To need an easy to use sewing machine?!

[TheSeasonOfTheWitch]

My mother (very kindly) lent me her sewing machine- a Pfaff, and it really is a bloody faff!! It isn't instinctive somehow, a bit like using a PC rather than a Mac is probably how I would describe it.

I need an easy to use basic machine that I can improve my very basic skills on, and also teach my 8 year old on as she is desperate to learn.

Can anyone point me in the right direction, please?! Or AIBU and all sewing machines are a faff?

I've got a Singer 8280. I didn't buy it, I was given it by a friend moving abroad. It is very easy to use. It's cheap and cheerful but it's the only machine I've ever had so I don't know what features I might be missing out on! It's been fine for everything I've ever wanted to do on it and would be perfect for an 8 year old as you wouldn't be worried about breaking expensive equipment!

There is a Brother one in Argos thats pretty simple (I can use it so it's reasonably idiot proof!)
Has the 1,2,3 guide for threading as well. I'll find you a link.

The Janome 525 as used on The Great British Sewing Bee. MIL bought me one and it's so easy!

janome.co.uk/janome_products/model-525s/

This one

www.argos.co.uk/product/4602576

I'm no sewer at all, but I can use this quite well for basic stuff.

I’ve not used either, but Hobbycraft and John Lewis both have basic models which should be very easy to operate. If you’re looking for something slightly more complicated, I can recommend the Janome SMD2000 from sewingmachines.co.uk.

Brother LS14. Excellent easy to use machine. I've only just upgraded mine but I've used that since 2012 for clothes and quilts. £69 from Hobbycraft .

Janome s easy
Used in schools locally so can take lot use and not complex

John lewis are great, plus they do them in loads of cute colours

Look at this one! m.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-jl111-sewing-machine-blue-ditsy/p3330101

Plus their machines are made by Janone

I bought a basic Janome one from John Lewis last year and can’t work out how to thread the sodding thing!

Emily
Have you looked at you tube tutorials
I'm quite untechnjcal and it helped

Don't give in ! Wish I cd pop by show up
Mind you I need someone to show me zips
I made a top 2 years ago
Still not worn as can't do the zip !!!

John Lewis JL100

If you can I would get the basic version of a big brand like Singer or Janome - just because there are still little businesses doing repairs for them and the spares are easily available. I don't know if that would be the case for a John Lewis own brand one for instance.

What do you plan on making?

John Lewis do own brand sewing machines which are janome copies - super easy to use. You can get s mini one too.

I've got a basic Elna one which is very simple to use - this model -

www.goodhousekeeping.com/appliances/sewing-machine-reviews/a28299/elna-2800-sewing-machine-1057/

Just read the whole thread - I had wondered if they were made by janome! Defo s good buy too as they’re covered by a good warranty.

I’ve used an Elna before but it was a total pain - automatically threaded but that was the only easy hit about it.

I have this one in a different colour. Cheap, cheerful, easy to use, has the one two three threading guide and does everything you could want for basic sewing. Also John Lewis machines are made by Janome, my friend has a Janome identical to my John Lewis in everything but case shape so you can easily find repairs and spare parts plus tutorials are easy to follow because the machines are identical.

I had a John Lewis one which broke. I got a seamstress friend to have a look at it and she said Brother are the best affordable make at the moment. Singer used to be good but have switched to inferior parts which aren't as good quality. Check local Facebook groups for a second hand Brother machine.

I've got a Janome. I used my mums and loved it and hung on to it for ages until I bought my own. The instruction book is great and it came with loads of attachments.

Love my Pfaff. As someone else has suggested have you tried YouTube tutorials to teach you how to use your Pfaff? The basis of your Pfaff will be very similar to every other sewing machine, just with some add ons which you don't have to use until you get more experienced. Or find a sewing machine shop that sells them and ask for a lesson. YouTube will have multiple tutorials for any sewing related task, including every aspect of using your Pfaff. I can never remember how to make a buttonhole using my machine and always use YouTube to remind me. I taught myself to crochet this year, just by watching YouTube tutorials 😊

I have a Pfaff. It's really straight forward. Get someone to help you. It's generally a good quality machine. If you go for a basic one, it's likely to be lower quality and such an unnecessary waste. Be brave. Learn how to use (even just) the basics!

Just reread your op properly. Very brave of your mum to lend you her Pfaff, not sure I would trust my daughters with mine. Depending on what you want to make, I would spend some time and effort learning how to use this machine rather than buying a very basic one. The skills you learn now will last you a lifetime and save you a fortune if you learn to make curtains and blinds.