My DH got me a Brother CE4000 on Overstocked.com for about $89. It was refurbished, but works great. It also came with a 20 or 25 year limited warranty just like my Bernina. I use Baby Brother to piece while Sadie is embroidering. My grandson (10) sewed on it for the first time and loved the experience. It has about 25-30 fancy stitches that can be 5-7mm in width.

That is a really cute picture!

What ever you do don't get a "child's" I got one for my daughter when she was young and before we even had it out of the box good somethings messed up on it and I had to send it back. Get one that is smaller but sturdy, and it sews wells. Wal-Mart does have some nice ones that would work very well for a beginner.

I lucked out... my neighbor put two Montgomery Wards machines out with the trash. I picked them up and they had all the attachments and the user manuals... Granddaughter got the newer one and I kept the older one as an extra machine. She has been sewing since she was 5 when I bought her a $50 Sew Precious by Simplicity (that was a waste of $$) it broke after making a tote bag. Spend a little more and get a good machine. Also, test drive it if you can.

That is so true, even a beginner needs a machine that can hold up.When you by cheap sometimes that's what you get, and it won't make the grade.

I learned on a full-size machine with a knee control at 8 yrs old. I have to admit to prejudice. A full-size machine would be my pick to teach a child. It doesn't have to be one of the fancy ones, just a basic machine that will last.

The pic of the little person sewing is precious! Thanks for sharing.

I always start the kids on my favorite machine, no matter what it's worth. It's really important that they spend their time actually sewing and not messing with thread nests, dragging motors, or other problems with can easily discourage a child from ever wanting to sew another stitch again.

I wou;d recommend a Janome as you can adjust the top speed of the machine from slow-medium-fast and anywhere inbetween. Like having a governor on it.

I learned on a treadle machine, and I think when my granddaughters start to sew I'm going to start them on one, too. A little slower and fewer things to break.

I agree a full sized machine is the way to go. My 8 yr old DGD has one and loves it. I did get her a small white-waste of money. Speed control is a must. She knows how to use all of my machines. I did send home the small one for "practice". She is coming over next weekend to make herself a sun dress. I always look forward to her coming over and joining me in my (our) sewing room.