Teaching Children to Sew: Which Sewing Machine To Use

Even if your child is 3 years old, the only question you must ask yourself to determine if a person is ready to learn to sew is: Will they obey the MOST important rule in sewing?

What is this rule? - Keep your fingers out from under the needle!!!!! When our daughter was 3, I knew that she could understand the dangers and would obey that rule. We bought her an inexpensive sewing machine and three months later she was sewing pillows, and by 6 months she had sewn her first lap quilt. Of course, we never let her operate the sewing machine without supervision. It is very important to never let your child be unsupervised while sewing.

We have three sewing machines. My husband bought me a wonderful sewing machine for my birthday, which is what started this incredible journey. When my girls showed their interest, we were led to buy a basic machine for our 3 year old, so that we didn't have to be concerned with her breaking mine. This was an adult sewing machine, actually it is a machine that is used in schools (able to take a lot of wear and tear), but under $100.

Just last year, we met a precious man that has worked on sewing machines for over 40 years. When he found out that my girls were sewing at such a young age, he blessed them with a 30 year old machine that is still in wonderful condition.

We enjoy all 3, each having its own pros and cons. We actually find ourselves choosing one over the other for different types of jobs. I believe this is true for all sewing machines; every brand and model has its pros and cons.

DO NOT JUMP INTO AN EXPENSIVE MACHINE!
Unless you already own a sewing machine, or if your sewing machine required your savings to purchase it, I highly recommend an inexpensive sewing machine for the younger ages. Once again, you have to consider the maturity level of your children. Will they follow the Main Rule of sewing? We bought a new, cheaper machine for our 3 year old, but I let my 6 year old use my machine. She is the oldest child, and strived on knowing ALL rules about everything and following them to the T.

You don't want to go so cheap that the machine is breaking all the time; this will lead to frustration. (They sell children's plastic sewing machines – DO NOT go this route). I have seen very good sewing machines in the $50-$100 range. We bought ours for around $60 and still use it today.

Another route is to find a used sewing machine that is in good working condition. The main point, is that you don't want to make a big investment causing you to be concerned with your child messing the machine up, or not getting the value out of it by not using it as often as you thought you would. However, invest enough so that the machine does not cause your child to lose their desire to learn to sew.

BASIC FEATURES YOU WANT IN A SEWING MACHINE
1. Stitches: straight, zigzag, buttonhole, and a reverse stitch
2. Presser Feet: basic foot (already on the machine), zipper foot, and buttonhole foot
3. Make sure you have several (I prefer at least 4-5) options for stitch length and width.

*One other thought about what you want in a machine. One of the mothers that I am working with found a sewing machine for her 6 year old that has a speed control on the pedal. This is the hardest thing for younger children to learn; how to control the speed of the machine with just the right pressure on the pedal. If you can find this feature on a less expensive machine get it. If not, don’t worry about it because by learning pedal pressure your child will be able to use any machine.

FINDING THE RIGHT MACHINE
After you have been sewing for a while, and you know you are going to spend a lot of time/years doing this, you will also know what you enjoy making the most, and what needs your sewing machine must meet.

Even though we sew a large variety of items from home decorating, clothes, quilts, to accessories, as well as patching horse blankets, we spend most of our time on costumes (1600s-1800s dresses) and bags. Both of these require a machine that can handle extreme bulk.

Start asking for people's opinions on different sewing machines. Go to stores where you can try them out. Try your friends' sewing machines, and don't forget to take with you the type of fabric that you use the most.

Once you try out some machines, I recommend buying on line, because you can get great deals. It just depends on if you need the extra service that a store front may provide. Make sure you have someone in your area that can service your machine before buying online. I have been able to find a wonderful man who is able to service and repair all of my machines.

Kristi learned to sew right along with her daughters. The girls were age 3 and 6, at the time! Because it was such an enjoyable experience she wants to encourage others to pursue this endeavor.

Kristi experienced the woes of feeling very ignorant just trying to read a pattern and was discouraged from trying to teach her girls on her own. After receiving a new sewing machine from her husband for her birthday, she became bound and determined to fulfill her desire to learn to sew.

Kristi's plan was to learn everything before she tried to teach her kids. But as she was learning, her girls caught her enthusiasm and in amazement she watched them flourish in learning to sew right along with her. Kristi says that, "quite honestly, because we knew nothing I experienced a real freedom in my own education".

At age 8 yrs. old, her younger daughter could sew her own dresses, and her older daughter, at 11 yrs. old, had a passion for sewing, and was a better seamstress than Kristi.

What Kristi wants to do, is share her journey in sewing; to help others know (with hindsight being 20/20) that the best way to learn is by doing. She has shared with friends and family their way of learning to sew, as well as, the projects and patterns that built their skills. She has seen it not only work for others, but truly bring a delight into the sewing experience.

To learn MORE, from the "9 Secrets to Successfully Teach Your Child to Sew", through free articles full of tips, encouragement, suggestions, and projects with step by step directions with lots of photographs, go here