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Post by compeateropeator on Nov 1, 2020 15:05:32 GMT
I am looking for any help or tips with purchasing a sewing machine for my 10 year old niece for Christmas.
I am looking to spend around 300.00 to 350.00, which I know isn’t a lot in the world of sewing machines. However I hope it can get her a machine that is study, works well, and has basic functions that will last her years. If she really likes sewing, she can move on to a more expensive and/or serger machine.
I am looking for something that will be not extremely difficult for her to operate but that will be able to still provide her years of basic sewing. I am not against a used machine.
I would really appreciate any information on what to look for, what to avoid, options, brands, etc. Thanks for any help you can give.
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Post by elaine on Nov 1, 2020 15:30:57 GMT
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scrappinghappy
Pearl Clutcher
“I’m late, I’m late for a very important date. No time to say “Hello.” Goodbye. I’m late...."
Posts: 4,306 
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Post by scrappinghappy on Nov 1, 2020 15:47:47 GMT
In your price range you could find a used Bernina in good condition.
Oh, when i was 10 that was all I wanted. I would have lived having you as an aunt
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breetheflea
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,885
Location: PNW
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Post by breetheflea on Nov 1, 2020 15:59:19 GMT
I have a Janome Magnolia ($250 range) and both my 13 and 15 year old have no problem using it. It's basic (it doesn't have eleventy-hundred stitch types) but it's also not computerized.
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Nov 1, 2020 16:09:40 GMT
For that budget I would recommend these machines: Eversewn Sparrow 25 - $330 (brand is from the Bernina family). A used Bernina would be good, but it will be difficult to find one in your price range. I have a 30+ year old Bernina 910 which would be an excellent beginner machine, but used it still commands around $800-$1,000! Janome has some excellent entry level sewing machines as well. I would avoid Singer as the quality just isn't there any longer. Brother also makes some good entry level machines. Just avoid the big box entry level machines if possible because those are not the same quality and you get no support with them. Is there a sewing machine store (or fabric store that sells machines) near your niece? If so, it would be great if you could buy one from them as they will typically provide a few lessons with the new machine, as well as help and servicing as she needs it. If you want to read reliable reviews, check out Sewing Pattern Review |
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Post by Delta Dawn on Nov 1, 2020 16:27:04 GMT
I would buy Japanese because that is what I had. I loved my basic Janome and would love to buy another.
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Post by ntsf on Nov 1, 2020 16:39:45 GMT
Threads magazine this month had a review of beginner sewing machines.
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Post by compeateropeator on Nov 1, 2020 16:48:06 GMT
Thank you for all of your responses and links. They are very appreciated.
I will first check out if there is a local place near them. I have some near me (about an hour away from my niece) that I will check out also. I now have information to start with which is very helpful.
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Post by ghislaine on Nov 2, 2020 1:26:56 GMT
Since I am localish to you, I can recommend The Quilter's Corner at Middlebury Sew-n-vac. I got a really fancy Pfaff from them but they probably have a basic model or good used machine that's been traded in that would work for your niece. They'll offer a lesson with the machine too.
There's a couple of dealers in the Montpelier area if that's more convenient. I'm in a Facebook local quilter's group where a recent post talked about machines recently.
My mom just passed on my grandmother's vintage Singer to my 11-year-old so I have some experience with kids and sewing machines. 😆
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Post by compeateropeator on Nov 2, 2020 1:51:39 GMT
Since I am localish to you, I can recommend The Quilter's Corner at Middlebury Sew-n-vac. I got a really fancy Pfaff from them but they probably have a basic model or good used machine that's been traded in that would work for your niece. They'll offer a lesson with the machine too. There's a couple of dealers in the Montpelier area if that's more convenient. I'm in a Facebook local quilter's group where a recent post talked about machines recently. My mom just passed on my grandmother's vintage Singer to my 11-year-old so I have some experience with kids and sewing machines. 😆 Thanks for the information, The Quilter’s Corner ( although I didn’t know the exact name just the sewing machine place in Middlebury.😉😄) is the one I am most familiar with. We bought my grandmother a serger from there. I did not know about the ones in Montpelier area. That would be closer to them. Thanks again. She is hot gluing everything and I think she would enjoy actually sewing her creations. But maybe not. 😆 |
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Post by ghislaine on Nov 2, 2020 2:08:13 GMT
LOL You are welcome! Hot glue has been a fave here too. I am pretty sure my 11-year-old has used her hot glue gun way more than I have used mine!
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Post by zztop11 on Nov 2, 2020 3:12:12 GMT
I have the basic Heavy Duty Singer machine and am happy with it. I was a middle school home economics teacher and can easily see yiur granddaughter using one of these.
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