Sewing machine for a beginner (DD who is 10)

[mom2binsd]

I know nothing about sewing machines.

DD loves to create "clothes" and has done some amazing stuff with a needle and thread and is very creative.

I'd like to get her a sewing machine.

There is a store here that does classes but you need to bring your own machine. The machine's they sell are Bernina/Huskvarna...so not in my price range. There is also a local seamstress that a few friends have taken classes from who does children's classes, but again need a machine.

Would like to keep it around 150.00.

I'll need to buy from either Hancock, Walmart etc....

I'm looking at a basic machine, not a cute 50.00 one, but one that does button holes, and a variety of stitches.

Any brands to look at or avoid?

The internet has so far yielded little useful information. I found a forum only to realize they the threads were 6 years old, so the machines they were discussing were long gone.

[larig]

This is a great one.
http://www.amazon.com/Brother-XR9500PRW-Limited-Stitches-Quilting/dp/B005GXPOAM

I wrote a post about it around xmas--I bought it for 170 at that time, and they have it for 179 now, but I think its features are worth that extra $30 over your budget.

ETA: the needle up/down feature alone is worth the extra $30.

[jerigirl]

I would look at Janome (or Kenmore - it made by Janome) or Brother in your price range. I would probably stay away from Singer. You don't need one with a ton of stitches. Straight and zigzag are the most important.

[Neatfreak]

My daughter's nine and is also wanting her own machine to learn to sew. I'm keeping my eye out for a second-hand machine, probably a Bernina. I use my mom's old Bernina (from 1977) and I think it's a great starter machine because it's 1) a workhorse and 2) very uncomplicated to use. DD finds my new Janome serger confusing, so I figure that something basic is better.

[Swirvin]

We bought our dd a chilld's Janome for her 9th birthday. That was two years ago and it is holding up very well. She loves it and still sews on it very regularly. The only time she has switched over to my bigger machine was when she was making denim purses for gifts. The motor in her machine was not strong enough to get through the multiple layers of heavy denim. Another thing to note is the stitching speed is much slower than on my bigger machine. In the beginning this is a very good thing but I notice my daughter getting a little frustrated with the slow speed the more proficient she becomes.

I didn't know about this machine from Ikea before purchasing the Janome. It is half the price of our Janome and gets pretty good reviews: http://www.ikatbag.com/2012/04/ikeas-new-sewing-machine.html If you have an Ikea nearby maybe it is worth checking out.

[Neatfreak]

Wait ... Ikea makes a sewing machine? I may have to re-think my strategy :)

[anonomom]

DH bought me this Brother for Christmas, because I wanted to learn to sew:

http://www.amazon.com/Brother-Everyday-stitches-including-Buttonhole/dp/B000EOX28E/ref=sr_1_1?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1369996875&sr=1-1&keywords=brother+easy+to+use

It lives up to its name (easy to use), but is very functional. It's not fancy, but it does have zig-zag stitches and a buttonhole feature. I've made three quilts on it, plus a variety of smaller sewing projects and it works beautifully.

[chlobo]

We got this one for my dd for Christmas. So far so good

http://www.amazon.com/Brother-XL-3750-Convertible-35-Stitch-Free-Arm/dp/B000VGAMU6/ref=sr_1_13?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1369997096&sr=1-13&keywords=Brother+sewing+machine

[WatchingThemGrow]

People rec'd this one to me http://www.overstock.com/Crafts-Sewing/Janome-SewMini/7210918/product.html?cid=202290&kid=9553000357392&track=pspla&ef_id=UJ07bAAAFcoxMxDf:20130531111208:s
and we ended up walking into Hancock Fabrics for this one since we needed it one day. http://www.amazon.com/Janome-3128-Sewing-Machine/dp/B005VIPNQ2/ref=sr_1_1?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1369998590&sr=1-1&keywords=janome+3128

[lec]

I got this sewing machine two years ago for my birthday from my sister when I mentioned I thought I might like to learn to sew.

http://www.amazon.com/Brother-XL2600I-Affordable-25-Stitch-Free-Arm/dp/B000F7DPEQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1370016905&sr=1-1&keywords=brother+xl2600i

I'm fairly certain they sell it at Walmart or something very comparable. It has worked great and I'm having a lot of fun sewing dresses and skirts for DD1 who has decided that is all she wants to wear. It is really easy to use and there are several you tube video tutorials on this machine that show you how to use it (threading, bobbins, button holes, etc).

[Babymakes3]

I've had this one in my saved cart for a few weeks now, it was a tiny bit cheaper when I initially put it in there but not by much. I just want to be able to do basic stuff with it and I would be a complete beginner. It has alot of good reviews so I thought maybe it was a safe choice!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JQM1DE/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

[jerigirl]

I've had this one in my saved cart for a few weeks now, it was a tiny bit cheaper when I initially put it in there but not by much. I just want to be able to do basic stuff with it and I would be a complete beginner. It has alot of good reviews so I thought maybe it was a safe choice!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JQM1DE/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

This gets good reviews from the posters at Sewing Mamas. Many have bought it for their kids just learning to sew and some bought it as their first machine and still use it.

ETA: the bonus feet- the walking foot, spring action foot and the quilt guide (along with the oversized table) is all you need if you get into quilting. Those feet aren't cheap. I think this machine would take your DD far into a sewing hobby.

