This small sewing machine comes with everything needed to get a child started sewing. It is a fairly powerful machine and sews through most thin to medium weight material with ease. The instructions that came in the box with the machine are useless. Thanks to another, previous Amazon reviewer (and a video he referred to of a nice young lady with a UK accent), I had enough information to get started sewing. I recommend searching for the video online - it is very informative.

ZERO STARS if I could. We need a translator to translate their "English" language. I am not the only one complaining about this, so I will return this machine if I don't get a clear, good English instructions for it.My recommendation: Don't waste your time, money and energy unless you already know how this machine works.

horrible no instructions aweful dont waste your money!!!!

Bought this for my 10-year-old daughter, and she loves it! The accessories keep her busy, and it's easy for her to use without much help.

Love how compact this machine is! It fits in my craft room perfectly, and the LED light is a useful feature for detailed work.

Comes with so many accessories, I didn't need to buy anything extra. Great value for anyone starting out with sewing.

A sewing machine for $36 ? With a ton of accessories? Must be junk, right? Well No, IF you use within its limits.Lets review some concerns. First, poor instructions. This is easily solved by videos on youtube. Unfortunately, Amazons Review filter will usually bounce any review with an external URLSo I need to do by description: Search youtube for : "Watch "How to Operate a Mini Sewing Machine - Tutorial" You should see a video with a nice young lady with a UK accent. Great setup instructions. Ok - now.use. Start by remembering this machine has about a 15-watt motor and plastic gears.Initial setup;The machine will come with a little piece of stiched black cloth in its "jaws" (tucked under.presser foot). Save it! It shows you what a good stich looks like.And after you muck up the Thread Clamp and get a loose mess underneath - it will be your model to shoot for as you readjust everything.Start slow. Maybe even do a couple manual stiches by turning the wheel counter-clockwise. Make sure the bottom thread end is facing forward - away from youThe collect pole should be up and needle at top. The main thru the needle thread goes thru the needle front to back/left to right. When the Presser foot is down and you are "ready to go" - route the needle-exiting thread end under the rightmost presser foot 'upside down 'U'' leg (next to needle,) so it exits right. (provides tension so exiting thread does not get 'eaten' and move backwards).You are all set to go!Next - using within its limits:Mini Sewing Machine Fabric Compatibility GuideNeedle Size: 65/9• Fabric Type: Very lightweight• Examples: Chiffon, silk, organza, voile• Typical Fabric Weight: 30–70 GSM (0.9–2.1 oz/yd²)• Mini Machine Capable? Yes – Ideal fabric typeNeedle Size: 75/11• Fabric Type: Lightweight• Examples: Lawn, quilting cotton, tulle• Typical Fabric Weight: 70–130 GSM (2.1–3.8 oz/yd²)• Mini Machine Capable? Yes – Best performanceNeedle Size: 90/14• Fabric Type: Medium weight• Examples: Broadcloth, knit, flannel• Typical Fabric Weight: 130–200 GSM (3.8–5.9 oz/yd²)• Mini Machine Capable? Yes (carefully) – Avoid bulky seamsNeedle Size: 100/16• Fabric Type: Heavyweight• Examples: Canvas, light denim, duck cloth• Typical Fabric Weight: 200–300 GSM (5.9–8.8 oz/yd²)• Mini Machine Capable? Maybe – Flat seams only, go slowNeedle Size: 110/18• Fabric Type: Extra-heavy• Examples: Thick denim, vinyl, multilayer fabric• Typical Fabric Weight: 300–500+ GSM (8.8–14.7+ oz/yd²)• Mini Machine Capable? No – Likely to stall or damage motorNext explains how long each needle size typically lasts and how to tell when a needle should be replaced. Inexpensive sewing machines and mini models don't track stitch count, so physical inspection and sound are often more useful than counting stitches.Needle Lifespan & Replacement GuideNeedle Size: 65/9• Typical Use: Very light fabric• Estimated Life: 4–6 hours• Estimated Stitches: 40,000–60,000• Notes: Wears quickly on dense weavesNeedle Size: 75/11• Typical Use: Light fabric• Estimated Life: 6–8 hours• Estimated Stitches: 60,000–80,000• Notes: Great for quilting cottonNeedle Size: 90/14• Typical Use: Medium fabric• Estimated Life: 5–7 hoursj• Estimated Stitches: 50,000–70,000• Notes: Dulls faster on syntheticsNeedle Size: 100/16• Typical Use: Heavy fabric• Estimated Life: 3–5 hours• Estimated Stitches: 30,000–50,000• Notes: Replace after big projectHow to Tell When a Needle Needs Replacing:• Feel Test: If the needle resists entering fabric, or causes snags and puckering, it’s likely worn. Test on scrap before starting a project.• Visual Inspection: Under bright light or magnification, look for a polished groove, bent tip, or tiny barbs at the point.• Sound: A fresh needle makes a crisp tack-tack sound. A dull needle produces a click or thump, especially in heavy or dense fabric.• Skipped Stitches: Skipping, especially on knits or synthetics, is a key warning of a dull or micro-bent needle.• Pro Tip: Mark install date on a log sheetOnly ltime will tell if use per the above guidelines will keep your machine alive. YMMV!Just like a dull chefs knife causes headaches, a dull needle causes problems. Needles are cheap. Change frequently and enjoy with less frustration.4 stars - used within limits and with frequent needle changeStar deduct for useless instructions. really finicky Thread Clamp.Good starter sewing machine for 10yo Scout, or Adult occasional repair use, provided frequent needle change