Sewing Machine for Kids?

shezam

Hello everyone!

Firs time visiting this forum, just after a bit of advice really.

Just done a rough xmas list, my partner & I have 22 folk to buy for, some easier than others!

My partner has an 11 year old, who is really into arts & crafts, was thinking of getting her a sewing machine, this was mentioned a few months ago and she seems really up for it.

Can I ask if you think it would be better to get her a Kids/Beginners sewing machine or just go for an adults one? Never used one myself so unfortunately would not be able to show her how to use it, thought a kids/beginners one might be more suitable but then she might grow out of it and want to do more advanced things with it.

Any help is greatly appreciated!
Thanks

my3girls

Hmm i'd say a real one would perhaps be a bit too tricky.

I bought a mini sewing machine recently in the hope my dd1 would help me to do some xmas projects, and save having to haul the big one out. Even i find it too fiddly and certainly couldn't leave dd to use it (she's almost 9 so a couple of years younger than your partners dd)

I looked at this for dd's xmas

http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10001_10001_171010322599_-1?breadcrumb=Home~txtsewing+machine

It is a real sewing machine and think it would be more suitable than an adults one.

Plus at that price you wouldn't mind if it was a fad that didn't last

Jenni
x

Tamster150

what about looking for an old singer with the handle that you turn?? I used to use my nan's all the time as a child to make dolls clothes etc. There was one in my local cs this week for £8!!! You might even get one on freecycle.

Otherwise there are good reviews about the £60 lidl on here. I have also seen a mini one in John lewis that comes in bright colours but wouldnt know if it was any good or not

Tamster150

I have also seen finger guards on ebay so another option if you go for an adult machine

avstar

I'd say go for a beginner basic adult one, I learnt to sew around that age on a proper machine. The childrens machines are just toys really, plastic-y no proper tension and very frustrating when it goes wrong. (Don't bother with the mini-machines either, they not very good)

Blog post here about children's machines all the comments back up what I've said

childrens machines

pollyskettle

Totally agree with avstar. The kids ones really are just toys and not worth it - my lot were bought one and I think it only came out of the box once. It's also perfectly possible that the 11 yo will be using 'real' machines at school, I know I was and my 11yo dd is now too.

moonpenny

I would go for a simple Adult machine. You can get quite inexpensive ones.

Way back in another life when I moved up to "senior" school at 11 we had Dressmaking classes 2 afternoons a week on "Real" machines. No problems!

SailorSam

If you look in Poundstretcher they have a couple of small ones


Search results for: 'tissue stands' - Poundstretcher

lizziegrace

I echo all pp's about avoiding childrens ones - they often do a "chainstich" (ie don't have a bottom thread as well as a top one) and are prone to tangling PLUS do let the stitching unravel easily!!https://www.thesewingofrum.co.uk will offer lots of good advice about buying a machine (and will probably steer you towards a hand turning one like someone else said). Entry level machines like you'd find at Lidl or Tesco can be naff too tho - I hear good things about the John Lewis Mini machine and am tempted to get one for my daughter who's 8. The good thing about JL is you could go and try it out and be taught a bit yourself so you can help the young person who gets it...a good sewing machine shop will do the same too.
HTH?
Lizzie

Hermia

I would go for a basic adult sewing machine, but make sure you buy one from an established brand. I wouldn't be tempted by some of the rubbish ones by companies no dressmaker has ever heard of that are sold in magazines and cheap shops. Even my beloved Janome do very basic machines for £100ish. If you daughter is serious she will soon outgrow a kid's machine or one of those novelty mini-machines. You only have to look on youtube to see some young teens making some amazing stuff.

murie

I noticed an adult 12 stitch basic machine in the Works the other day for £39.99- cant remember the brand but I think it began with a B. HTH