Having taught 3 granddaughters and 2 grandsons to sew, I have learned the hard way not to buy too simple of a machine. You will throw your money away unless it has at least 20 fancy stitches. These kids have grown up on video games and learn a sewing machine in a snap. They will have the cleaning down pat in minutes and oiling. Then they will try every fancy stitch. Too simple of a machine will bore them and you will lose their interest I taught the 2 grandsons to make Christmas stockings 3 weeks ago. Johnny has made 10 more on his own and Johny has made only 3 but he increased the size double for his teachers all without anyones help. They are 10 and 7. Good luck!