Those who sew...

[BubbleBoy12]

Can anyone point in me in the right direction for a sewing machine for ABSOLUTE beginners?

I haven't sewed (if that's even how you spell it) since I was in high school, and even then I wasn't very good. However, I need a new hobby and really want to start.

I actually have no idea what I'm doing, I'm heading to hobby craft later for some books etc.

Anyone have any advice/ideas?

Other than practicing baking a cake for my sons 1st birthday I have no hobbies at all. I'm a student nurse, so I'm sure I'll get busy once my placements start but I've got quite a bit of time on my hands lately so I can't wait to get stuck into something

Good beginner options= Pfaff Smarter, Husqvarna E10/E20, Bernette 33, as well as Singer/Brother/Janome. Look for a machine with knobs rather than computerised which have a little screen, much easier to use.

I learnt to sew last year entirely from YouTube and using patterns with good instructions. Everything you can ever need about sewing is on YouTube!

Get the best machine you can afford, it will keep some second hand value if you look after it. The cheaper models are ok but as soon as you use a better machine you'll see they are easier to use as the feed dogs feed the fabric through more reliably.

You can get second hand/unbranded feet and gadgets on Ebay. You can also get large spools of overlocking thread, and a thread stand which is a gadget so you can use it with your machine. Its basically a heavy stand with an arm and a hook.
www.sailrite.com/How-to-Use-Large-Thread-Cones-on-a-Home-Sewing-Machine

Op I would encourage you to go to your nearest independent sewing machine retailer, they will give you expert advice, have a bigger range of machines (including second hand) and most importantly will be able to service and repair it for you. A good independent will often allow you to part exchange your machine if you want to move on from a beginners machine. You will be able to try before you buy and they will be at the other end of the phone if you run into problems.

I took up sewing recently and bought a janome sewist 325e from the sewing machines direct website. It was about £330 if I remember which is more than I would have like to pay but most models have sold out and there are very few on eBay at the moment - everyone seems to have taken up sewing! It's an amazing machine though with all the features you could want, and I've made loads on it - pyjamas, a quilt etc. I'm planning to do quite a lot of soft furnishing so it should serve me well.
My mum had a Singer in the 1970s which she used for 35 years and made everything on - it caught fire eventually she'd used it so much! She has a janome like me and says it's phenomenally easy to use compared to the Singer.

Get a decent Janome would be my suggestion, it's made being a beginner so much easier!

Some great tips here. Always good to ask enthusiasts for advice!
@gretagreengrapes any particular favourites on YouTube for absolute beginners?

Buy the best you can afford. Personally, I would avoid machines from Aldi and Lidl or Hobbycraft. From what I have heard they are poor quality. Ring up Jaycotts in Chester and ask them what they recommend in your budget. They are very helpful and honest. They also deliver. Obviously, if possible, try the machine out but if not take their recommendation. They only sell decent machines. I have bought second hand machines for my daughters but I know what I am looking at. It would be very frustrating for a beginner to learn on a duff machine. If you buy from Jaycotts they will always help with any problems. Incidentally I have no connection with them except as a long term happy customer!