At the end of last week my parents very kindly bought me a new Silver Crest sewing machine from Lidl. I am VERY pleased with it so would like to share some details with you here.

SilverCrest Sewing Machine
The SilverCrest SNM 33 sewing machine in its box.

Out of the Box

The machine in question is the model SNM 33 and was £59.99 from Lidl. I had seen this one before, at Christmas, and thought it looked a good deal then too, so was very pleased to see it back in stock.

The machine is a nice sturdy, white plastic item, with a subtle ‘crest’ logo and details of the available stitches. A reminder of how to thread up the machine is also neatly part of the design.

It boasts 33 stitches, but as you can also vary the length and width of stitches there are really many more – compare this to lots of the cheaper machines which say they have 7 stitches, when 4 are really just zigzags of different sizes. There is also a button hole and button-sewing-on feature, which really add to the value.

The machine includes extra feet for button holing, buttons, blind hems, zippers and freestyle embroidery.

You can also do overlocking stitches and a nice selection of decorative finishes for edges.

SilverCrest Sewing Machine out of the box
My SilverCrest SNM 33 sewing machine in all its glory. Just look how many stitch types there are!

There is a clear and detailed instruction booklet which clearly explains everything you need. I was very impressed with the booklet, as many modern instructions seem very thin and poor nowadays.

In use

I gave the machine a good test by making a little protective bag for my netbook. This was a very simple ‘make it up as you go along’ type creation. The sewing machine worked like a dream, even when I was sewing through 6 layers of wadding and 8 layers of fabric! The ‘accelerator’ is very good and I felt in total control, even when sewing fast.

My netbook bag, sewn with new sewing machine.

There are so many nice touches that make the machine a pleasure to use. A built in light and a nice easy way of threading it up really come in handy. The bobbin is a side-loaded shuttle sort. Choosing a stitch is nice and easy and intuitive too. Very impressive.

There is even a plastic cover included (though I will be making a pretty fabric one for mine very soon!). Also included are three reels of thread (in pretty colours!), spare bobbins, a seam ripper, screwdrivers and tools, oil, a quilting guide and spare needles.

 

All in all I am very happy indeed with my new baby. It really feels like a much more expensive machine, both for ease of use, sturdiness and the sheer range of features and included items.


Free sewing machine classes!

 Craftsy have some excellent FREE classes to help you get the most of your sewing machine.

Sew Ready Machine Basics – free course
Sewing Machine Feet from A to Z – free course
Machine Savy – Tips for Creative Sewing – free course

The Sewing Machine Basics one gives an excellent guide to the parts of your machine and how they work, and I recommend it for anyone buying, or thinking of buying, their first machine.

There are also many other free ones, including how to make bags and how to insert zips.

And of course there is a range of buyable courses on every aspect of using your sewing machine too.

I have enjoyed quite a few Craftsy courses and found them to be very clear, professional and entertaining.  They cover many types of crafts, with new ones being added all the time.

The above links are affiliate links (though the courses mentioned are totally free).  This means that if you sign up for Craftsy or purchase something from these links, I will get a small commission for sending customers their way.  This is at no extra cost to yourself.  Thank you.

Update – 19 March 2023

I just wanted to add that I am still using my SilverCrest sewing machine, and it has proven to be a reliable little beast.  I have made many projects with it and am still very happy that I chose this model.

My new Silver Crest sewing machine SNM 33 – a review…
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40 thoughts on “My new Silver Crest sewing machine SNM 33 – a review…

  • 3 May, 2013 at 11:28 am
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    Hi

    I hope that you can help me, I would like to do some of the embroidery settings on my machine but I do not seem to have the foot to go with it, can you tell me if there is some where in the uk where I can get one from?

    Reply
    • 7 May, 2013 at 11:39 am
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      To do free-style embroidery you attach the darning plate (which covers the feed-dogs so you can move the fabric around yourself).

      If you are missing a part then I suggest you contact Silvercrest or perhaps Lidl may have a contact for them?

      I hope you are able to find what you need.

