5 stars

Bought this, after much reading of reviews, for my 7 year old. We both love it and highly recommend it for beginner sewers, kids and adults. It's portable, being a 1/2 size; it's surprisingly sturdy and well-made and quiet, typical Janome (also sold without the Hello Kitty design as the Janome Sew Mini); the instructions are very clear; and the slower speed is perfect for new sewers. I've had no problems with the tension or plastic bobbins (using good thread). Any minor gliches - tangles, de-threading, etc- are no different than with my ten-ton warhorse sewing machine, which I inherited from my mother, and use infrequently. She and I have already made a mini-quilt, a stuffed book (no problem sewing through 6 layers and batting), an apron, a stuffed star, and fixed two curtains. The price was great for such an impressive little machine. The 3/4 size green version also got great reviews for those who want button-holes, more stitches, a slightly faster speed, and who want to pay a bit more. This blue version will last her for many, many years!

1 stars

I bought this for my grandaughter for Christmas because I want to teach her how to sew.It's a piece of****.We can't keep the tension set.I gave it one star because it is cute.Buy a real sewing machine and save your money.I have ordered hera good one now.

2 stars

This machine is ONLY for beginners and not for anyone who would actually like to do anything beyond a straight stitch. The foot pedal is actually the "on/off" switch and there is only the one "on" speed. I kept accidentally shutting it off by pressing on the foot pedal. If I had known this in advance, I would not have purchased it.

5 stars

I just got this little blue baby three days ago and have been sewing up a storm! I am 24 years old, and have never sewn before. I'm not into hello kitty items, but I didn't want to spend that much on my first machine. I read the reviews and debated between this one and the green one, but decided this was more my price range. I DID NOT replace the plastic bobbins with metal ones and I haven't had my bobbin get tangled once! The book is so easy to use, it has pictures on how to wind the bobbin and thread the machine. I LOVE IT! It is also really light and compact enough to fit into my craft bin. It does sew slower than most machines, but that's what's great about it. I'm not confident yet to go really fast. Perfect pace for beginners. I may step up to the green one latter just b/c it has more stitch options on it.

5 stars

i was very impressed with this product. it's my very first sewing machine..because im only 13. i was interested in sewing and i was looking for a good machine that wasnt too expensive for a beginner. so i saw this one and i thought it was cute.i ordered it & got it a few days later.it's very light and i took it right out of the box when i got it. now,im having alot of fun sewing.

5 stars

I am very impressed. Super lightweight and relatively quiet, the stitch on this little beauty was perfect for piecing quilts. The machine is slow. I think 500 stiches per minute, but that also makes it perfect for young sewers. The trade-off for slowness is how easy it is to pack and take this Kitty. I have told several people to get this and plan to get another, just to have - future grandchildren? I did replace the plastic bobbins with metal from the time I took it out of the box. [...]

4 stars

I bought this for my 7year olds birthday and she loves it. It is just right for her. Even my 5 year old can use it with help. It sews at a slower speed wich is great for them. If I had an older child I would splurge and buy the green one it would give them more growing room but this one works great for the younger child. This is much nicer than any other sewing machine for kids. I would buy this again my girls love it.