For an 8 year old
 

who is interested in learning to sew, what basic and inexpensive sewing machine would you recommend? I want one with reverse stitch and zig zag and a light. Used is fine. Thank you!

Got my niece a Janome for about $50.00. New at Hancocks. Has all you want.

Brother CS6000i. Easy to learn! Very good machine for the money. Do a search here on the QB for comments and on Google for ratings. Available at Amazon and WalMart.

I bought a Brother at Wallyworld for $159. Has needle down, Feed dogs down and lots of different stiches. Works a lot bettter than my $600. Singer.

Some folks recommend the Janome Mini Sew ($59). Weighs 5 lbs. Has straight, zigzag and reverse. All plastic machine, so that maybe a draw back. Some folks love this machine, others think it's junk. Haven't used one, just saw reviews of it. Thinking I might buy one (http://www.HomeDepot.com) to use for taking to classes. People think this is a good machine for kids to learn on.

I bought my 8 year old granddaughter the Janome 11706 3/4 Size Hello Kitty Sewing Machine. She is 17 now and the machine is still sewing like new. She saw the machine and fell in love with it. I know that machine kept her interested wanting to sew. I think I paid about $200 for it.

Thanks everyone, this is for my granddaughter. She will be spending part of spring break with me so I thought I'd better get busy. I've been looking mainly at Janome's but would not rule out any other brand. I don't know if this will 'stick' but I want to give her every chance not to be frustrated and give up before she gets going!

My 9 yo granddaughter loves my Janome DC1050 because it has the speed regulator and the auto start/stop button. She's getting taller now and should be able to use the foot pedal soon. It also has a few decorative stitches. I paid about 300.00 for it to use as my travel machine.

My nephews unpacked and threaded up then began sewing on the brother quilter. This was my new machine and while I was preparing food they did all this on their own. They also helped to make the blocks join and sandwich and finally walking foot quilting.
They were 10 and 4 . I only reduced speed for them, they did manage to break a needle and it was then with help from my brother they changed it.
they are very practical boys and had listened carefully when the dealer gave me a demonstration of my machine.

I'd look on Craigslist and shopgoodwill and look for a simple machine that's 25-30 years old. As simple as possible. You can probably pick one up for $25. Use that to start. If you do good, she/he may keep it for ages. Most machines that age will have a zigzag, reverse and light