      Reply
      • 2 August, 2021 at 12:28 pm
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        How toget parts I’ve lost all my attchments

        Reply
  • 8 May, 2013 at 11:29 am
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    Hi Deborah,

    I am trying to make some Happy Birthday bunting at the moment. I would like to applique the lettering on but am having a problem using the darning plate. I am unable to move the fabric around freely as the presser foot is far too tight. I have tried turning the screw anti-clockwise on the top of the machine in order to release the pressure but this has had no effect at all. I would be grateful for any help.

    Reply
  • 31 December, 2013 at 11:30 am
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    Hi, I wonder if anyone can help. I have just started using the machine to hem a dress, all was going well except midway the machine wont sew, just keeps making a dull sound and nothing else. My very first day of using the machine brand new from box. Please help

    Reply
  • 25 March, 2014 at 11:30 am
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    Can anyone help. I also have a silvercrest 8750 sewing machine. I love it, never had any problems, would rate rate to experienced machinist to a first timer. Im gutted moved house packed everything up. No sign of my foot pedal, could have been handed to a charity shop , I have no hand book to contact for a replacement. Tried e- bay all willing to sell me something on a different brand that may just fit ,more than my sewing machine cost. I have no manuel or address to contact for a replacement,

    I have emailed lidl and trying every option.

    Reply
    • 15 December, 2014 at 3:36 pm
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      Hi Keron, Did you ever locate a replacement foot pedal ? Thomas

      Reply
      • 24 May, 2015 at 3:45 pm
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        Hi All, just a quick reply to let you know that if you google spareparts.co.uk you will find every type of accessories you will ever need for your silvercrest machine. I have just bought a new SC machine and discovered this supplier. Thank goodness! I have bought 7 different feet already lol cxx

        Reply
  • 19 June, 2014 at 11:31 am
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    Hello Silver Crest fans! I bought mine at Lidl’s almost five years ago and up till now it had only been out of the box once! My friend was going to show me how to use it – but didn’t, and since I hadn’t a clue it stayed in its’ box. But now it’s out as my said “friend” has given me a beginner’s lesson with it. The problem being, I am disabled, can’t drive anymore, live in the middle of a field, and my friend lives around 15 miles away. I’ve hit a snag (which isn’t covered in the book) and I was wondering if anyone could help? When I sew a seam, there is an extra loop coming up from where the bobbin is. It doesn’t affect the sewing, but I’ve taken everything out, checked it all and put it back again, but it’s still doing it. Any idea why, and how can I fix it? It’s wasting a lot of thread and it’s very annoying as I don’t know how to fix it! I’d appreciate any tips.

    Reply
  • 15 August, 2014 at 3:33 pm
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    Thank you so much for your review, it was very helpful!

    I had been looking for a sewing machine for a long time, a good one at an acceptable price. I’ve recently found Silver Crest SNM 33 B1 in Lidl, but decided to check some reviews before buying it; yours was right to the point and encouraged me to give it a try.
    Went back to the shop, took it, came home, installed it, and in two hours I already made two pairs of curtains!
    The sweing machine is great, works perfectly, it’s easy to use, and it was just 75 EUR, which is a very good price for its quality.
    So I’m very happy with my new Silver Crest SNM 33 B1 🙂

    Reply
  • 19 September, 2014 at 3:34 pm
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    Can you help me with my problem? I have the embroidery plate and instruction manual. I follow the instructions for embroidery, it starts off okay but then the top thread stops catching the bottom thread and no stitch is made, I try to keep a constant speed of movement and have tried going both faster and slower but it makes no difference. Otherwise I love my little machine and have spent hours sewing with it.