[larig]

I'd encourage people to consider the other brother that I mentioned above. It has a needle up/down feature which this doesn't have (I considered the 6000 when I bought the 9500 this december for my SIL for XMAS). That is one feature that is really helpful, especially when you're turning corners, etc. (essentially you tap the pedal and the needle goes fully up, one more tap and it goes fully down. It's a GREAT feature ETA: particularly for quilting).
http://www.amazon.com/Brother-XR9500PRW-Limited-Stitches-Quilting/dp/B005GXPOAM/ref=pd_sbs_ac_3

[jerigirl]

I'd encourage people to consider the other brother that I mentioned above. It has a needle up/down feature which this doesn't have (I considered the 6000 when I bought the 9500 this december for my SIL for XMAS). That is one feature that is really helpful, especially when you're turning corners, etc. (essentially you tap the pedal and the needle goes fully up, one more tap and it goes fully down. It's a GREAT feature ETA: particularly for quilting).
http://www.amazon.com/Brother-XR9500PRW-Limited-Stitches-Quilting/dp/B005GXPOAM/ref=pd_sbs_ac_3

Ooh. I missed the 6000 didn't have the needle up down. I agree that is a very nice feature.

[larig]

Ooh. I missed the 6000 didn't have the needle up down. I agree that is a very nice feature.

the 7070 has it too.
http://www.amazon.com/Brother-Project-CE7070PRW-70-Stitch-Computerized/dp/B009SC1YA6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1370025952&sr=8-1&keywords=brother+7070

the 9500 also has an electronic speed control (7070 doesn't have it), which I have on a husqvarna I use and find really nice, OP.

here's a link you can use to compare the different models.
http://www.brother-usa.com/homesewing/productlist.aspx#.UajwSrSFUdJ

[c&j04]

This is a great one.
http://www.amazon.com/Brother-XR9500PRW-Limited-Stitches-Quilting/dp/B005GXPOAM

I wrote a post about it around xmas--I bought it for 170 at that time, and they have it for 179 now, but I think its features are worth that extra $30 over your budget.

ETA: the needle up/down feature alone is worth the extra $30.

This machine is very highly recommended at several of my local shops! I agree, needle up/down is worth a lot!

[mom2binsd]

Thank you to all of you, I have learned a lot about sewing machines in the last 24 hours!!!

[AngelaS]

My girls are learning to sew on a husquvarna Huskystar machine that I found used at a garage sale. I use a husquvarna Viking and I looooove it!

[mom2binsd]

DD was surprise and thrilled with her sewing machine that we gave her today for her birthday (ended up buying a Brother, it has the 1 step button hole, and lots of great features, it was on sale at Hancock Fabrics for 89.99, the lady who helped me pick it out was wonderful, answered lots of questions, explained things and she'll provide DD with a introduction to the machine (DD needs get her cast off her hand first).

We also got her a cool rolling padded case with lots of pockets and extra bobbins, needles and thread to get her started.

The lady, Dee also suggested I wrap the fabric I got her as the "wrapping paper"...I was just going to get some fabric to get her started to try out...Dee was great! I really liked being able to buy at a place where I know we can go back for help etc.

Grandparents got her GC's as well for more stuff.

I may even try to learn too!!!

Thanks for all the help!:thumbsup:

[ellies mom]

DD was surprise and thrilled with her sewing machine that we gave her today for her birthday (ended up buying a Brother, it has the 1 step button hole, and lots of great features, it was on sale at Hancock Fabrics for 89.99, the lady who helped me pick it out was wonderful, answered lots of questions, explained things and she'll provide DD with a introduction to the machine (DD needs get her cast off her hand first).

We also got her a cool rolling padded case with lots of pockets and extra bobbins, needles and thread to get her started.

The lady, Dee also suggested I wrap the fabric I got her as the "wrapping paper"...I was just going to get some fabric to get her started to try out...Dee was great! I really liked being able to buy at a place where I know we can go back for help etc.

Grandparents got her GC's as well for more stuff.

I may even try to learn too!!!

Thanks for all the help!:thumbsup:

How exciting!! I'm glad you bought the machine someplace where she can get lessons and help. I may be a bit biased but learning to sew is a wonderful gift.

My soon to be 10 year old is going to be learning to sew this summer. We'll have to exchange project ideas.

[larig]

How exciting!! I'm glad you bought the machine someplace where she can get lessons and help. I may be a bit biased but learning to sew is a wonderful gift.

My soon to be 10 year old is going to be learning to sew this summer. We'll have to exchange project ideas.

So true. My mom taught me one summer. We made 2 simple garments, but the skills she taught have given me many years of joy. Just wonderful for your dd.

Make sure you sign up for hancock's mailing list. The (and Joann's) have ridiculous sales on notions, patterns and fabric.

[jerigirl]

Welcome to the dark side! J/k! You should learn as well. This will be a wonderful bond to share with your dd for the rest of your lives. You will quickly realize the cost of your machine was a drop in the bucket compared to what you will probably spend on fabric and other supplies. I am excited for you guys!

[azzeps]

I'm so happy for your daughter! Sewing is fun! My mom taught me to sew, then when I got married, she gave me a Singer "school model" machine, which still sews like a champ 13 years later. I'm going to upgrade to a Bernina soon, and will be passing down the Singer to my daughter, who already loves to sew, at 5 years old. Hoping it's the beginning of a lifelong hobby for her. :) I've already made her into a fabric shopper/hoarder....

[mom2binsd]

She has big plans, her school does a Civil War Re enactment next spring and the costumes the kids wear are amazing. DD is already planning her dress.

I often need things hemmed so I'm hoping we can both learn. Should be fun.