I'm thinking about starting to sew as a hobby and I have no idea what machine to buy. I see lots of options at Worten and Fnac, but I'm not sure if it's worth spending 300 euros right away or if there are cheaper alternatives that are still good for learning.
Do you already have an old machine at home or know someone who does? Because honestly, to learn you don't need to spend €300 right off the bat. Start with something more basic - there are simple machines between €80 and €150 that do the job perfectly for someone just starting out. Brands like Singer, Janome or even the generic ones from Worten and Fnac work fine if the goal is to learn the basics. What matters is that it has simple functions: straight stitch, zigzag, and a good instruction manual. Then, when you figure out what you actually enjoy and what kind of projects you want to do, that's when you invest in a better machine.
There's also the option of looking for second-hand machines - lots of people buy them enthusiastically and never use them again, or you see listings on OLX with much better prices. Sometimes you find really good deals for half the price. I'd do it this way: buy something cheap and disposable for the first few months, see if it really grabs you, and then once you have the skill and dexterity for more interesting projects, consider investing in a quality machine. There's no reason to start with €300 if you don't even know yet if it's just going to be an experiment or if you'll still be sewing a year from now.
I started with a basic machine, nothing fancy, and learned the essentials without spending a fortune. For a beginner, you don't need those €300 machines - there are good options between €100 and €150 that do straight stitch and zigzag just fine, which is all you'll need in the first few months.
When you get more practice and know if you really want to keep going, that's when you invest in something better. Brands like Singer, Electrolux, and Janome have reliable entry-level models, and you can find them in online or physical stores at way better prices than at Fnac or Worten.
Don't fall into the trap of thinking an expensive machine will make all the difference when you're learning - what really matters is practicing a lot. People are right when they say 300 euros is too much for someone just starting out; look for something between 100 and 150, which already gives you basic features and is reliable enough that you won't get frustrated. Brands like Singer or Elna have simple models in that range that work well, and the truth is that after a few months you'll know better what you really need in a machine.
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