    Reply
  • 4 March, 2015 at 3:37 pm
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    Hi Deborah. O hope this gets to you have just bought this machine recently. I wonder do you know if you need a special foot for the overlocking feature. I have seen generic snap on ones on line but there is not one supplied with the machine. Thanks
    N

    Reply
    • 24 May, 2015 at 3:44 pm
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      The foot to use for the overlock stitches is foot A, the All Purpose presser foot that is the foot they have installed on when it is first supplied. Hope this helps. Stacey x

      Reply
  • 5 March, 2015 at 3:38 pm
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    I’ve got one of these machines! I bought it six years ago and my friend said she would show me how to use it. Five years on, she did. She showed me how to thread it up – and left me to it! At first I was really nervous because I hadn’t a clue what I was doing, and when things went wrong I didn’t know how to fix them. But all of a sudden, it clicked! There was NOTHING to fear, nothing I couldn’t sort out – and I was off! I’ve made lots of clothing for my grandchildren, cushion covers, wall hangings, split-leg pottery aprons for my potter daughter – the list goes on! I work out a pattern on graph paper-and I’m away! I love it, and it’s given me a new lease of life! A great wee machine – providing you remember to oil it regularly (I didn’t at first!) and remember to change to a new needle when you need to. The difference that made was unbelievable! I thought a needle just went on and on! It doesn’t. Well worth the money and I love seeing a site that dedicates part of it to a little cheap machine instead of just the hundreds and thousands of pounds one’s! Rock on Lidl!

    Reply
  • 18 March, 2015 at 3:40 pm
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    Hi I have a silvercrest S NM 33 A a machine which was give to me, unfortunately minus the power cord and pedal. Does anyone have a similar machine that perhaps don’t work and use it for parts? Other than that do you know where I can get this spare part?

    Thank you

    Reply
    • 14 January, 2019 at 10:12 am
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      0044 2030244354 is the UK call centre for SilverCrest spare parts

      Reply
  • 17 May, 2015 at 3:42 pm
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    Hi

    So I am looking to buy a new machine, I am not a beginner sewer, I used to borrow industrial strength ones from uni but I don’t really feel this is necessary now. I DO have a machine in the UK (I live in France now) and have been looking to buy a second hand singer. But someone told me lidl’s was if not better (especially as it would have a warranty). Are you STILL happy with it? Have you really put it through its paces? I won’t be making just curtains or pillow cases but all sorts. I am looking for reliable…

    Merci!

    Reply
  • 24 May, 2015 at 3:43 pm
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    Hi I have the same machine. I was struggling to use these stitches too but after fiddling around with the stitch width and stitch length dial, and making sure I had selected S1 or S2 on the pattern selector dial, I managed to do these stitches perfectly. Easy once you practice a little. Such a good machine at such a fabulous price!!! Good luck! X

    Reply
  • 24 June, 2015 at 12:20 pm
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    i bought the machine newly but it came with a foreign language i could not understand. pls can u send me a comprehensive hand book on it in English. been havung problems with it. and how do i set it for various usage, like straight sewing, zigzag , interlocking and co. all this 33 stitches i do not know which is which. pls help. Thks

    Reply
    • 25 June, 2015 at 12:24 pm
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      I am sorry, I am just an owner of this machine, not the manufacturer. You will need to contact whoever sold it to you or visit the manufacturer’s website.

      Reply
  • 28 June, 2015 at 12:20 pm
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    I’m so mad that I couldn’t buy one because when I went there the stock was gone ,Please, does anyone know when they will have it again ??

    Reply
    • 2 October, 2018 at 10:54 pm
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      This week! Tomorrow!

      Reply
  • 8 July, 2015 at 3:50 pm
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    Hi I bought a silvercrest as it stated it would be ok for heavy duty work, I’m always cutting down jeans to make shorts. I had some repairs to do on a caravan awning the old canvas type, I put some strengtheners in the roof part , put a new zip in and a new awning rail tape on. The machine handled the job perfect until whilst sewing the zip on I was half way through and I must have pulled it, the needle bent really bad so I replaced it with a 100/16 jeans needle thinking it would be a better choice. I started sewing again and the thread kept snapping, after re threading it several times I got really fed up and took a look at the bent needle it turned out to be 90/14 I immediately replace the 100/16 jeans needle with a 90/14 and all was well I finished the zip then sewn on the rail tape. My conclusion is that the thread I was using wasn’t strong enough for the needle size however I am very pleased with this sewing machine the fact it can sew threw heavy fabrics and the price of it was a very good buy.

