Daughter wants a sewing machine.

[Pedallleur]

My daughter wants a proper sewing machine for her 10th birthday. Any recommendations ? I don't want to buy her a toy one obviously but also not something that is computer controlled and could make costumes for a film. Prob a fad but if not if she became a brand in 20 yrs?

I had a child’s size Singer machine in the 80s and it was brilliant. I think I was 8 when I got it. Not sure what’s available now but hopefully this comment bumps your thread and you get some recommendations!

I have this one and honestly it's a brilliant starter machine. Even has arrows so a sewing idiot like me can thread it.

www.argos.co.uk/product/4602576?clickSR=slp:term:sewing%20machine:2:18:1

I've got a Janome. Simple enough and although mine was a present from my DM it was to satisfy one of my many fads. I've got delusions of making my own clothes but in reality I've made holders for different sized plant pots and bedding for my dollshouse hobby.

I lent it to my DM as lockdown was announced as her ancient Singer had blown up and she doesn't have any interests as such. She's made a hanging pocket thing and a face mask.

There's some info. here on sewing machines for beginners. Don't forget to get some fabric for her to sew.

Just got 7yo DD a Hobbycraft Midi one. Not used it yet, it's for her birthday next week!!!

Brilliant idea, I got a machine when I was about 13. I made my own clothes for years and still use it for mending stuff and dressing up stuff (well, when the DC were smaller). Any cheapest version of a decent brand will be good. Make sure it has a decent buttonhole and options for stretch stitches.

What's your budget?

Enternight. That looks a great little machine. Pedal if u are not an experienced are there mum and daughter groups u could join online together. Also hobbycaft have lots of hints and tips.

Making bunting might be fun for her bedroom, also little storage bags. When she sees the items being used will encourage her. Good luck.

Not a recommendation, but I would go for a proper adult ‘basic’ machine. My 4 year old uses mine, and is amazing at it! Just sewing random bits of material together, but switches between stitches etc, and loves it!

I bought a Brother machine on ebay for £40 a few years ago (second hand) and it's fab. If you don't have a huge budget might be an option?

Any basic Janome, Brother or Singer will fit the bill. Around the £120 mark and you will want to look for:

• adjustable tension and stitch length
• multiple stitches - particularly straight, zigzag and button hole settings, ideally satin stitch is nice as perfect for appliqué/badges

I prefer Janome as a brand, they're workhorses and just last forever with limited maintenance.

I just bought a janome 7025 and it's a great beginner machine.

I really recommend the John Lewis mini, cheap and hardy. It had multiple stitches, adjustable tension and is dirt cheap. I got mine age 13idh and am still using 10 years later

The Brother LS14 is great. I still use mine regularly and I sew quite a bit!

Buy a starter machine from a decent brand and if you have a local sewing machine shop buy from there. They will sometimes have starter machines that people have traded in to trade up if that makes sense. The Brother one mentioned upthread is a good one, as is the John Lewis one which is made by Janome. I've heard it said that Singer are trading on their name and are not as good as they once were so personally I'd avoid that brand.

My daughter has a Brother one, she wants to be a clothes designer, it's her life dream . She's 9. Her godmother bought her one for her birthday. She went to a local sewing machine repair shop/fabric shop and talked to the staff, got some recommendations, told them what my daughter wanted to do with it etc. They were brilliant apparently. She got the machine, lots of fabric, thread etc. I'm clueless so it really is a love of my daughter's that she's found all by herself. She got a couple of great books as well. So far we've had brand new wardrobes for every Barbie, Build a Bear, Beenie Boo that has been unearthed, fabric hanging storage bags, book bags, bunting presented to us. She absolutely loves the machine. I find it fiddly and hard to get to grips with but that's mostly my impatience, my husband is her go to fixer.

I bought DD this Singer sewing machine for her birthday.

I wanted a cheaper model, but they were out of stock everywhere, as I suspect most people are buying them to make face masks.

I am a reluctant sewer, but decided that the cushions on our cane settee needed new covers, and used DD's machine to make them. It is brilliant - easy to use and does what it is supposed to do.

My daughter has a mid range Brother machine. It’s a nifty piece of kit, which she’s happy for me to use too. If she decides it needs to live in her room rather than a family room, I may buy myself a less pricy variant of it.

thanks everyone. When your children/grandchildren are buying her brand (I hope) I'll tell her to thank you

First get her to follow a line on paper. So straight lines, then introduce a corner. Paper is usually in plentiful supply, envelopes from post etc.

Cheaper than fabric when they start. I used my Mum's sewing machine when I was little. Mum used to make some of our clothes. Plus we lived in a fabric mill town so easy to buy fabric remnants.

John Lewis do some great ones.

I have a brother machine- kind of similar to the one at the top at about 13 years old. It is over 15 years old now. My sewing never took off but I use it a couple of times a year for simple things so even if it is a fad it is handy to have.

The cheapest John Lewis full size model is great. Its made by Janome so fits Janome parts.

I had a Silvercrest (Lidl) for a good few years which was also great if you can get one. They're inexpensive and good to learn on. A lot of serier sewists will turn their nose up, but its a good wee machine.

My mother, grandmother and I all just recently got a sewing/quilting magazine subscription that came with a free janome sewing machine.
It worked out that 12 issues and the "free" machine worked out about £80-£100 depending on the specific mag you chose but obviously you would need to remember cancel the subscription before the end of the 12 issues so it doesn't take a payment for the next set.

I'm impressed even though I know nothing about sewing machines.

Mum likes it and has sewed for years on her own projects. Clothes, curtains, sofa covers, quilts etc

My grandmother though has been sewing for 50+ years and used to sew outfits for money in the 80's so has a lot of experience and she loves it! It's according to her it's her new favourite.
It's simple compared to some but apparently that's good as it then focuses on the main things it does well instead.

I'll look at the box and post the actual machine for you.

If I find the link to the subscription I'll post it as that will give her some projects to get started on. I don't know if they are still doing the offer though so if not it may be pointless

Lidl will be selling a sewing machine from the 26th of this month so it is worth looking there too.