Sewing machine help

[poshme]

Please can you clever crafty people help?

DD is taking textiles GCSE and quite likes doing sewing projects at home. I am not crafty at all and can barely sew on brownie badges.

I was thinking of getting her a sewing machine for her birthday. I don't even know where to start looking. Don't want to spend a fortune, but don't want something too cheap that won't do what she wants.

Please help!

Sewing machines direct are really good. A basic Janome would be perfect.

I’ve had two Brother sewing machines, both have been sturdy and lasted for many years of use. They are easy to use and versatile, I’ve sewed all sorts of things with them, from curtains to stage costumes.

The John Lewis own brand are made by Janome and are very straight-forward for a beginner, plus the JL110 comes in very pretty colours. Don't be tempted by super-cheap machines at Lidl or Aldi, I know several people who have bought those and had lots of trouble with tension issues, which is hard for a beginner to fix.

One of my friends used to teach a sewing class to kids and she used basic Janomes and one of the John Lewis ones and found them sturdy.

I would recommend the Brother LS14. From memory it's not much over £100 and it's a great beginners workhorse. Good range of stitches so not too basic but simple to use and sturdy etc. John Lewis used to sell them but not sure of they still do.

Also, stay clear of cheap Singers, they're not that good anymore.

I second the brother LS14. Easy to use

Do not buy the £50 from hobbycraft!

I have the John Lewis JL110, and it’s a great machine for a beginner. And also comes with a good guarantee.

I have the brother FS40. Bit more expensive then the others mentioned, but still relatively cheap and the only machine I have never had a single problem with. Definitely look for one with a drop in bobbin to make threading easier. Avoid the hobbycraft machine, it works well for a bit but didnt last a year, and make sure she doesn't use cheap thread, it will snap in use and can clog up the machine.

Thank you so much everyone! This is exactly what I needed!

Will have a look at some of these and come back if I have questions.

(I told DH MN would help me)

Janome from me as well!