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child’s sewing machine

CAR | Posted in General Discussion on

I am trying to decide on a sewing machine for my granddaughter.  She is six.  Very mature.  She is interested in learning to sew.  I want one that would be reliable and small enough for her to handle.  Especially reliable.

 

Replies

  1. catzu | | #1

    I teach sewing to children and for my classroom models I have Janome and Brother and White. I paid about $70.00 for each and have had no problems with them for 2 years. The one thing I recommend is that there is forward and backward stitch, zigzag, bottonhole, and a zipper foot. The machines are lightweight if they need to be moved for storage. I would stick to a full size not one of those ones for children with a plastic needle.

    I always encourage my students to not become attached to one machine. I think understanding machines is one key to having success at sewing. I always use computers as an example to learn to use different machine. (difference between Windows and Macintosh) My point being here is that the machine she starts out with probably won't be the machine that  she will stay with if she takes  sewing up as a hobby or art form. Buy a moderate priced one that will produce good results yet not break the bank.

    Always great to hear of children taking up this art!

    Catzu

    1. CAR | | #2

      Can you be more specific as to what the model #'s are to these machines?

      Do you know anything about the Singer Featherweight II 118 Machine?

      Thank you for your time and the information.

      1. catzu | | #3

        Sorry,

        Janome #1017

        Brother #LS2125 Conventional

        I looked at the Singer you spoke about and I think that looks like a nice machine.  My one other suggestion would be to make sure a dealer service for whatever brand you by is convenient for your granddaughter's machine and not too far away. I must leave for a movie for my son but will respond  more if necessary.

        Catzu

        1. thehat | | #4

          just a thought you don`t want the sewing walking off the table and when the child wants to sew it is better that is a little heavier I too have a grand daughter that has been sewing for about 2 years the thing she said that she likes about my machine is a control on the speed easier to handel around little fingers and eye hand cordination

          1. catzu | | #5

            I agree with you. My machines do move across the table the faster rate of speed the gals go. I personally have a Bernina and use it as a classroom model and the girls love the fact that the speed can be controlled. This is a  good point and one that does need to be factor in to the decision. Thank you.

            Catzu

          2. mem | | #6

            the walking problem is solved by using a rubber mat under the machine . you can get a srt of this spongey matting here in Australia which is perfect . You can also use the matting used under a dinner plate to stop it walking away from a person who can only eat with one hand .

  2. user-238478 | | #7

    Hi,  I would suggest a used reconditioned mechanical machine from your local dealer.... 

    As a Bernina lover, I would of course recommend one of that brand, but I would let what your trusted dealer has on hand decide the brand issue and then look for one that is relatively simple with the dealer's recommendation for the least fussy hook/stitch forming habit be the leading criteria.

    New sewers of ANY any age / temperament lack the patience for dealing with the 'thread nest'  ate my fabric...  bobbin thread tangles etc.   Eliminate the fussier aspects of using a sewing machine and you will gain a lover of sewing for certain. 

    As a new to sewing kid, my Mom made me sew along the lines of notebook paper   with needle, but no thread to learn to follow a line... then unlined paper... sew that 5/8  or 1/2 inch from the edge... then she would draw curvy shapes to follow....   When my little hands mastered that pretty well... not perfect, but well enough to understand how to accomplish the task   I got to sew stuff.  Less ripping out (an other bugaboo for newbies that can take the joy of sewing a way in a flash)

    nancy r

    1. kayrosie | | #8

      That is how I taught my granddaughter to sew. On paper and straight lines and curvy.  I then bought her a Janome inexpensive machine. I think it was a $100.00. Now my 5 year old wants one but first I think we will paly with the other one. They are very user friendly and easy to use. 

      1. MelyndaR | | #9

        I can offer a What Not To Do for this thread.  A few years ago I bought my daughter (I think she was 8 at the time) one of those completely adorable Sew Cute machines.  It was around $25 and PINK!  But it is completely too light and walks all around the table.   Waste of money.

        Best of luck in your search!

        Melynda

        1. kayrosie | | #10

          I totally agree. And they are frustrating because they will not work.  Not a good gift. Been there done that.

          1. thehat | | #11

            I did the same for my grandaughter  what a mistake ,so we just let her use my elna and she does really well .

          2. kayrosie | | #12

            I am thinking by another year she might be ready for her own. But she can learn on either mine or her sisters.  I am not goingto buy one of those cheapies again.

          3. thehat | | #13

            good plan happy sewing

          4. kayrosie | | #14

            I am going to see if I can find an inexpensive one at Joann's.  They have several didn't ones.

             

          5. thehat | | #15

            I went straight to the  dealer and got  my travel one for 200 it just a thought if you don`t  mind you can go to walMart and get ones for $ 80. or their abouts that will be so wounderful for her  you are such a  good mother hope you find one that you like if you like it she will  have fun shopping  that is a big step for a girl to get her first sewing machine  .

          6. kayrosie | | #16

            Her mom and I decided she can wait another year for a sewing machine. So that will be on my list for next year.  I will keep watching and find one that I think will work for her.   She loves to sew, cook and do all of that.

             

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