My Niece is wanting a sewing machine for Christmas and she is 12 years old and hasnt sewn before so I'm looking for advice on what would be a good starter machine for her. But one that would last for awhile in case she really gets into sewing but not real pricey. Help Please! :-D

I can recommend the Brother LX-3125 that WalMart has for under $100. It is a good basic machine. A few choices of extra stitches, but nothing really fancy. I have had mine for awhile now and really like how it sews. The only problems I've had have been with things like thread breaking when I use the cheapie stuff, vinyl not feeding smoothly, etc...not machine specific type things.

If you want an inexpensive one that would do a good job and last awhile, buy her a used, older one. I know when you think "Christmas" you think you have to purchase something new, but some of the bottom of the line new ones just aren't made to last.

I purchased a Janome 4623 for my 12 yr. old granddaughter for Christmas last year. It was apx. $239 which may seem high, however, it is an easy machine for them to learn to use AND it has some decorative stitches and other features for more advanced sewing down the road. She completed a small quilt and pillow and very quickly learned how to wind a bobbin, thread the needle, and use the needle up/needle down function. I had to puchase a walking foot separately, but it was well worth the $30. This is a great machine, very portable, very sturdy, and very easy to use.

I'd go with the idea of buying a sturdy used machine. You can find some really nice older Singers like the Touch N Sew for reasonable prices.

I agree totally! The older models are still great if heavy but she probably wont be traveling with her machine anyway. Find a good older model, can find them cheap too.

I agree with an older model as well. I was given an old zig zag by my Grandpa when I was younger and I used the heck out of it. When it finally gave out my husband let me order a fancy expensive sewing/embroidery machine.....That machine was a nightmare. After it had an "accident" I bought an older model on craigslist and I looooove it. Best $60 I have ever spent.

I would go with the Brother XL3750 which is $119
88 on line at Wal-Mart or the Brother CE5500PRW $139.00 or CE5000 $149.00 both at Wal-Mart also.

You said your niece is 12...I have a 14 year old daughter and 15 year old niece. My daughter is not into sewing but my niece is a little. I know what they gravitate to when we look at machines in the stores. I agree to some extent with the older machines. They are more sturdy and usually more reliable and would be great to learn on. But, she is a 12 year old. They usually like buttons and fancy stitches. Also, any of these 3 machines are lightweight.

Unless you know she will definitely be leaving it in one place, she will probably want to take it from your house to her house. She may even want to take it with her to a sleepover with her girlfriends and have a fashion party. That's what my daughter and niece used to do. They had great fun when they were younger making dresses, pocketbooks and hats then modeling them for me and my husband.

You may also want to think of what you might want for a back up machine incase she decides sewing/quilting is not what she thought it was.

I would not get a used machine for someone of this age. Not for Christmas anyway. She isn't likely to appreciate the gesture. I vote for a starter machnine like the Brother at WalMart.

Between Pfaff and Jenome, you get a very sweet machine from $150 to $400 and they both have a beautiful handling, threading, etc. And IMO, the less that can go real, is prize. Moving from $100 to above $150 will also give her those extra fancy stitches that can something that's she doing very much more personal. I do agree on the used older machine's but the problem that I had with these was the fact they were a bit heavy when taking back and forth to classes. But I am very sure that your eye will catch on to something and you will know what's right.