Sewing machine for 8yr dd

[GoogleSinger]

DD is totally into sewing. She helps herself to my sewing box and loves to make clothes for her dolls (sticking pieces of fabric together with glue).

DD's 8th birthday is coming up. Should I get her a batch of fabrics swatches and a sewing box or a sewing machine?

If sewing machine, which one would be suitable?

Thank you.

[Scrowy]

I have a brother one and it's really simple to use.
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00CI7IMOY/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1502637423&sr=1-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&dpPl=1&dpID=41jUyBmoiLL&ref=plSrch&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

I believe you can get mini sewing machines as well I think I have seen them in Dunelm.

[Katescurios]

I'd go for one of the entry level full size rather than a mini, just with basic stitches, and maybe a voucher for a craft store or a shopping trip with a spending limit so she can pick her own fabrics. You can also get some great sewing pattern books from places like The works for 1 metre or fat quarter simple projects.

www.johnlewis.com/brother-lk14-sewing-machine-white/p3144616

[GoogleSinger]

Ohh, thank you. I had never heard of the brand Brother. How does it compare to a very basic Singer? One for under £100.00

www.singerdirect.co.uk/collections/sewing-machines

[GoogleSinger]

Is 8 too young for a sewing machine? Should I just get her a sewing box and fabric swatches?

[lalalandxx]

I would go for a John Lewis sewing machine. They're wonderful and are really user-friendly. The most basic but good quality for a child I would say.

www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-jl110-sewing-machine-white/p317685

(I wouldn't bother with the mini ones, they're not the best and don't last that long)

[GoogleSinger]

8 years but loves tinkering

[fortifiedwithtea]

My first sewing machine was a hand crank Singer 201K. I had it when I was 9 years old, too excited to wait for my 10th Birthday.

For an eight year old a vintage hank crank is still a good idea. If she really has the bug she can move up to a more advanced machine when she is older. I don't recommend a cheap modern electric as she may find the speed is all or nothing.

Disadvantage of a hand crank is they don't have a swing needle which means she won't be able to sew stretch fabrics. Zig zag attachments are available on some but don't know how successful they are.

I started by making dolls clothes. I am now 51 and work from home making bespoke ice skating costumes.

[0ccamsRazor]

I have a miniture hand cranked sewing machine from 1952, my dc have used it for sewing since my ds was 6 and dd was 9. I bought it on eBay for about £25, 6 years and it still sews like a dream.

[0ccamsRazor]

Ps kids have now progressed onto my 1920's singer hand cranked with different attachments for shocking, embroidery etc.

[Nanasueathome]

Where are you OP?
I have a basic Janome sewing machine, hardly used
I am in Wolverhampton, if anyone is interested

[Nanasueathome]

Sorry, meant to say, if you are local and want the machine then it's yours

[GoogleSinger]

fortifiedwithtea is it a significant disadvantage if she can't do stretchy fabric at first?

Nanasueathome that's very kind!! I am a few hours drive away so will prolixly decline. Could you sell it on eBAy?

I am quite drawn to a vintage Singer, what else do I need to consider? AM looking on ebay at a Singer 201K.

all.

[BarchesterFlowers]

I read this earlier and didn't comment as so often the vintage route is dismissed.

I gave my, now 11 year old, the singer 99 I was given for my eight birthday when she was eight and she loves it. I have got every attachment going at least once incouding button holers and zig zag attachments but other than the ruffler she doesn't use them tbh.

I sort of collect nice examples of them and have got a 99, 201, 221, 128, pfaff 30 and two Bernina machines . I bought a finger guard foot for the Berninas but at that age she went like the clappers and was much better off on the 99 as it is small and hand crank.

These days her favourite is the 221 (electric) and the 128 which is a treadle.

A 99K is a really good size for a child, she won't be able to lift the 201 for years. No need for stretch at all right now.

[fortifiedwithtea]

GoogleSinger Just trying to give a balanced view in case someone said a hand crank won't have bells and whistles. No for such a young beginner it will be perfect and there are plenty of dolls patterns that don't require knit fabrics.

Google simple zippered purses, great beginner project. Decorative cushions and hair scrunchies.

The Singer 201K is a very good machine. I gave mine away to charity as I wasn't using it. Still miss it. If you've seen one for sale it will be worth bidding on. Good luck.

[GoogleSinger]

I am definitely not against a vintage. Is the singer 99 manual?

[BarchesterFlowers]

Mine is, lots here (but you will be able to find one for less £). It is a ¾ sized machine, lovely, weighs much less than a 201.

www.helenhowes-sewingmachines.co.uk/buy.html#machinesales

[BetterEatCheese]

My dd (6) can handle my Janome 525s, it's great. For a cheaper starter, the John Lewis ones are apparently great

[BarchesterFlowers]

To show the size difference google. 3/4 size but the weight seems like more of a difference.

Even now Dd prefers the small ones, 221 on the right is her absolute favourite. They all sew like a dream.

The 201 is industrious, sews anything and everything, the only thing better for sewing through several layers of heavy canvas is my modern machine and my pfaff 30. So a fab machine but not what my DD needs.

Most come with a selection of attachments, the ruffler is great fun for kids.

Because we have such a rock and roll lifestyle I take one of these on holiday with us when we go to a cottage, we usually choose remote places where we can walk in the hills, often no TV signal. Dd and I sew things together in the evenings.

When buying used get someone to show you underneath and behind the plate at the side for rust if possible, unless you can buy from someone recommended. Those I have bought myself have come from people who have inherited them (with no interest), I have got things like the original purchase receipts.

[fortifiedwithtea]

BarchesterFlowers thank you for posting picture of your machines for comparison. The 221 is so dinky, I can see the appeal for your DD. And you are right the 201K is extremely heavy.

[GoogleSinger]

Thank you BarchesterFlowers.

"Because we have such a rock and roll lifestyle I take one of these on holiday with us when we go to a cottage, we usually choose remote places where we can walk in the hills, often no TV signal. Dd and I sew things together in the evenings."
I love this.

Is the singer 99 the machine the on the right (2nd picture) with the black base?

[GoogleSinger]

Or is that the 221?

[GoogleSinger]

So sorry and is the 221 manual or electric? [thanks[

[dingit]

My dd had a John Lewis one ( a little older than your dd) and it's still used occasionally. ( when she's not studying)

[BarchesterFlowers]

Yes, google, first photo is 201, 99 and second is 99 and 221 (221 is electric).

Honestly, my DD's foot was made of lead when she was the same age as yours, I bought this foot with a finger guard so that she could use my Berninas but she sewed faster than I have ever sewed in my life 😂, for weeks, so we stuck to the singers and she just loves them.

They are fab for taking away on hols, the cases are so robust. We drink fruit tea and sew things 😀.

[BananaSandwichesEveryDay]

Sorry, I can't offer any advice but just want to say how much your DC will love her machine, whatever she has. When I was about her age my dad bought me a child's Singer sewing machine. It no longer works, but I still have it in the loft. I then moved on to a vintage Singer, similar to the ones recommended - it had the long, shuttle type bobbin, rather than the round ones like more modern models have. My next, and much mourned machine was a vintage treadle machine. Huge, but wonderful. My next, and still going strong at over 30 years old, was a New Home set in a table. Ithas made many an adult garment as well as clothes for dcs when they were little. Nowadays mostly used for repairs and craft items.
I hope your DC has as much enjoyment from her machine as I have from all mine over the last 40+ years.👗👚👖