Features

30 stitch options; removable flat bed; reverse stitch; auto stitch width and length; 1-step buttonhole.

Comments

Great value for a computer machine. Easy to thread. Stitch selection very simple - simply press the button until pattern is selected. Stitch width and lengths are pre-set but can be over-ridden. Excellent stitch quality but slight puckering when sewing delicate fabrics.

Stockist: 020 7336 7986 www.singerco.co.uk

GHI Test Report - Dec 06

Features

35 stitch options; removable flat-bed; reverse stitch; quick start guide; 1-step buttonhole.

Comments

Lightweight and compact. Good performance and easy to thread. Coped equally well with layers of upholstery fabric and a single layer of muslin. The stitches were selected using a large dial on the front, however this was quite stiff to turn. Some of the built-in stitches had pre-set lengths but not widths. Instructions were really clear and easy to follow.

Stockist: 0845 606 0626 www.brother.co.uk

GHI Test Report - Dec 06

Features

Full-sized. Weight: 6152g. Features: 15 stitch options, auto 4-step buttonhole, foot control, reverse stitch, integral toolbox. Attachments: 3 plastic spools, zigzag foot, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, felt, spool cap, buttonhole cutter, needle set, screwdriver. Dimensions: H27cm x W37cm x D19cm.

Comments

Good points: Very easy to select stitch, especially for a beginner because stitch length and widths are pre-set. Guide on the machine for threading the needle and refilling the bobbin. Performed well on cotton and delicate fabric. Trouble-shooting guide on the machine.  Drawbacks: Uneven stitching when sewing thicker fabrics and long lengths of curtaining. Bobbin can't be refilled without removing spool. Quite noisy. No satin stitch.

Stockist: 0845 640 3030 www.argos.co.uk

GHI Test Report - Jun 09

Features

70 stitch options; removable flat-bed; 1-step buttonhole.

Comments

Easy to thread but arrow guides on the machine are not very visible. Poor results when making a buttonhole. Good stitch quality on all fabrics tested. Simple and clear instructions.

Stockist: 0161 666 6011 www.janome.co.uk

GHI Test Report - Dec 06

Features

Full-sized. Weight: 6487.8g. Features: 14 stitch options, auto 4-step buttonhole, foot control, reverse stitch, integral toolbox. Attachments: 3 plastic bobbins, buttonhole opener, needle set, zigzag foot, buttonhole foot, darning plate. Dimensions: H28cm x W38cm x D15cm.

Comments

Good points: Bobbin can be filled without removing spool. Guide on the machine for threading needle. Easy to fit spool and bobbin. Performed well on cotton, stretch and delicate fabric. Stitch length and width can be manually altered. Drawbacks: Fiddly to make buttonholes. Not intuitive to use, beginners very reliant on instructions. No guide on the machine for threading bobbin.

Stockist: 08456 049 049 www.johnlewis.com

GHI Test Report - Jun 09