    Reply
  • 29 July, 2015 at 12:21 pm
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    Would highly appreciate info as to where/how to purchase this machine. Thanks

    Reply
    • 1 August, 2015 at 12:25 pm
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      I purchased mine from Lidl supermarket. This week they had a Singer for sale, so they may no longer be doing the Silver Crest one. If you contact them I am sure they will be able to let you know.

      Reply
  • 21 September, 2016 at 12:21 pm
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    Does anyone know if they made a walking foot for the lidl silver crest sewing machine

    Reply
  • 15 October, 2017 at 3:51 pm
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    This silvercrest sewing machine is back in Lidl and I’m struggling to know whether to buy it or the other singer machine which is a bit more expensive. Any Silvercrest electricals I have bought in the past have been excellent (kitchenalia) and I would imagine the Silvercrest sewing machine will be also. I am just a bit wary of buying it because I’m scared I may not be able to get parts for it, such as a walking foot etc. If anyone can tell me if they are happy or not happy with this side of the service that would be amazing! thanks!

    Reply
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  • 2 October, 2018 at 10:53 pm
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    I just wanted to thank you for your review! I saw this machine in the Lidl ad today and was researching it before purchasing it. I think I will buy one tomorrow! Yay! So excited to have more than one stitch on a sewing machine! I like that you described it as ‘expressive’ because I have dreams of doing fun stitch designs on little embellishments.

    Reply
    • 4 October, 2018 at 1:03 pm
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      I hope you have fun with your machine, Emily 🙂

      Reply
  • 10 April, 2020 at 4:04 pm
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    Hi , I have the SilverCrest Free Arm Sewing Machine SNM 33AI. Its brand new which i bought from Lidl a number of yers ago. I thought i have a bit a spare time i will try to do some creativity stiching, but to my dismay the presser foor foot is missing. Any ideas where to get this actual part from . Can I use a standard one from ebay/amazon? Would really like some guidance…thanks Neha

    Reply
    • 16 April, 2020 at 4:21 pm
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      The foot pedal and power cable are combined for one socket on the SNM33. I have seen similar arrangements for other brands, so there may be a standard that allows different brands to be interchangable. Perhaps contact SilveCrest, as they would know for sure. (You can return things from Amazon if you order one to try)

      Reply
      • 16 April, 2020 at 4:23 pm
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        Thank you for your response

        Reply
  • 25 April, 2020 at 8:46 am
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    Hi, i was wondering how much was the retail price for this? Im looking to buy a pre-owned one and im trying to figure out how much that would be.

    Reply
    • 27 April, 2020 at 4:42 pm
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      Mine cost £59.99, back in 2012. I don’t know what the current retail price is, or what sort of price they go for second hand. Mine is still going strong though, after 8 years of use so they may hold their value quite well.

      Reply
  • 23 May, 2020 at 6:23 am
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    Hello. I have a Silvercrest SNM 33 bought from Lidl’s in France. I’m now living back in the UK. Somehow on the journey to the UK, the presser foot on the sewing maching has gone missing. I have made several attempts to get in touch with Sivercrest but had no replies. Also have contacted Lidl but they can’t help me. Does anyone know where I can purchase a presser foot? I can buy an universal one on Amazon but not sure if it will fit a Silvercrest. I’m on the verge of buying a new machine. If anyone can help it would be much appreciated. Many thanks

    Reply
  • 5 November, 2020 at 11:48 pm
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    Where can I purchase this sewing machine.

    Reply
    • 18 November, 2020 at 9:02 pm
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      I got mine from Lidl, but that was quite a while ago. You could try contacting Silver Crest to see if they have specific dealers?

      Reply
  • 31 May, 2021 at 6:28 am
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    I wonder if anyone has had the same problems as me with selecting the S1 and s2 stitches on this machine. I cannot turn the dial to those settings. It stops turning at the number 4, though i can see S2 would be the next setting up if the dial would JUST TURN a bit more to the right!! Any tips?

    Reply

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