For an 8 year old
#11
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: North Dakota
Posts: 187
I would buy a lower end basic but brand name quality full size machine. If she likes sewing it will be useful for years, if not you can use it or sell it. I would avoid a toy or gimmick machine directed at kids. That's what I did for my daughter and the machine is still in use many years later.
#12
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,666
I would buy a lower end basic but brand name quality full size machine. If she likes sewing it will be useful for years, if not you can use it or sell it. I would avoid a toy or gimmick machine directed at kids. That's what I did for my daughter and the machine is still in use many years later.
I would get a machine that I would be happy using
If DGD loves it and sewing, you will be ahead. If this turns out to be a "she tried it and did not really like sewing," you will still have a decent machine to use as a backup.
I have finally learned that sometimes simpler is definitely the way to go.
I have no advice on what to buy. All my machinrs are between 30 and 60 years old.
I do have a couple Singer 237 Fashionmate machines - 1960s era - that have forward and reverse, three needle positions, zigzag, and a light. I am fond of these machines. If the bobbin winder is not working, it msy be that the rubber tire is bad. A new one can be obtained for less than $5, and it is a do it yourself fix. I would buy another if I saw one.
The down side of that machine. It is heavy!
#13
My friend bought the Hello Kitty for herself and she loves it. They switched out the throat plate to a metal one for her. She says she is happy every time she uses it. I know I would've been over the moon for a Hello Kitty as it was new and they had a display in my local department store as a kid. I do have to agree though with the others, buy a machine you wouldn't mind using as a backup.
#14
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Sonoma County, CA
Posts: 4,299
I outgrew my brother CS6000i and gave it to my niece and nephew (8 & 12 years old at the time) and they have no trouble working it. I demonstrated changing the needle and threading it once, then unthreaded & took out the needle and made each of them do it themselves and now they're sewing machine experts! (So they told me, LOL)
I liked the machine myself and would have kept it as a travel/backup machine but I was happy to give it to them too. I think it's great that they BOTH are enjoying sewing. They've had it for over a year now and I get periodic reports that they haven't broken it yet, although I did hear they successfully sewed some cardboard together with it, LOL. The things kids think up....
I liked the machine myself and would have kept it as a travel/backup machine but I was happy to give it to them too. I think it's great that they BOTH are enjoying sewing. They've had it for over a year now and I get periodic reports that they haven't broken it yet, although I did hear they successfully sewed some cardboard together with it, LOL. The things kids think up....
#15
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Corpus Christi, Tx.
Posts: 16,105
She has already repaired some jeans. No trouble as yet. It is the Janome 124 mini sew. Only paid the $50 because not knowing how long she would stick with it. If you're going to use it also then you may want more.
#17
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 16,511
#19
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Idaho
Posts: 1,294
I bought two Bernette Seville 4 this Christmas for granddaughters. On sale at local quilt shop. $150 each but I didn't want them to have cheap machines that would cause grief and discourage their sewing. Plus their moms can use also. Win win. I LOVE my 30 year old Bernina. The Bernette is not Swiss made but it is made for Bernina so I feel it is better than lots of others out there...
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 659
I bought a very inexpensive Janome (sew-mini) for my granddaughter to sew on - choice of only three stitches from Hancock Fabrics (free shipping at the time). Certainly works well and she loved it. My mistake was letting her try my Viking Diamond - now she knows the difference.
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msmariab5
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
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03-16-2014 04:20 AM