Our favourite
John Lewis JL110
£145 at John Lewis
The one we've always recommended. It's simple, sturdy and easy to carry, and some colours are as cheerful as the projects.
- 14 stitches
- Built-in light
- Free arm
- 6kg
Sewing machine buying guide
Choosing a first sewing machine for your child
It's the question we're asked most, especially before Christmas. Here's what to look for, what you can skip, the machines we recommend, and how to help them get going.
The short answer
- Spend around £100 to £150. That buys a proper machine that will last for years.
- Choose a simple electronic machine with dials, a light and a free arm.
- Book a one-to-one class so they learn to use it properly from day one.
What to look for
-
A good light
Threading a needle is fiddly enough. A built-in light over the needle saves a lot of frustration.
-
Light enough to carry
They'll want to move it around the house and bring it to classes, or to Granny's. Around 5 to 6kg is about right.
-
Dials, not a screen
A simple electronic machine where you turn a dial to pick a stitch is easier to learn than a computerised one.
-
Zigzag and a buttonhole
A straight stitch, a zigzag and an automatic buttonhole cover almost every project. A few fun stitches keep them inspired.
-
A reverse button
Used to start and finish every seam, so it should be big and easy to reach.
-
A free arm
Slide off part of the base and they can sew round sleeves, cuffs and bag tops.
What you can skip
- Hundreds of decorative stitches. Nice to have, but they won't use most of them.
- Touchscreens and computerised models. More to go wrong and more to learn.
- Automatic needle threaders. Handy once you know how, but fiddly for beginners.
- Mini or toy machines. They're cheap for a reason and can put children off.
The machines we recommend
Just as good
Janome 219-S
£139 at Clothkits
Janome make very reliable machines, and this one is much like the John Lewis model. You'll also find it in local sewing shops.
- 14 stitches
- Front-loading bobbin
- Free arm
- 5.4kg
What about the big names? Brands like Bernina make beautiful machines, but they cost several times more, and a beginner won't need the extras. Save that for when they're hooked.
Prices checked October 2026 and they change often, so shop around. We don't earn anything from these links.
What age can they start?
There's no set age. The real question is whether your child can sit and concentrate on sewing for about an hour.
Our studio machine classes are for ages 6 and up. Younger children can start with hand sewing at our school sewing clubs, from Year 1.
Twickenham studio
Help them learn to use it
Bring the new machine to a one-to-one class at our studio (£35 for an hour). We'll cover:
- Threading up and winding bobbins
- All the different stitches the machine can do (they love this bit)
- Using the reverse button to start and finish sewing
- Getting confident with the pedal and controlling the speed, which takes a bit of practice
Questions parents ask
Is a second-hand machine OK?
It can be. Ask to see it sewing, check it comes with its foot pedal, power lead and manual, and budget for a service if it's been sitting in a cupboard.
Can we bring our own machine to a studio class?
Yes, please do, with its power lead and foot pedal. They'll learn on the machine they'll use at home. If you haven't bought one yet, they can use one of ours.
What else will they need?
Sharp fabric scissors (kept for fabric only), pins, a few reels of thread and some spare bobbins and needles. A kit is the easiest way to start, as everything is in the box.