the machines my granddaughters started sewing on (age 4 & 9) was a simple $89 Brother from walmart...the great thing about this machine? it has (speed control) you can turn down the speed so it goes slow even if they tend to be heavy footed...and they (the brother machines) are very user friendly...i recommend them for all beginners. next important necessity...a table that fits them...the girls learned to sew at their little care bare table, table and chairs were just right for them to use their machine....