Recommendations for a sewing machine - beginner (tween)

[iwantavuvezela]

I have been reading some sewing articles (I am not a sewer) as i want to buy DD a sewing machine. From what I have read it seems that for a beginner a self threading needle is a good option.

Would love some recommendations. I am thinking that its main purpose would be for doing basic type sewing projects, having some fun with it - so nothing too elobarate. I will also look at getting someone local to do a few sewing sessions.

I am looking at the John Lewis Mini (but not self threading i dont think)
or the JL own name brand which seems to be made by Janone.

Any other recommendations or where to buy? Thinking of spending around £70 - £90

We got my DD a Pfaff when she had been sewing for a couple of years and she loves it. Never a problem with it. I'm not sure what they cost these days but it's a really nice machine.

MissConductUS they look amazing - however i think i might need to start simpler (and cheaper!). Thank you for the recommendation though.

For that budget, I think you would be best to look at a secondhand machine. Some of the shops that sell sewing machines do reconditioned ones - that would be the safest bet.

Don't buy the basic JL one - we got one for dd a few years ago , on mn recommendation, but it has barely worked.

Brother LS14. I'm a member of a sewing group and they get great reviews.

I was going to suggest the Brother LS14; on budget too.
www.argos.co.uk/product/4602576?cmpid=GS001&_$ja=tsid:59156%7Cacid:444-797-0832%7Ccid:189949525%7Cagid:18091974925%7Ctid:aud-484139256621:pla-96720253885%7Ccrid:77627773885%7Cnw:g%7Crnd:5295698604550165063%7Cdvc:t%7Cadp:1o1%7Cmt:%7Cloc:1006507&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIruXvh6nW3gIVhrHtCh3uHwZEEAQYASABEgIFRPD_BwE

Oh, and if it’s a Christmas present, please get some fabric and thread to go with it. I remember getting a battery-operated sewing machine for Christmas when I was about 7, but no fabric so I could use it. (My grandma, a dressmaker, wouldn’t give me anything from her scrapbag..😢)

knittedfairies i have very luckily been passed on a beautiful bag of scraps - and may well get a few more - i was thinking of adding some good scissors to it as well.

Thank you for recommendation - will have a look at it

the originalpineappletart will google

Okay the brother one looks good and very fairly priced - is it okay for a non sewer (and a clueless parent) to get a machine that you need to self thread! Will we (dd and I ) be able to work out how to put the bobbin in and thread the needle easily?

I too would recommend you go and talk to you r local sewing machine shop about a 2nd hand machine.

Mini's can be a total waste of time, especially if she takes to it. My first machine was my Nana's old one, I only got rid of it when I mistreated it so badly it seized and the repair man shouted at me

Janome are good, I love my Bernina, Brother, Singer. It really doesn't matter. Just have a chat and take their advice!

There's a nifty trick for threading hand and sewing needles:

Lick your thumb and apply over the eye of the sewing needle. It quite literally draws the tread in! Makes you look like a magician too

Thank you curious will take that advice and go and speak to someone - that might be the best way forward - i will try and organise some sewing lessons as part of the gift as well -