Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
After many years of sewing, I've learned (from a lot of trial and error), which tools are worth investing in, and which ones you can happily thrift or buy vintage and still get the same quality, or even better.
And the money you save can always go toward fabric, which is where most of us want to spend it anyway, right! 😁😂
One of the more uncommon recommendations I make is that I'm a big fan of NOT buying a new expensive machine.
At least to begin with.
When you’re first getting started, buying a brand-new sewing machine can feel like the only option. But you don’t have to spend a lot to get something reliable.
Some of the best machines I’ve ever used were second-hand: solid older models that were built to last and still sew beautifully today.
They’re often better made, easier to maintain, and far more dependable than many budget machines on the market now.
It’s one of the smartest ways to save money without losing quality, especially when you’re learning.
Or borrow one! You'd be so surprised at the number of people who have an old sewing machine stashed away in the cupboard they don't use, that they would be very happy for you to borrow to learn on.
I love my vintage Bernina to sew with. (It's the same model I learnt to sew on)
My perfect display machine is my green Phillips machine you see on my shelf (it's only a display).
And my dream is to have a fully restored, beautiful treadle with full decals to sew on too! One with a wooden box over the machine top and pure art to look at!
Have you ever found a great vintage or second-hand machine? I’d love to hear about it.
After many years of sewing, I've learned (from a lot of trial and error), which tools are worth investing in, and which ones you can happily thrift or buy vintage and still get the same quality, or even better.
And the money you save can always go toward fabric, which is where most of us want to spend it anyway, right! 😁😂
One of the more uncommon recommendations I make is that I'm a big fan of NOT buying a new expensive machine.
At least to begin with.
When you’re first getting started, buying a brand-new sewing machine can feel like the only option. But you don’t have to spend a lot to get something reliable.
Some of the best machines I’ve ever used were second-hand: solid older models that were built to last and still sew beautifully today.
They’re often better made, easier to maintain, and far more dependable than many budget machines on the market now.
It’s one of the smartest ways to save money without losing quality, especially when you’re learning.
Or borrow one! You'd be so surprised at the number of people who have an old sewing machine stashed away in the cupboard they don't use, that they would be very happy for you to borrow to learn on.
I love my vintage Bernina to sew with. (It's the same model I learnt to sew on)
My perfect display machine is my green Phillips machine you see on my shelf (it's only a display).
And my dream is to have a fully restored, beautiful treadle with full decals to sew on too! One with a wooden box over the machine top and pure art to look at!
Have you ever found a great vintage or second-hand machine? I’d love to hear about it.
