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A good starter machine for a child?
kimmypie123 Intermediate Member since 6/12/12 Posts: 3	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 10/10/12 10:53 AM I want to get my daughter (9 years old) a sewing machine for Christmas. I have looked at the Babylock BL9, the Viking E10/E20, etc. Basic mechanical machines. My price range is $200-$300 but there are so many machines my head is spinning trying to narrow them down! I would like a needle threader just because I will be helping her sew and I am so used to a needle threader, basic stitches, good quality and easy to use. I would really like to go through a dealer as well to get a class for her and for the customer service. I just bought myself a Babylock Serenade so I'm sold on buying a quality machine, but she doesn't need a computerized machine. Thanks for any help you can offer!
SeattleLin Member since 12/31/10 Posts: 1	Login to reply to this post In reply to kimmypie123 << Like this post Date: 10/10/12 11:41 AM You might consider a Singer 301 which would of course be used. I learned to sew on that machine when it was new in 1958 and I was 8. I still have it out, ready to sew at all times, and it is my go-to machine for a quick job. My 'other' machine is a Quattro 2.
kimmypie123 Intermediate Member since 6/12/12 Posts: 3	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 10/10/12 11:50 AM The only reason I'm hesitant to get a used machine is that I am not experienced enough myself to help her trouble shoot stuff. A new machine with dealer support would be ideal
Maia B   Advanced Beginner IL USA Member since 10/27/10 Posts: 3389	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 10/10/12 11:57 AM I tried to use a basic mechanical to teach my kids (boys 6 & 8 when I started teaching them machine sewing). They wanted the cool deco stitches like I had on my Quest Plus (the predecessor to your Serenade). They both preferred sewing with the start-stop button at first and still do at times. So just assess what your daughter's preferences might be. My kids' machine is a Brother HS 2000, though my older son likes sewing on my Berninas now. If she wants a basic mechanical but with more than a straight stitch, consider the Janome 2212. ------ 🌸 Plenty of machines, mostly Berninas 🌸
Mufffet   Intermediate VT USA Member since 8/14/05 Posts: 8909	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 10/10/12 12:39 PM Yes, these days the kids love the buttons...;) Why not get them an entry level computerized machine like the Janome 1050 or something as nice as that. I second the mechanical 2212 if that's the route you go. My DD sure didn't want to use the mechanicals. But she was in her 30s then even though a beginner. Here's a 4 page thread on this topic, and there are other threads here as well about this: Sewing machine for a child -- Edited on 10/10/12 12:41 PM -- ------ "Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." --Dalai Lama I have sewing machines
andye   Beginner VA USA Member since 5/9/09 Posts: 1529	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 10/10/12 1:30 PM Does she sew on your machine? What does she like about it? What does she hate about it? What do you think she'll make on it? (On a related note, why do some kids prefer the throttle and button to the food pedal? Are their legs too short? )
karen149   Intermediate CA USA Member since 3/4/05 Posts: 2509	Login to reply to this post In reply to kimmypie123 << 1 member likes this. Date: 10/10/12 1:58 PM I think the options you mentioned would be great choices. The Anna and Molly models would be good, too. Costco has a very nice Brother in the stores right now for about $150. It looks like the CE8080PRW but has a lot more stitches along with an extra set that does mirror image...kind of a custom model for Costco. -- Edited on 10/10/12 4:00 PM --
andye   Beginner VA USA Member since 5/9/09 Posts: 1529	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 10/10/12 2:05 PM Janome has some cute models, though perhaps "Hello Kitty" is a narrow niche. Bernina's Bernettes might be worth a look too.
sylvia114 Advanced Member since 4/24/12 Posts: 32	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 10/10/12 2:40 PM aren't some of the Janome Gem (Gold?) machines available with the self-threader? A friend of mine bought one of these jewels for classes and she loves it. Not a lot on it, but enough to make it a good choice in the $200-300 range. ------ Bernina 830LE Bernina 630 Bernina 830 Record Babylock Ellegante 2 Featherweights 2 Featherweight Red and Black
kimmypie123 Intermediate Member since 6/12/12 Posts: 3	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 10/10/12 6:09 PM Now I've been looking at computerized machines because I think she would really use the speed control a lot. Most people like to just press the foot pedal all the way down no matter what so the speed control would be a nice feature.

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