I agree, don't buy a toy. They are really harder to use and slip and slide . I had a toy as a child and it was a pain. I don't think I could even sew on it now, although I wish I had it now. It is a collectors item,a pretty little red metal job with a crank handle. I actually have a toy I bought recently for sewing on greeting cards, It sews a beautiful stitch,but if you try to sew cloth it is just too light .