I've been sewing for my granddaughters for a few years. The Singer Fashion Mate 3342sewing machine is a nice beginner machine. It's easy to thread with the auto threader. I like that it's lightweight so it's easy to take to the table when I want to sew and store when not needed. I do not really like that it doesn't come with a manual so you have to go to the website.  But lots of companies are going that route these days. I'll let my granddaughter learn to sew on this machine and she will love it.