Child's Kenmore
 

I got this lovely little Kenmore for $10. There is no manual but I mainly would like to know what size of needle would I use in this machine. It came with no needle. It can be operated with electricity or it can use batteries. I won't be using it but would just like to get it running if possible. Any help would be appreciated.

Great find!!! You could try a standard needle and turn the wheel by hand gently to see if it works. If it doesn't then try a different size needle.

Good find! Have fun.

I wish they made those today!! I would love one for my daughter who is interested in sewing. It looks like it would actually sew unlike the "kid" machines today,

If your daughter is interested in sewing get her a real machine.

Being an older model, this one might be ok. But, anyone buying a new machine for a child, please buy a 'real' machine. You can find one on sale for $80 - $100 or check out a used for $40ish. Ask around, someone may have an old machine that they will give you because they are excited at having someone learn to sew. I can not count the times that someone has bought one of the 'beginner' (toy) machines for a child and brought it in for me to show them how to thread or sew on it. They are toys! Nothing is going to frustrate a new sewer faster than these.

I agree completely!!
As a child, I sat on the floor while my grandmother sewed on her Singer treadle machine. Thus began my love of sewing! Later, my mother bought me something similar to the one above, but I was frustrated with it, as Mawmaw had already begun teaching me to sew on the treadle machine. Not too long after that, Mawmaw bought herself a new machine, and let me use her old one. I never looked back!!

Teach your daughter on a real machine - teach her the basics not only of sewing, but the TLC of the machine itself. I've found that the older machines are truly the best ones for beginners.

I have two "toy" sewing machines. One sort of sews a chain stitch. The other looks similar to a Singer 'Rocketeer' 500A, only it does not really sew. I just found a CL-listed handcrank Singer 28 (1910) which sews a very nice stitch. I plan on using this machine to teach my granddaughters to sew as well as an older electric Singer 99 with a spoked hand wheel that I will outfit with a purchased handcrank. The working toy machine I have looks as if it would be too small to really sew anything and be frustrating to operate.

I did not purchase this machine to use or teach my granddaughter how to sew. I have a Singer Sew Handy in my collection and just thought this would make a nice addition.

Well, then, it IS very cute!! And yes, as a collector's item, it's way cool!!