First proper sewing machine for 10 year old

[IsolaPribby]

Hello, I'm looking for recommendations for a sewing machine suitable for a competent 10 year old.

Can anyone tell me if this one from Hobbycraft would be ok or too advanced?
www.hobbycraft.co.uk/hobbycraft-midi-sewing-machine/614349-1000

Many thanks!

A 10 year old should be able to use a proper sewing machine - in a couple of years they could be doing Textiles at secondary school

Ive not seen a good word about any of those "midi" machines, they are low powered and break easily.

Go for this instead if you can stretch

www.hobbycraft.co.uk/hobbycraft-19s-sewing-machine/642219-1000

The £75 one will be hard to beat for a proper sewing machine that will tackle most jobs going forward. A real sewing machine (not a toy) should be at least 6kg and run on mains power not via an adaptor.

Brother LS14s from Argos is also a very popular first machine

Ooh this is a good idea! My DD might like this. Does anyone know of any zoom sewing lessons, though, as I cannot sew for toffee and don't really understand seeing machines!

There are loads of YouTube vids, Facebook groups, craftsy lessons. Tilly Walnes books/tutorials are good for beginners. Honestly no teen/tween will have a problem finding online help.

I wouldn't call that a 'proper' sewing machine; I'd go for the machine NotMeNoNo linked to, or something similar. Whatever you buy, do remember to give her some thread and fabric; I got a sewing machine at a similar age, but didn't have anything to sew.

We have plenty of thread, and she will want to use old t shirts to make dolls clothes, so that's not an issue.
Please can you explain what makes that one not a proper sewing machine?

It's kind of like comparing a travel hairdryer to a proper salon style one. It's technically a sewing machine but half size, very low power, intended for very light or occasional use. For a few pounds more you get a full sized , repairable proper machine that will take attachments, cope with all kinds of sewing and last for years.

I'm on a sewing Facebook group, people are always reporting problems with these little machines, they are really a waste of money. You might possibly make some dolls clothes but nothing else. People have even been struggling to make face masks on them.

Basically it's half the size, a third the weight and maybe 20% of the electric power of the cheapest full size machine. If you saw them side by side or tested them it would be obvious in a moment.

Hi I just got my child one, agree with not me in that it’s a little small and light and likely to break. If your budget stretches I would get the one she recommends. I went to an independent sewing machine shop/repairer and he recommended Janome or singer entry level, maybe you could find a secondhand one? (We have the Janome 234 but are abroad, so I am not sure if it’s uk availability). Learning. Can be frustrating and a sturdy machine makes a big difference!

My daughter has had a Pfaff sewing machine for years and it's very versatile and sturdy. They have models for beginners, intermediate and advanced users.

Thank you all, lots to consider!

Agree she can handle a proper machine - my 10 year old uses my machine and my overlocker. There's often second hand bargains around.