Best sewing machine for a child.
 

My 7+ year old granddaughter is asking for a sewing machine for Christmas. Does anyone have any experience with "starter" machines? I would rather not have toy machine, but rather a small beginner machine. Thanks for your help.

Definitely do not get a toy. My daughter sewed through two of them in VERY short order. I'd suggest looking at a basic Janome. I know they're available for under $100, as my mother bought one for my daughter when she was 5.

I purchased a Janome Harmony for my 5yo DGD....$89 Free Shipping!!

I agree, do not purchase a toy. An inexpensive machine is the way to go.

Would you want to learn to sew on a toy? Besides, if it didnt stitch well, it could make her not want to sew.

This was just posted a couple of days ago. Lots of info

http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...l-t203945.html

I started on a Janome Classmate. It came out of a school after 2 years of use. Great basic machine! Practically indestructible-would have to be if kids are using them at school! Never had any problems and I still use it when my new Pfaff gives me fits.

I agree - do NOT get a 'toy' machine!

Janome Gem!! Great little basic machine!! I'm sure your grandaughter will love it!!

The Janome Hello Kitty machine is perfect and it is not a toy. The green one is 3/4 size and sews great, easy to thread with slow and fast speed button and foot pedal. About $175. The white Hello Kitty machine has more features about $300 - $500 My DGD got the green one when she was 8 and the white one when she turned 13. Only because her other grandmother bought it for her as a gift. Her mom mends on the green one, it's that good. Do not buy the 1/2 size Hello Kitty. That is a toy machine.