoy using Jane, her menu is simple and she's easy to use. I can carry her with one hand - I need two for Pfanny. Or have a. Look at the ones they use on Sewing Bee, the 5060qdc.

[Celia]

Just an extra I am looking at computerised mainly for needle up needle down option etc. off to browse the internet for your suggestions. Thanks

[Bill]

Every machine I've had since my brother A150 has been a quilting/long arm machine and if memory serves, that was about the only real reason I sold it. More space. Other than newbie issues, I can't recall having any problems with it.

[Greybird]

I have an Elna 520s which I am very happy with. Needle up/down included.

[WildAtlanticWay]

I bought my Brother Innovis A65 sewing machine for taking to my sewing group. It’s the newer advanced version of the A60 special edition. (£499)
It’s light enough to carry and has speed slider, needle up/down, probably the best automatic needle threader on the market, auto thread cutter and tie off function. I absolutely love it.

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[coffeeandcake]

The Pfaff Passport 2 is nice and lightweight @ 6.3kg. 

[Tamnymore]

The Janome 5024 is the machine I have @Helen M so you've read my mind. It's not a new machine and it's not a small machine but it's really solid and reliable. I replaced the footpedal with a new one a few years ago from Bambers but apart from that it's been completely reliable. I must have got it maybe 15 years ago. As you say it's mechanical - which I like. It does a nice single step buttonhole, the bobbin is top loading and it has a load of those lovely stitches you never use.

If a meteorite landed on my 5024 today I'd be off to John Lewis immediately to get the exact same machine.. then I'd repair the meteorite damage to the roof.

[Sara-S]

I bought my Brother Innovis A65 sewing machine for taking to my sewing group. It’s the newer advanced version of the A60 special edition. (£499)
It’s light enough to carry and has speed slider, needle up/down, probably the best automatic needle threader on the market, auto thread cutter and tie off function. I absolutely love it.

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I have the Brother NS80E, which looks like it’s the American version of this.  I also use it to take to classes & workshops.

[Celia]

I have had a lovely time looking at all these machines, I am beginning to come down on the side of Janome,

 has anyone seen this machine https://www.franklinsgroup.com/product/janome-sewist-780dc/. This seems a really good price and it is not too heavy.

[Helen M]

If a meteorite landed on my 5024 today I'd be off to John Lewis immediately to get the exact same machine.. then I'd repair the meteorite damage to the roof.

I would do the same @Tamnymore!

[Iminei]

@Celia ... Youre buying another machine ??? I thought you had just got rid of the Bernina because you had too many ?

[Celia]

No @Iminei. I only have 2, my straight stitch and the embroidery machine, my problem with the Bernina was it was too big and heavy and it also made me feel like I should use it all the time instead of my beloved Janome HD9. 

I just need a small machine for the occasional zigzag button hole etc and also would like to be able to move it around the house etc.