Sewing machine advice please

[thaegumathteth]

dd (15) has asked for a sewing machine for Xmas and I don’t really want to spend more that £60 as she does have a tendency to be all in on a hobby and then forget about it.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

Also what’s best to go with it eg material, thread, books etc???

as you can tell I am clueless so please help!!!

Thanks everyone I’ve ordered the one I linked to!

So I’m thinking of

some fabric
an tape measure
thread
dress making scissors
pins
thread snips (off to google!!!!)

What about needles ?

This is the description

please give advice if possible and if not I’ll probably be posting on Boxing Day asking for help on behalf of dd!

Forgot the photo !

Don’t get one from Hobbycraft

get a basic brother or John Lewis one

You’ve chosen a decent one @thaegumathteth

Either dressmakers chalk or pen (one that disappears with an iron)
She will also need an iron and ironing board if you don't already have one. Steam iron preferably.

I do have an iron and ironing board I’ll need to bring them out of hibernation!

It will come with a few needles but handsewing needles will be useful depending on what she wants to make.
I would go with pins, tape measure, folding metre stick, fabric scissors, tailors chalk or fabric pen. Magnetic pin tray.

She is young so will be happy to use online resources. Seamwork is a great community. US based, but global community. You can sign up for free, and access a lot. You can subscribe monthly, and choose a free pdf pattern from their very extensive range each month. All patterns are designed to be easy to make. Most patterns also have extra resources, such as videos, to make it easier. And you can see other sewists versions of patterns, on a wide range of bodies, ages, etc.

Style Arc is an Australian pattern company, that also have a strong online community, but they might be better once she has some experience.

The Big 4 pattern companies are not what they used to be, and kind of missed the boat with online communities.

Big tip; never ever choose a pattern based on ready to wear sizing. Measure yourself first, and choose patterns based on your measurements.. every pattern company has their own definition of what a size 10, for example, might be, so comparing measurements to their charts is the only way to go.

@thaegumathteth the things I use all the time:

• pins - dressmaking ones not craft ones
• tape measure
• rotary cutter and cutting mat (A2 size minimum)
• schmetz needles (I change needles with each new project so get through them)
• dressmaking shears
• chalk/dressmaking pens
• a long ruler

Sewing is a bit like golf. It takes up lots of time and there are always new bits of kit to buy.

I’d get her a Tilly and the Buttons book as it has patterns in it to try and is beginner friendly.

I wouldn't. They're beginner friendly but they're not very stylish.

Has anyone mentioned tracing paper yet?

Unless she’s planning to cut into the actual pattern, she’ll need something like that.

I think my recommendation would be starting with a couple of 'straight line' projects such as a tote bag or an envelope back cushion cover. Projects where OP's DD can get used to the sewing machine.

After that, if she is wanting to make clothes, a beginner friendly Simplicity pattern. Having first done measurements to get the correct sewing size!

For the first couple of goes with patterns, I would cut them out. Tracing over patterns is a next step once she is familiar with all the symbols on a pattern.

Agree with all of this!

Having first done measurements to get the correct sewing size!
This!