My handcrank machines are a Singer 201k(full size) and 99K(3/4 size), the grkids like how nice and smooth they sew.
I learned to sew on a very cranky Singer Touch & Sew, OMG I hated that machine and I didn't like to sew either.
:cry: :thumbdown:

I'd look at a basic but full size Janome or any other brand that has speed control on it. With the Janome you can slide the control from slow to fast and no matter how hard you press on the foot control, it won't go faster than the set rate.
I started sewing doll clothes when I was 8. i think if they're showing interest - tap it!
The problem with a kids machine is they will outgrow it, and they will be looking for it to do more, once they get the basics down.

The Janome Magnolia is a great starter machine for kids, my 7 and 8 year old grand kids both use one. They are also a good machine to take to classes because they are light weight.

I have sewed since I was 7. The cheaper Brother are great uncomplicated machines. Go over the safety with her. You would be surprised how the desire to do something will help her be safe. Who knows you may have a great quilter on your hands. Teach her while she wants to learn.

My grand kids did just fine on a regular sized Singer.

teach her to hand sew first......then go to the machine....just a suggestion. She will definitely learn to respect the sharp end of a needle that way.......gently, I might add.

Wow this brings back memories of my learning days on my mother's treadle. Let us know what you decide.

I have taught several 10 year olds to sew and, IMHO, I would def. say not to buy a "toy" machine or anything that looks like it's for children. Get a decent (used) machine and let them grow into and keep it for years. When she is 13 she won't want to sew on Hello Kitty!

It doesn't really matter what brand you get her but get a real machine not a toy. Also if you purchase the machine at someplace like Walmart or K-Mart you will not have anyone to help when something doesn't work. If you purchase the machine at a dealer or a company owned store she will recieve lessons on how to use the machine and will learn the correct way to hold her hands when sewing so that she will not put a needle in her finger until she is much older (like I did about 20 years ago LOL). She will also have someplace to find extra feet and look for advise on her sewing projects if you buy from a dealer or company owned store.

My five year old grandson loves to sew. He has been using my Bernina, but I found a small one for $14.99. It has a bobbin so it sews for real. I think I will set it up next to mine. His mother says he talks about sewing and when someone comes to the house he shows them his "work". When he gets older I will get him a better one. :-D

I bought a small Janome for my GD at joann's it was around 40.00 and she does very well on it and she's 7. works really well.

AS some have said Janome has some that are only a couple hundred dollars....but I like my Berninas...bias!!

Megan, I would suggest looking on craigslist in your area and getting a Singer for around $50-100.

I let my 3 and 5 year old grandchildren sew with my Singer 221 FW. At this point I usually let them operate the foot pedal and with my arms around them I guide the fabric.

First thing I have taught them is that when Grandma says 'stop', it is time to stop. You wouldn't believe how quickly they have caught on.

Then, with the 5 year old (GS) I let him operate the whole thing by himself with paper for fabric and no thread in the needle. I draw lines on the paper and he has learned to pivot with the needle down and begin sewing again. He could do it for hours and love it.

I have picked up many Singers made in the 50s for not too much. A Singer 15-91 is great. And, you might even want to borrow from your girls! LOL

I just want to say that the nicer the machine and the easier it is to use, the more children want to sew.

I love my Baby Lock and hate to wait to use it and change thread etc but it seems to me that it is worth it to spend a little or a lot more for a better machine cuz the kids continue to sew more and more as they get older. Most good machines hold their value.

Maybe call some dealers for good used machines that may come with a shop warranty?

Always a hard choice but I now let the kids use the machine I take to classes.

My 11 yr old granddaughter who been sewing since age 8 uses her mom's brother sewing machine. I have both a bernina and an elna. Both machines have a "slow" feature adjustment. No matter how hard she steps on the pressure foot, it will not go fast. But right from the beginning, we stress hand placement. We found that those little sewing machines do not last long.

Bernette was the first machine I bought new and it was junk. I recently heard they still are. The less expensive brothers and babylocks are heads above them. Bernina doesn't make Bernettes just put their names on them. If they have changed, I apologise. I'm actually looking at a back up machine for my Babylock Espire right now, the "A Line" BabyLocks are all on sale right now....I'm thinking about the Sofia, I think it would be small enough to take to class. Janomes are also a good option and Sear's machines are made by Janome.