Ikea sewing machine
 

At home I have a Janome horizon sewing machine which I love, but I need a small cheap machine to take to class or out into the garden, I love the look and price of the ikea machine and wondered if any of you have one.

I don't go to ikea so no help. I have just purchased a cheap machine from create and craft on tv. Have you seen Jennie Rayment on a Sunday doing her classes and selling equipment. Usually a set ot cheaper prices or put together purchases. I purchased the viking HjCLASS 100 not exactly correct name, it was on offer witha extension table and could purchase in 3 payments. Go on line and have a look. Sunday start800am . Good web site with other activities.
How are you with the wild boars do you have trouble. PM for more info or chat. Are you going to Malvern?
Just read post below and info on machine. I would look on gumtree for a small feather weight. 221 is straight stitch and back . 222 does a zig zag. But you should look at local shops and see if the dealers have recons or ex demo. Make sure you try before buy. Preloved another site. When I see something I want it is usually in your area or Scotland.

There's quite an extensive review here, but bear in mind it's by a non-sewer. The comment about the foot pedal struck me.
Personally, I'd look for a used machine on Gumtree. My 'little' Janome (I have a Pfaff as my main machine) that I take to class weighs about the same as the Jem.

Just looking at the picture of the machine on the link provided, it seems to have a very small throat. If all you are using it for is piecing, that would not be a problem. But if you intend to do any quilting other than QAYG it looks like that might be difficult.

ikea stuff is junk

Really? I've been quite happy with most of my Ikea purchases. I've seen the sewing machine in the store but haven't bought it. We have a computer table, dish drainer, stool with pneumatic lift, many kitchen gadgets and mats, and such and have enjoyed all of them. Not to mention the swedish pancakes!! My son did his new kitchen in Ikea cabinets and they are really nice and sturdy. I'm wondering what bad luck you have had. By the way, I am a Brother lover too. I did see the Dreamweaver and maybe one day will get it.

I too have had great luck with Ikea. I've never had a bad experience with the quality of Ikea products. I haven't seen the sewing machine. I'd probably prefer to buy a machine from a dealer but only because I like the support they give. If you try the Ikea machine, please let us know how you like it.

I understand ikea is well known in europe

Will they let you try the machine out in the store? I would recommend that, so you can see how it feels. If you are interested in a Singer FW, I recommend that you contact Graham Forsdyke, who is in the UK. You are guaranteed that any machine you purchase from Graham will be in excellent condition.

http://singerfeatherweight221links.b...3/httpwww.html

Ikea is NOT heirloom furniture, but I've gotten some great things there. Bookshelves and great organizers for the kitchen and sewing room. Daughters have both furnished their apts with Ikea, and it's held up through several moves apiece. Several friends have redone their kitchens and baths with Ikea and they are very happy with it. Haven't seen the sewing machine ...

I think if you consider the intended application of the IKEA machine (simple home decor projects and hemming draperies) it's probably no worse than any other sub $100 machine that someone would go pick up at Walmart. At $69 I almost wanted to get one for my daughter to learn to sew on, however since I just got it I think she'll be starting on my new Pfaff Passport.

I bought a cheap sewing machine because a sewing machine is a sewing machine, right?? No, it sewed so bad. If you are used to using a good machine, take a test drive with a less expensive one. You might be better to buy a FeatherWeight because they don't cost in the thousands...maybe $300 and up unless you are forturate to be at the right place at the right time. They sew very nice stitches.

I also bought from TV , I bought a Silver machine ..never looked back , will tackle anything and comes with loads of feet including the walking foot and 10 yrs free service !!

I beg to differ - I have had Ikea furniture in my home for many years - more than 30. Both of my daughters chose Ikea furniture when they were 7 or 8 years old and now, at 23 and 29, they still have that very same furniture in their own homes....still holding up quite well. My own master bedroom is Ikea Hemnes series, my quilt studio is all Billy Bookcases and Expedit cube system. My upholstery fabric on my older love seat and dining room chairs is Ikea, my window coverings, too. The designers at Ikea know how to combine style, value and quality. I don't see why their sewing machine would not be as good a purchase as well. I'd probably own one if I had not been given my mom's and my mil's featherweights many years ago!

