@TazPoltorak @Bfordham some toy machines cheat by only being able to make a chain stitch instead of the lockstitch used by modern¹ machines: those aren't really sewing machines, they can't be used to follow instructions designed for sewing machines and I'd recommend staying away from them even as a “starting” machine, because they really aren't one.
the main issue being that the chain stitch unravels, and using it to make functional garments will require a lot more handsewing and different techniques that those used today.
as the first sewing machine ever built, they were time saver when sewing meters and meters of ruffles on a 1850s dress, when you were used to sew 1840s dresses by hand, but really, sewing machine technology has moved on :)
¹ i.e. since the second half of the 19th century :D