my DD wants a sewing machine. I have no clue. Help

[Brieonlybrie]

DD (15) has a strong interest in fashion and asked for a sewing machine for her birthday. She never used one before but would like to learn to sew her own clothes.

I never used a sewing machine in my life. could someone help me with suitable models. I don't want to spend a fortune as money is very tight (and I don't even know if she will take to it). Any advice would be welcome. Also, what other bits do I need? is there anything else to consider. What is a good place to start with making your own clothes.

I go to a sewing class and the teacher recommends the john lewis sewing machine for beginners

A basic machine, second hand perhaps is fine. I've seen them in Lidl even. Mine is a singer

DD has a singer as well (same age) and makes her own clothes

I got a good machine in Dunelm a few years ago, the ones they have in Aldi are also fine to learn on.

The more expensive machines are obviously more powerful - but a basic model is fine to learn on.
You need one that doe's straight stitches and zigzags, machine embroidery isn't really necessary at this stage.

The best place to start is with some practice scraps to get used to the machine, then get a paper pattern and some material. Look for a pattern that says "extra easy" or similar. Paper patterns come with illustrated instructions which aren't that difficult to follow.
She will need good sharp scissors, pins, a pincushion, hand sewing needles, tailors chalk, thread.

I also recommend the John Lewis one - some of the really cheap ones will soon be outgrown if she’s keen. They come in a range of colours too

I have a Brother XM2701

Straightforward and seems robust!

The John Lewis basic one is very good for beginners. Singer and Janome are good brands too. The ones they sell in Lidl are also good.
Be warned, it can be an expensive hobby!
She'll need fabric, patterns, thread, bobbins to fit the machine, large fabric scissors and small snips, pins, tailors chalk or wash out fabric marker pens. Tracing paper (you trace out your patterns, don't cut the original so you can reuse it many times). Buy the thread and the fabric at the same time so you can match them. She may need zips, buttons, bias tape, elastic or other bits depending on the pattern.
A flexible tape measure. Patience and an eye for detail. Use bed sheets from charity shops to practice on.

And a seam ripper!

John Lewis basic model is the Janome basic model and it's a good solid machine. It will handle several layers, has all the usual stitch types and easy to use.

Look in your area for Sewing cafes, they generally exist in larger towns and cities and give you a place where you can go along and use the machines on site to make your own project but in the company of other people who can sew and are generally very willing to help out if you need it.

In addition to @OttersAreMySpiritAnimal 's brilliant list can I recommend a good strong magnet to sweep over the floor for all the pins you drop by accident and don't want to stick in your feet.

My dd started with one from Lidl and then we got her a Singer machine 2nd hand. She has done a couple of years of sewing lessons which I'd recommemd, they'll teach her how to use the machine safely.

She picks up fabrics in a fabric outlet and alters clothes she buys from charity shops. It's a wonderful hobby to have. 🙂

Get hold of a copy of The Readers Digest Guide to Sewing. You can get a cheap copy from eBay or if you are lucky, in a charity shop. It is the bible of sewing at home. It gives you a list of all the additional tools you need and explains everything.

Machine wise - Janome or Brother new, Toyota are goid too or vintage Husquvarna, Bernina or Elna. Electric to start and then she can progress to digital once she's got the basic skills. There are a lot of scammers on FB Marketplace so be very careful if getting 2nd hand from there.

I also think the normal sized John Lewis one is brilliant. Don't get the mini one they do with the top loading bobbin as it is a total pain in the bum..

As very much a make it up as you go sewer, I found my (basic) Singer purchased in Aldi much harder to thread.

I have moved onto a Brother and it's a lot simpler to insert the bobbin.

Thanks all!!!

I have a janome which is easy to use. Lots of tutorials on YouTube to help her learn techniques.