I agree wholeheartedly!! My ex and I had lots of Ikea furniture, lamps, kitchen items, and plenty of storage cubes, shelves, etc. I lost most of it in the divorce and miss it dearly. I now live 3 hours from the closest Ikea and am dying to go! Going through the store is an adventure, you never know what you will find. The Swedish meatballs aren't bad, either!

Huge Ikea fan

I've seen the Ikea machine and it is a cute little thing but I have no idea as to how it performs. I have a Brother CS6000i that I haul off to classes and such. It is very light - I can pick it up with one hand - and makes a decent 1/4" seam. I had to purchase the 1/4" foot but it comes with a walking foot and a free motion foot so that was nice. It was under $200. I have had it for about five years and used it exclusively the first 2-3 years I had it until I bought my Janome 7700.

If I had to judge the Ikea machine based on my experience with their other products I would say it is a good bet. I've had furniture and housewares that hold up beautifully.

Have you thought of looking at thrift shops and yard sales, what about Craigslist?

Hi, I did not know that Ikea had sewing machines will have to check them out. I have two singer machines that I take to class to keep from taking my diamond. As long as the Ikea machine works for you that main issue.

I would hold out for a feather weight. I like Ikea gadgets but am leery of plastic machines. Just like the "new Featherweight" .... looks cheap.

I just got the janome horizon and just love it....I have my older kenmore as my take/it machine.

I've had a Brother CS6000 for about 8 years now. It weighs 8 lbs., fits in a quilted FW bag, and works great. I take it to all my classes.

I have a Janome Mini Sew and I love it. It's a little work horse and very light. It's not like your going to use it day in and day out. I got mine at Hancocks for $49 (usually it's $79). They just had them on sale.

I would snoop around thrift stores and ebay for a vintage machine. I've seen some very good buys for solid machines for around $25 on ebay. I'm sure you can find a small portable. IMHO, Ikea is a fun place to shop for kids, teens, and cheapy barware, etc., but not a sewing machine.

~ Cindy

I am fairly new to the idea of shopping at IKEA. I bought some bath towels there and love them. They are good ol thick cotton towels that absorb water! I have tried many places for towels including some higher end places only to be able to see through them after the first washing.

CS6000i is a great lightweight inexpensive machine that both my daughter and I can recommend. I bought mine from Walmart online, but I see amazon sells them as well. I'm not sure about the Ikea machine. I'd have to try it first. We have had many Ikea pieces of furniture over the years and have had no problems with them. Including bunkbeds that withstood two big rambunctious boys.....and it's still standing. I'm am an Ikea fan.

I'm in the market for a small sewing machine to take over-seas. I have had pretty good luck with IKEA stuff that I have purchased (not a lot), and we are going to Chicago next month, so I'll check out the Schaumburg site. They don't sell on the web, only in store.

I love Ikea and so happy they now ship since there isn't one within 200 miles of me.

I know that periodically JoAnn's has Singer machines for $99 to $299, and they sell similar Singer machines at Wal-Mart. You can also go to your local sewing machine center and they could probably offer you a good deal on a used machine, one that someone had traded in on a newer/different machine. Wherever you buy the machine, be sure to try it out to see if it's in your comfort zone. Good luck.

What about the Janome Gem?

My daughter absolutely LOVES Ikea. I didn't even know they had a sewing machine but I'd like to go with her sometime, just to see things like she's got - bookshelves and the like.

My Singer 301A is fabulous for a straight stitch machine and just as good as the Featherweight, maybe better since it is a bit heavier and does not bounce around on the table. They are much more reasonably priced than Featherweights. No zig zag, though. Good luck with whatever you choose.

Sounds like no one here has actually bought the IKEA SY. I would like to hear from someone who has sewn on one before I buy. I have about a month to make up my mind.

I, respectfully have to disagree with you. I have Ikea stuff from 27 years ago purchased when we lived in Germany and today we shop the one in ATL. For the price, we have been extremely satisfied with design and durability. And my machines are Berninas , so I do know the difference quality makes.