I started out with an Janome Gem Gold, did basic stitches and some others, then advanced to the DC2010 and now the Horizon 7700.
So as you can tell I'm a Janome fan. But the Jem Gold was the best low priced little work horse for me, I had it 3 years before I Traded up.

If you go with used, be sure that it includes instruction manual so they now how to work it. Also suggest that you do that and take it to serviced by local dealer--may want to actually check there as they sometimes take trade-ins when people "moving up".

A good vintage machine with a manual often holds up better for lots of use... And leaves a lot of leaway when the individuals decide they want to do a wider variety of things. There are available some very good machines from the 50's and 60's that have cams for fancy stitches, and also handle denims well. Look around. Try Craigs List and your local OSMG.

I just bought a used Bernina on ebay for $400.

I gave my daughter my Janome which was just a few years old when she wanted a machine. I use a Baby Lock now.

Ditto! You can't beat it. froggyintexas

DITTO!!

Walmart sells a Brother machine that is great for mending, sewing, quilting (with additional feet), and will be a workhorse. I would go for the second cheapest or better, that is what my older machine is. I have had it 7 years, and still works as well as the day I bought it. I do put it on two mouse pads, since it does shake a little more than my Brother Quilting machine, but I would buy another tomorrow.

totally agree. :thumbup:

If they want something small, I bought a Janome "Hello Kitty" machine. It's a 3/4 size machine. I use it at work to sew during my lunch hour. It's not really fast but it is a great little machine. A REAL Janome only in a small, easy to store size!! They run about $100. You can also get a non-Hello Kitty 3/4 Janome. They run about $10 less. I've seen them at Hancock's Fabrics. I got my Hello Kitty from Overstock.com.

I would stick to one of the good brands - Viking, Janome, Bernina, etc. for sure. Stay away from Brother, especially the cheaper ones and although Singer used to be THE machine, I don't think that's the case anymore. A lot of the major brand dealers take trade ins and they have some great deals on used machines!!

Good luck!!
Debbie in Kentucky :)