Dd7 wants a sewing machine

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

And I'm ashamed to admit that I've never used one and haven't sewn since primary school.

Any suggestions on a first one?

I haven't used it but there's a good basic one in Ikea which is very reasonably priced (under £50). I would think she'll be fine with that to mess around on for now and see how the hobby grows.

John Lewis sell a mini version for under £50. It might be easier to use, being a bit smaller - although I believe some people get this one if they have limited space.

JL's machines are made by Janome. The mini comes in lots of lovely colours (I nearly got one for myself but decided on a standard one as the mini does seem aimed at children). I have a JL machine myself and would say it is a good one.

It is worth getting her some lessons for Christmas? Some shops do classes (I know the big John Lewis closest to me helps with setting things up and troubleshooting - a big store near you might do the same).

I have had a long chat with the manager of haberdashery in my local John lewis. She doesn't recommend the two John lewis machines as they can quite quickly grow out of them. She recommends the basic Singer as she said it could be a lifetime purchase.

Thank you to everyone who has posted so far. Will have a look at the JL ones. I've also spotted this one. What does everyone think?

I've already bought her My first seeing machine book and will get her some nice materials next week when she's back in school.

I would go for a basic singer or brother over the John Lewis mini ones. I've been self teaching myself and know I'd be upgrading if I'd only got the mini so not cost effective. Also, you could try it yourself and see if it's something you want to get into as it can be a very handy skill

Hobby craft have a small basic one for about £20. I've just bought one for myself. Very easy to use and lightweight

I got dd the £20 one from hobbycraft. Has about 7 stiches on it and is perfect for a starter machine.

My DD started using my full size one this year and has had no problems (I have to help with threading and setting up). I could do with lessons myself TBH, I'm not very good with it but would love to improve.

Right so we are going to get a proper one, not a mini one. Can anyone suggest some accessories to go with it?

You need a small pair of scissors for snipping thread, a pair for cutting fabric, some pins, a pincushion, lots of thread, a measuring tape for starters

Glad to see you re buying a proper one - my parents bought my daughter the small JL one - what a load of rubbish that was (very quickly ended up at the charity shop!).

I still have the hand turn Singer machine I used when I was little - not sure if you want that sort of thing but I think you can still pick them up for about £40. My daughter (just 8) uses it to make dolls clothes and really loves it. Goes at their pace, easy to use, simple to maintain and looks great.

Also ordinary sewing needles as there will always be some items you need to hand finish.
My DD (10) adores the sewing bee and it helps her see why taking the time to learn the basics is important.