Starter sewing machine

Jessika · 4 Nov 21, 01:34 PM

Good afternoon Dibbers, I’m hoping that someone can help. I’m looking to purchase a sewing machine as a gift for my 14 year old and also a starter set of items needed such as dress makers scissors, some fabric and a pattern book. Could anyone give me some pointers? I’ve seen a lovely peppermint coloured machine in John Lewis and had a look on some comparison sites. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

**cartoonp** · 4 Nov 21, 01:45 PM

Something like this

hobbycraft/hobbycr...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

Or this

hobbycraft/mini-se...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

World be a idea I used simpler

Jessika · 4 Nov 21, 02:11 PM

Ah yes, I’d seen the first one and I am considering it along with the machine in John Lewis. I think the second machine is too basic as she’s not a complete newbie.

Supersuzie · 4 Nov 21, 02:31 PM

I have that exact machine from John Lewis and would recommend it. I am a complete beginner so started with a basic Brother machine which was fine but quickly broke. As it was a gift, my husband bought me a replacement from JL whilst we were having the Brother fixed and I just never went back to the Brother, the John Lewis machine was so much better. Just feels better built, higher spec and does a bit more even though it was the same price as the Brother.

I was going to recommend an Ikea sewing kit I bought as the accessories are excellent but they appear to have stopped selling it so can't help on that side, sorry. What I would recommend are some fat quarters from Aldi. They are very good value and are lovely designs and will give your daughter something to practice on as soon as she has set it up. I hope this helps.

Jessika · 4 Nov 21, 03:00 PM

Thank you Supersuzie that’s very helpful, I will check out the fat quarters in Aldi as would like to have the things needed as I know she’ll want to set up and get started. I will keep my eyes peeled for a sewing kit.

ERICSMUM · 4 Nov 21, 03:08 PM

Originally Posted by cartoonp

Something like this

hobbycraft/hobbycr...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

Or this

hobbycraft/mini-se...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

World be a idea I used simpler

I’ve just bought the first one, £75. The assistant in the store said it was plenty good enough. She makes her own clothes and has tried all the machines in the store, and recommended it.

sam7 · 4 Nov 21, 05:08 PM

Dont go for a mini sewing machine, I have not heard any good news about them. I have a Brother LS14, its a very popular machine, so lots of instruction videos on You Tube. I have sewn lots with it.
As for started kit, fabric scissors, fabric clips (much better than pins), a selection of fat quarters, thread (I sew 99% of my stuff with white or black thread).stitch unpicker, tape measure, fabric pen.
I use a fabulous site called "birds beautiful bobbin" for lots of sewing accessories

Jessika · 4 Nov 21, 05:37 PM

Originally Posted by ERICSMUM

I’ve just bought the first one, £75. The assistant in the store said it was plenty good enough. She makes her own clothes and has tried all the machines in the store, and recommended it.

Thank you thats very helpful to know.

Jessika · 4 Nov 21, 05:39 PM

Originally Posted by sam7

Dont go for a mini sewing machine, I have not heard any good news about them. I have a Brother LS14, its a very popular machine, so lots of instruction videos on You Tube. I have sewn lots with it.
As for started kit, fabric scissors, fabric clips (much better than pins), a selection of fat quarters, thread (I sew 99% of my stuff with white or black thread).stitch unpicker, tape measure, fabric pen.
I use a fabulous site called "birds beautiful bobbin" for lots of sewing accessories

Oh wow, thanks so much for this information, I will check out birds beautiful bobbin now.

4 Nov 21, 01:34 PM	#1
	4 Nov 21, 01:34 PM Jessika Apprentice Imagineer
Jessika Apprentice Imagineer Join Date: Apr 09	Starter sewing machine Good afternoon Dibbers, I’m hoping that someone can help. I’m looking to purchase a sewing machine as a gift for my 14 year old and also a starter set of items needed such as dress makers scissors, some fabric and a pattern book. Could anyone give me some pointers? I’ve seen a lovely peppermint coloured machine in John Lewis and had a look on some comparison sites. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

4 Nov 21, 02:11 PM	#3
	4 Nov 21, 02:11 PM Jessika Apprentice Imagineer Thread Starter
Jessika Thread Starter Apprentice Imagineer Join Date: Apr 09	Ah yes, I’d seen the first one and I am considering it along with the machine in John Lewis. I think the second machine is too basic as she’s not a complete newbie.

4 Nov 21, 03:00 PM	#5
	4 Nov 21, 03:00 PM Jessika Apprentice Imagineer Thread Starter
Jessika Thread Starter Apprentice Imagineer Join Date: Apr 09	Thank you Supersuzie that’s very helpful, I will check out the fat quarters in Aldi as would like to have the things needed as I know she’ll want to set up and get started. I will keep my eyes peeled for a sewing kit.