Sewing machine for 12 year old?

shaca

My 12 year old daughter is looking to buy a sewing machine with the money she got for her confirmation. I haven't got a clue what to even look at for her. She is very artistic and can't wait to get making things where as I struggle to sew a button on properly:o Anyhow any advice would be most welcome. Her budget is about €100 but I am willing to put money towards something sturdy and good value. Thanks.

Millypenny

Hi Shaca,

Not sure where you're based in Ireland, but have you tried any of the sewing machine shops?
You would probably get a decent second-hand machine in one of those shops. And would then be able to get the machine repaired and traded in later if needed.

The best option would probably be to contact John O'Donnell (sewing machine shop in Waterford).
http://www.sewingmachinesireland.com/about-sewing-machines-ireland.php
He's very helpful and would probably have the best advice about a suitable machine for a 12yr old.

wmpdd3

Better to look at a second hand machine from a shop like above and keep and extra money for a service after a year or so.

rayken

my daughter also wanted sewing machine at same age, i went to singer shop in foxs bow in limerick and they were very helpful, they sold me a secondhand workhorse of a machine for €100 (this was two years ago and it still going strong)which basically ploughs through anything, they were full of good advice and for another ten euro i got bobbins needles etc, at the time the german discount stores were doing new ones for eighty euro but she told me that they were basically irrepairable when they go wrong and to avoid like the plague, so my advise is to go to a local store and ask their advice

shaca

Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately there isn't a shop like that at all near by. I'll try google places but if anyone knows anywhere in the West that does second hand ones that would be great. I'm an hour and a half from Galway but could always do with a day out shopping if there was one there :P

wmpdd3

http://www.lenassewing.com/

Lenas in William St in Limerick could be worth a trip. They do pretty high end stuff but the also do basic Brother work horses too.

twinsis

Aldi was doing a Singer sewing machine for €99 earlier this yr ( great value for a branded sewing machine ) IKEA has a basic 'kick around ' sewing machine ( straight sewing, zigzag & button hole ) for an incredible €65 !!! basic with a few plastic parts that should be metal but hey , perfect for a beginner ! Very light & compact ! Good luck !

twinsis

shaca wrote: »

Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately there isn't a shop like that at all near by. I'll try google places but if anyone knows anywhere in the West that does second hand ones that would be great. I'm an hour and a half from Galway but could always do with a day out shopping if there was one there :P

Just new to Boards so didnt post in right place : Look at my reply further down . Good luck to your daughter - sewing is a fantastic past time !

looksee

I would avoid machines with embroidery stitches. All you need as a beginner is straight and zigzag (including hemming and buttonholes). I have been sewing for 60 years and have never had an embroidery machine, my sister is similar, got an embroidery machine and never used the fancy stitches. You do need a zipper foot, a button-hole foot and a standard zigzag foot. I have found the little hem turner foot useful too.

I personally feel the older, heavier machines are easier to sew on, the light ones jump around too much.

wmpdd3

Yeah, I used to course lugging my heave machine to and from lessons until I use the new style ones, I ended up following them across the table.

I was 13 when I got my machine! Singer 9830 (I think)

I'd say something like the SInger 1409.