Beginner Basic Sewing Machine
 

I am looking for a basic sewing machine that would be great for a child but I could use to carry to my quilting meetings. My grandson is almost 5 and has taken a great interest in sewing. We made a blanket together, using Hot Wheels and Transformers fabric. He was so proud of himself!! (Attaching picture. Hope it comes through!)
I don't want to spend over $150 or so. I found a Bernina Bernette 46, but the closest dealer is 60 miles away and I can't find it online. I'm thinking a mechanical machine would be best.
I would appreciate any help in this. I am wanting to get it for Christmas for him.
Thanks in advance!!

The basic Brother machine at Walmart is well within your price range and a nice dependable machine. That is what I used until I got my featherweight and passed it on to a friend. It is also what I got my DD for Christmas last year.

The Janome Jem Gold is a great machine for beginners and for you to carry to classes, etc.
I teach sewing to 9 year olds to adult and the kids love the simplicity of the Jem Gold.
It's a mechanical machine and many of my quilting friends have had them for 14 years with no problems.
We purchased 30 of them on Amazon for $199 with free shipping for our program.
Good Luck and have fun.

I'm looking for a beginner machine for my 6 year old granddaughter. Walmart has a Janome for $60 something...I believe recently came out. I'm going to look at Walmart tomorrow and see what I think. You may want to check this out. FYI it has one speed..good for 6 year old??

a lot of us on the board have this one
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Brother-Co...S6000I/4764726
it is computerized with lots of stitches, but it has a speed control to go nice and slow for the young ones. it's a machine that he can use for many years as his skills increase

I have this machine and I totally agree with you. The slow speed was very beneficial when I was teaching my granddaughters about how to use the machine.