eBay is your friend. I'm using a brother one, they are around £150. I used to have a lidl one x3 it was awful. I also have a Toyota over lock around £290 machine and sometimes use for bodysuits but I just straight stitch and zig zag over the top.

as far a drawing machines go, I would look for an older model of machine. good brands are Kenmore, and Brother. I got mine at a thrift store, and it works swell. I see them all the time still. You might Also try for when that is specifically made to sew leather, due to the durability of them. just be super careful if you get one, they can sew a needle strait through your hand due to the lack of guards, but they are great for working with bulky material. Don't get a cheap sewing machine, those are horrible, if you get them new.

As a heads up, I had a Brother machine, and it bit the bullet after 4 uses. The bobbin tension dial never worked and the needle position screw was stripped when I got it. (It was a Refurb).

That's actually super rare. Maybe the refurbisher didn't do a good job, since brother itself does not do refurbishing. I have three brother machines, one is leaning on 40 years old. They all work, and are built tougher than any of the new machines.

I generally see most older model sewing machines work wonders. This Brother was a new-ish model. like a 2004. No matter, I had the same thought that the refurb people were incompetent. *shrugs* Luck of the draw I guess.

Definitely a run of bad luck. My oldest Brother machine is mainly metal. The newer ones have a lot more plastic, and are a lot lighter. Brother has a reputation for sturdy machines in general, but their older machines are magic. Things like ruffling foot, serging, etc, all came standard. It wasn't until later that they removed standard features to charge as extra.

Sort of like games nowadays. Sell half a game at full price, sell them the rest as DLC and make a killing! That's capitolism, folks. :C

Thanks! Yeah, I've heard good things about Brother machines. I'm thinking I might bet one.

I have a brother, and it's maybe around 20 years old. It's still a fantastic machine!!
Although I can't say anything about price and stuff since it was given to me when I started sewing projects.

Wow! Thanks very much. I will probably get a brother one...

As far as brands and model years go:
Don't get a Singer. Every cosplayer/sewer i've ever asked about has nothing good to say, plus the one I did have never worked right (though it was cheap haha)
I haven't used enough different brands to know whos the best however... the one I have is a Kenmore (I think) from im guessing the late 60's. That may sound like an antique, but older sewing machines are actually said to be better because they're made with metal parts, while newer ones tend to be made with plastic parts, so they break easier and wear down. I guess with this in mind try looking for something with metal parts, and don't think that you need a BRAND NEW one.

Also, my sewing tutor suggested that you don't settle with one thats under $400 new. You might get lucky online somewhere, but if you want one that will last you may need to spend a bit more than you want, especially when it comes to sewing fur. I know different fabrics/fur require different needles but that I don't know enough about xD

Right, thank you! I think I'll get a brother one. :D