The problem with a sewing machine that sells for $20 or $30 new is that it doesn't have very many features and it can't be of very high quality.

If the thing is hard to use, it will turn off your grand daughter (or anyone else) to sewing. If you have to fight the machine, you won't enjoy sewing on it.

When a standard clean and adjust service at the local sewing machine dealer costs $60 to $80, would you ever bother to have a $20 sewing machine fixed?

A couple of suggestions:

Go down to your local sewing machine dealer and ask to see their used machines. Explain what you are buying and why and what your price point is. Depending on what is in the shop at the moment, they may have a used machine in your price range. See if they will include lessons for your grand daughter on how to use the machine. Depending on your dealer, they may also offer "how to sew" lessons.

As far as inexpensive new machines for beginners, Janome has some models that are popular and generally get good reviews.

The advantage of going to a dealer is that you can try out the machine and judge whether it is sturdy and easy to use. Your dealer will most likely provide some other services that you won't get buying online. They want you to come back to them for your next sewing machine or sewing tool purchase.

OR, Buy online, there are some great deals. Avoid anything marketed as a toy machine or a child's machine.

Check out AllBrands or other online vendors for machines in your price range. Of course, you won't be able to test them in person.

Here are a couple of examples (I make no claims as to quality of individual models):

http://www.allbrands.com/products/abp10221.html

http://www.allbrands.com/products/abp03975-0120.html

http://www.allbrands.com/products/abp09934-0120.html

You can find reviews of specific model sewing machines at the Pattern Review website.

CMC

Here is a link that might be useful: Pattern Review

My 6 yo son uses my Featherweight. I guess I've lost custody of that machine since he thinks I bought it for him. It is perfect for a child. He can now thread it and reload the bobbin. At his age, he's very happy with just a straight stitch.

I picked it up for $175 on eBay and it came with the original manual and many different feet like the ruffler, hem stitcher and bias tape applying thingy.

My other kids (age 9 and 12) use my Bernette and an old Neechi. I think an older workhorse is really good for kids. You can even check on eBay and find old hand crank machines. No electricity needed. They are beautiful, also.

Gloria

I wouldn't buy a $20 piece of plastic junk. I would invest in a second hand machine from a dealer......or if you are experienced enough or have a friend who is a sewer, ask around to see if anyone has an older working machine they want to part with. Garage sales are also an option, or even the newspaper. If you aren't a sewer have someone with you who is and can check out the machine BEFORE you buy. Some people have gotten great buys that way. IMHO, I go with a dealer who has older model machines and will give service, a lesson or two and the machine has some basic things like extra bobbins, perhaps a few feet and maybe some oil. DO NOT BUY any machine if there is NO manual. Some manuals are easy to find second hand and some are not......the manual is worth it's weight in gold in the long run. Always keep machine and manual together so they are handy. So I vote no for a piece of plastic junk that will frustrate rather than educate.

Thank you all for your advice. I truly appreciate you taking the time to answer!!

I found great older sewing machines at estate sales. Seems that no one appreciates their mom or grandmother's sewing machines. I paid about $25 for each, some in cabinets. All they needed was a little TLC, that is, cleaning, oiling and then they purred great!

Always take fabric and thread with you in order to test the machines before purchasing.

few years ago I bought a perfectly good used machine at a local Goodwill store for $15. Sometimes I have run across one at a thrift store or garage sale. you might check local high schools and vocational schools that have home economics type classes. they usually replace their machines on a regular basis. may you could find a good used one