Inexpensive machines

Have you seen those little inexpensive($40) machines at Walmart & discount stores? They had a lilac colored one called a Pixie. I think it was Singer but I might be wrong. My 7 yr old was really looking it over when I was there getting needles.I thought that would make a great Christmas present for her. She watches me sew & keeps asking when she can sew. I wonder if they are ok for kids. Anybody ever buy one & what do you think of them? The size was perfect for her.

Honestly, I have heard terrible things about these machines.  Mostly, it's the tension which results in major thread jams- all the time. My suggestion is to pick up a well-maintained used machine off of Craigslist, a thrift store or garage sale.  I would look for an all-metal machine and stick with the well known brands such as Singer, Necchi, Pfaff, Viking, or Bernina and before the 80's would be best. You may have to clean and oil it, but other than that, it should give you very little trouble. 

My three little ones, ages 3, 5 & 7, each have their own machine, (I know, but I'm crazy), and they are all built in the 1960's or earlier and only sew a straight stitch and zig-zag.  For now this is all they need and the best part is that these machines are very simple to operate. I have never paid more than $50 for each machine they use.  It may take a little more time to find one, but I bet you will be happier. 

I went & read a few reviews & they mostly say these are junk! You are right on when you say to buy a good used machine. Why waste $$ on junk. I want her to actually be able to sew with it. I know its no fun when the machine won't sew. The biggest complaint was parts breaking & tension.
She was really looking at that machine like oh this is so nice but I knew there was a reason they are so cheap.

I just bought my 13-year-old granddaughter a refurbished Janome. With the 2-year warranty, the total came to $71.

Same here!  My mum bought my daughter a little machine from spotlight when she was about 10 (She is 22 now).  The machine worked ok but because it was so light weight it slipped all over the table while she was feeding the fabric through. The foot peddle was so small and plastic it was had to keep in place under her foot and she was forever trying to find ways to keep everything in place with rubber mats, double sided sticky tape etc.  We still have it, we took it out to  sell in a garage sale, but I decided I couldn't sell it to anyone else and continue the dissapointment and frustration in someone elses child (not to mention the mother)!  I turned out that my older machine  (used with supervision) was actually more safe to use because it was solid and reliable etc.  I agree with you, that we can get carried away with the "cuteness" of a machine that looks good, but dosn't actually do what we need it to do.  We bought my daughter a fancy, super dooper, "big girls" machine for her 21st birthday and she loves it!  good luck with your little one, she will be happy with a machine that works that is all her own, it dosn't have to be cute.  To continue the sewing habit in the next generation can only be a GOOD THING!!!!!! 

Hello,

New to forum.  Last year I purchased a Janome, I think it was called Sew Perfect, not real sure, at Target.  It was the perfect machine for my granddaughter.  It had even been reduced and I may have paid less than $60 for it.  Hope you are able to find something.

Mary

Another rec for an inexpensive Janome.  I bought my then 8-year-old niece the 3/4 size Hello Kitty version for $80 and it's actually a nice little machine.  (My sister uses it for her own projects too!)

I'm looking for two machines for my 8yo's for xmas.  I've been checking out Craigslist, ebay, all the usual sites.  My problem is that I really want ones that have the speed control.  they are used to that on my janome magnolia and one daughter in particular, really needs to have a slower speed for her to control the fabric.  hard to find two that will fit in my budget.

Get a pink eraser or two and tape them strategically under the pedal portion of the foot controller- this will prevent it from going 100% of the way down and will prevent the machine from  "running away" at full speed.

great idea!  thanks!

I have seen these refurbished Janomes on overstock.com and they seem to be a great deal.