I myself have serviced one of these machines. No it cannot handle hemming jeans. It very light and full of plastic. It easily rips out of time, meaning it will start skipping stitches or not make stitches at all. These are cheap frustrating throw away machines. Their ability to last over time is a game of luck. Every part they have in them is screwed into plastic, meaning the ability to service the machine is non existent, well honestly service. I have a few suggestions for a sturdy affordable machine. The Elna sew green is a simple strong machine with a full iron casting. For christmas you can easily find these for $199. I know it more than the costco one but the extra $50 is well worth it http://www.elna.com/en-gw/model_sewing_sew-green.php
I also recommend the full size hello kitty. Unlike most kids machines this one is not a toy. Its a full size machine with a full metal casting. this listing has it at $189 which is a great deal.
http://www.hayneedle.com/product/jan...FU8XHwodXdQEgQ
You can still find new machines built as well as the old vintage ones. I have nothing against the vintage ones but when it comes to kids, she will have more parts, feet and options available to her with a current machine.

just want to say again that I have had no difficulties with my mechanical low end Brother machines. I am wearing one of a number of pairs of jeans I have hemmed with it. I have made costumes with all kinds of fabrics. I even sewed sticky Velcro on before I knew not to. It gummed up the needle but the machine did fine. The one at one of my sons(newer) has sewed costumes, jeans, felt, and has mended back packs and zipper packets on jackets. I also have vintage machines. But I just want to put in a word about the Brothers. Many of us have them and don't find your situation to be common. And we also have heard about issues with higher end machines. Doesn't mean no one should buy them. I would still be happy with a Brother

I’ve had many experiences with brothers that were just fine, but as far as this particular model goes my experience is common. I’ve been repairing machine for 10 years and when I come across a machine that is too light it usually has timing issues. Unfortunately every brand makes these kinds of models, even Janome and Bernina. Each brand has their ups and downs as far as models go. I’m not saying don’t buy a brother but perhaps avoid this particular one

I have an older machine that is the heavier one gave to me by my mother, and I also have my brother machine that is computerized. My brother has been used a lot, and I am now in my 4th year of using it with no problems. I want to get out my other machine soon, and get it sewing again too. It had been missing stitches, but I think I just need to get everything adjusted.

Great machine. I bought my grand-daughter one last year and she loves it..

thanks for the explanation. I keep hearing how awful low end Brothers in general are and I know there are a lot of us who have no real pronlems with them.

I started sewing when I was 9 in a 4-H program, and the machines were all old, and we never got the same one twice.
It taught me how to thread and wind a bobbin on anything..how to deal with tension and thread. I don't think the machine matters half as much as the hours spent on it.Don't sweat it too much...kids are very adaptable.
I did see, though..that the new Janome entry level machines come in wild colors(hot pink, purple)...so that may be a way to go.