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Conversational Threads

sewing machine for 6 and 9 yr, old

mariihi820 | Posted in General Discussion on

I am going to be teaching my granddaughters, age 6 and 9 to sew. I plan to get them each a sewing machine for Christmas. What would you suggest? Just a simple machine with a zig-zag stitch and maybe some decorative stitches. Please give me some suggestions as to brand and model number.

Thank you for your responses.

Replies

  1. damascusannie | | #1

    Find a good, gently used vintage machine. They are inexpensive, easy to use and "real" rather than toys. Because you have no way of knowing whether or not your g-daughters will even like sewing, I hestitate to recommend a new machine that's going to cost a lot more.

    My own 17 year old sews on a 1952 straight stitch Singer 66 and has seen no need to upgrade. She designs and sews almost all of her dresses and skirts and many tops as well. I often find thesemachines for less than $20. Full-sized machines: 66, 15, 201, 3/4 sized machines: 99, 185. Look for machines that have no plastic parts.

    Annie in Wisconsin, USA
    ~~Doodlestein Designs Quilt Patterns
    ~~Finely Finished: Machine quilting worked on a treadle sewing machine.
    See patterns, quilting, and National sewing machines at: http://community.webshots.com/user/damascusannie

    Edited 10/7/2008 11:37 am by damascusannie



    Edited 10/7/2008 11:37 am by damascusannie

  2. starzoe | | #2

    Until you know whether the girls are interested enough to continue sewing, consider buying just one machine between the two of them. A reconditioned one, not too complicated but with some pattern stitches will pique their interest. My grandgirls loved playing with the various settings on pattern stitches during which they learned a lot about the machine.

    If possible, keep the machine somewhere accessible to the girls. Having to haul it out of storage for use will minimize their use and their interest.

  3. ellaluna | | #3

    I second the opinions of Annie and Starzoe. A second-hand machine is a wonderful way to go. If you're uneasy about buying a used machine from a yard sale, most sewing machine stores or sewing machine service centers sell used machines, and you have the added benefit of their expertise should anything go wrong.

    I also think they could share a machine. Then get them each their own pincushion, tape measure, scissors, etc., either in different colors, or you could personalize them. You could even check etsy -- there are some insanely gorgeous pincushions on etsy!

    I agree, if you don't yet know if they will "take" to sewing, I wouldn't spend a lot of money on a sewing machine.

    1. Ceeayche | | #4

      I agree with what the others have suggested. 

      The toy's are a waste of money.  A good quality straight stich/zig zag is the ticket!  And, yes let them share!

  4. judyblader | | #5

    my 8yo grand daughter has shown interest....i started her sewing on my treadle, the one that i learned to sew on....then picked up a free brother that does zigzag and patterns, from 'freecycle.org' for her..
    we cut out a basic pants pattern and she sewed it, loves it..
    and her 2 little sisters are going for that..at 4 and 3.....standing to use the power pedal while running the fabric under the foot..
    maybe you could watch freecycle and 'craigslist.org' for ones that are being given away free....
    if the children have interest, there will be plenty of time to help them upgrade if necessary later..

    1. damascusannie | | #6

      I LOVE it that you started her out on a treadle! I started mine out on handcrank machines and my youngest daughter (18) still does her sewing on either her 1952 Singer handcrank or a Singer treadle from the 'teens.Annie in Wisconsin, USA
      ~~Doodlestein Designs Quilt Patterns
      ~~Finely Finished: Machine quilting worked on a treadle sewing machine.
      See patterns, quilting, and National sewing machines at: http://community.webshots.com/user/damascusannie

      Edited 11/6/2008 5:42 pm by damascusannie

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