Didn't realise they were so expensive. Is this one any good for a beginner? I think I would struggle to afford the Lohn Lewis one:
Brother LS14S https://www.argos.co.uk/product/4602576?istCompanyId=a74d8886-5df9-4baa-b776-166b3bf9111c&istFeedId=30f62ea9-9626-4cac-97c8-9ff3921f8558&istItemId=ixilqlxix&istBid=t&&cmpid=GS001&_$ja=tsid:59130%7Cacid:289-152-2757%7Ccid:599609992%7Cagid:24126986217%7Ctid:pla-886262790854%7Ccrid:94168542777%7Cnw:g%7Crnd:16672931301819028886%7Cdvc:m%7Cadp:%7Cmt:%7Cloc:9046643&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=599609992&utm_term=&utm_content=shopping&utm_custom1=24126986217&utm_custom2=289-152-2757&GPDP=true&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwooq3BhB3EiwAYqYoEihKnyDtOE0zjL94g0c-kddq6wzP4m51OgdtxQItwpRU626MLZy2pRoCDOEQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

That one looks fine - I had one like that for many years and I used it for all sorts including fairly heavy duty stuff like making sofa covers!

That one is fine for a beginner. Sewing machines are one of the things I would buy second hand if it's still got the box lots of people buy them, use them once of twice then never look at them again, like bread makers.

EBay has a couple of the John Lewis ones, just avoid the 'mini'

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/126666117485?skw=sewing+machine+john+lewis&itmmeta=01J7N0GEHSXGD2YQ6PNVQ0JNGQ&hash=item1d7de3916d:g:uW0AAOSwBcZm1eKE&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA0HoV3kP08IDx%2BKZ9MfhVJKlHQoD3S%2BO%2BJK--Gn%2FmbdRDlMdhud4TWIMikffpybcsT8A7ieT6hPAXC%2Fal8bjEUwhMMMnuU7L%2Bi78NdCtzGXfQqNq8E1gJkznjIaBrdE1AwehM6m3tc38VdjDgODEh%2FFh7xBZ1Nyj2cmYMsSCz9M2Waun9EvQ15RZHHF0CkfJWnhBk2HQDITPCEmxcVtvVEQ1tCh9f%2F%2BPWXoB4HhTIZ8yt5LQx3sLqXy0M%2Bo%2Fh4OATDY0WMrnscGAKFcRxE36frvo%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SRR_7owaC9ZA&edge=0

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/315738613733?skw=sewing+machine+john+lewis&epid=1823256658&itmmeta=01J7N0GEHRG7HP7KT5C9NDB4DF&hash=item49837ce7e5:g:ODAAAOSwAWBm3fST&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA0HoV3kP08IDx%2BKZ9MfhVJKkCetu8qQhEesS0SpxeIrzw%2FFDJimVtgt7yHgV3ql%2FBV%2BZWw3KypYpo07hTOPYmohaDWCmY5AB%2BnzSruLMr%2F8ojt%2FvktKFZmx84vaME6MmXgvyoSrIcqeR3uKGF5eVIj5G3zIkKfyYMRC5n1bcSnSf8lU2VIeQ2Jx4AfkszayaZHK%2BxrEo0ChPzeqntXOJy0z6DfxGFjtIu1e%2BwNTL8ykdG1OlTPuUfhHSM8jKfiND%2FuBkGTaMjI%2F0j8LljW7rLHXk%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SRR_zowaC9ZA&edge=0

I have this one and really rate it as a self taught sewer.

I recommend the Stitch Sisters. They have some cheap online tutorials from how to set your machine up to making bits and pieces. Once your purchase a video you have access for life.

I have an excellent starter machine as I have not been sewing long, yet it has enough features to keep me going for some time.

It is a Brother XL2220nt, it has :-

• An automatic needle threader - essential for me haha

• bobbin winder

• zigzag, straight stitches plus button hole stitches which are super easy to operate

• Very easy to thread

I'm a beginner sewer too.

Don't overthink it too much. A basic machine with a straight stitch and zigzag is pretty much all you need. A stretch stitch is useful but a zig zag can substitute. So a full size machine under £100 is a good bet. I had a Klindo which was half price in Carrefour for 69 euros and it's still in use going strong 8 years later!

There are sewing machines in lidl atm, they were about 60 quid

That looks the modern version of my brother machine that I've had for 20 odd years. I'm not a sewing every day/week person but I use it a handful of times a year often for heavy work (hemming curtains, sewing canvas etc) and it is still going strong.