JL mini sewing machine advice

[LIZS]

Dd has a version of www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-mini-sewing-machine/p2289767?colour=Pink . However the needle keeps unthreading, any idea why please. Threaded from behind as per instructions. She's using standard thread and light cotton fabric to practice.

Make sure she has enough thread pulled through so it doesn't zip out....and when she begins sewing, make sure the needle is at it's highest height possible.

I have found this as well. She needs to pull a very long thread through the needle before sewing. I found that by holding the thread in one hand and rotating the wheel slightly. I got a feel for just how much I needed.

I would say it was well over 6 inches of thread that needed pulling through.

With any machine, I tend to put the needle down, by hand, to start the first stitch, so I can control where that thread goes. Then press the foot pedal!
I use vintage miniature sewing machines and often there is less room in the workings - including the bobbin case area, so small machines can be prone to more thread jams behind and around the bobbin. Not sure if that's true of modern machines but it is true for Singer 221Ks. (Which are so small they almost look like toys). The way round it is to do that thing where you turn the balance wheel with your hand, to secure the start of the first stitch, or leave a long tail and pin the two tails down with one hand, as you start sewing.

When I said "prone to thread jams in and around the bobbin" I meant thread jams/nests you make when starting to sew, at the beginning of work - so in this specific circumstance. I know with mini vintage machines you just need to be extra aware of this, when you start sewing, is all.