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A good older sewing machine from Bernina, Pfaff or Janome often sews better than a new budget machine, and they turn up on Marktplaats all the time. Always test it on fabric before you pay, make sure the foot pedal and bobbin case are included, and avoid modern plastic machines that are not worth repairing.
Mechanical machines from the 1970s to 1990s with metal internals are prized: Bernina Record 730 and the 1000 series (1008, 1010, 1020), Pfaff 1200-series with the built-in walking foot (IDT), Elna Supermatic and many Janome and Husqvarna Viking models. They handle thick fabric like denim well and can be serviced for decades.
Cheap new machines from discount stores are mostly plastic inside. A used one of those is only a bargain if it is almost free and works perfectly.
Bring a few scraps of fabric (thin cotton and something thick like denim), a spare needle and thread in a contrasting colour.
Loops on the underside usually mean the top thread is not threaded correctly or the tension is off, which is easy to fix. Skipped stitches can be a bent needle or the wrong needle type. But if the machine keeps skipping with a new needle and correct threading, the timing may be off, which needs a repair shop. Ask whether the machine was recently serviced (onderhoudsbeurt); a service at a Dutch sewing machine shop often costs in the range of EUR 60-100.
An overlocker (lockmachine) finishes edges like on bought clothes and is popular for sewing stretch fabrics. Brother, Janome, Juki and Bernina overlockers are common used. Threading one is fiddly, so ask the seller to leave it threaded and test it on knit fabric. Check the knife cuts cleanly.
Computerised and embroidery machines can be great but are expensive to repair if the board fails. Only buy one if every function works in front of you and the seller can show the embroidery unit and its cables.
Antique Singer treadle machines in iron stands are everywhere. Many still sew, but they only do straight stitch and are mostly bought as decoration. If you want one to use, check the treadle belt, the bobbin shuttle (these are specific to the model) and that the machine head turns freely. Cabinet machines built into a table are heavy, so check the machine lifts out if you only want the machine itself.
A machine without its manual is still fine: most Bernina, Pfaff and Janome manuals can be found online as PDF by model number. Presser feet are another matter. Bernina feet from the old system do not fit the newer ones, and some Pfaff feet are model specific, so a box of extra feet adds value. Ask for the zipper foot and the buttonhole foot at least, and check the original hard cover or carry case is there if you plan to take the machine to a sewing class.
Sellers often write vague titles like 'oude naaimachine werkt nog'. On vindje.com you can ask for a mechanical Bernina or Pfaff with a foot pedal that sews thick fabric, under 250 euro, and the AI reads past the titles to the descriptions.
| Item | Typical asking price |
|---|---|
| Basic Singer, Brother or Toyota machine, working | EUR 30-90 |
| Janome or Husqvarna mechanical machine | EUR 60-180 |
| Bernina Record 730 or 1000 series | EUR 150-450 |
| Pfaff with IDT walking foot | EUR 100-300 |
| Overlocker (lockmachine) | EUR 80-250 |
| Antique Singer treadle machine | EUR 20-120 |
Rough Marktplaats asking prices in the Netherlands. Condition, age and season move them a lot.
Describe what you want in your own words and vindje.com searches Marktplaats in Dutch, then reads every listing and keeps only the real matches. For example:
Mechanical Bernina or Pfaff sewing machine with foot pedal and bobbin case, sews denim, under 250 euro, within 20 kmSearch Marktplaats like this
Older mechanical Bernina, Pfaff and Janome machines have a strong reputation and are worth repairing. Cheap plastic machines usually are not.
Sew straight and zigzag stitches on thin and thick fabric, check both sides of the seam and run the motor at different speeds.
Most antique Singers sell for EUR 20-120 and are bought for decoration. Working ones in good condition fetch more.
It is the Dutch word for an overlocker or serger, a machine that trims and finishes fabric edges with several threads.