Learning to sew as a child is such a wonderful and important experience. It not only opens up a world of creativity and imagination, but can also be a bonding moment, like it was for me and my grandmother. It is also a great way for a child to become familiar with math, design, and hands-on creation.
To get your child ready for sewing, you must make sure you get the right sewing machine for them to use. In this guide, we will help you go through the different variations of features and models when it comes to choosing a kid’s sewing machine.
At What Age Can My Child Learn to Sew?
There is no real limit to what age children can start learning at. As with any practical skill, what is important is for there to be proper supervision to make sure they do not hurt themselves. That said, because of the tedious nature of sewing, very young children may be quickly disinterested in learning to do it. To make sure your child is as interested as possible, a good age to aim for is anywhere between six and eight years of age.
The Three Important Rules
There are three rules which are important to take into account when your child is learning to sew:
First, checking to make sure the sewing machine is proper and appropriate for your child to use.
Always ensure proper supervision when your child is sewing.
Enjoy!
Important Features to Look At When Choosing the Right Machine
There are different variations of sewing machines and it is important to make sure the one you are choosing it right for you.
Is the Machine Mechanical or Computerized?
This will depend on the model you are looking at. Some models have screens which allow you to choose the size, width, and style of the stitching. This is the computerized version. Otherwise, mechanical models have dials to change the stitching.
Stitching Range
There are a multitude of different stitching style options. The four most common and most important of the stitching styles are the zig zag, lightning, straight, and buttonhole stitches. The lightning stitch is useful for stretchy fabrics, while the buttonhole stitch is, evidently, for sewing on buttons.
Two other popular stitch modes which are useful but not necessary are the edge finishing and blind hem styles. If you’re planning on getting a machine for your child, you don’t need to go overboard with the stitching options, such as a machine with over 50 types. Stick to the basics!
The Design
There are different looks when it comes to the sewing machines themselves. There are different color options, for example, but this will sometimes add extra bucks. A plain machine can probably do as much as a blue one.
Price Range
There is a large price range for sewing machines. While it may not be necessary to purchase the most expensive model, the cheapest model may not be ideal, either. First, look at the different features, reviews, and options each model has to offer, before making your choice.
Child Safety
As for a majority of parents, safety is the number one concern when investing in any kind of appliance for a child. Luckily, there are sewing machine models which are child-friendly and safe to use. These include machines which have a switch, instead of a pedal, to control the stitching speed. For very young children, there are models with finger guards.
Why Should I Buy My Child a Sewing Machine?
A great aspect of this practical skill is that children can start at a very young age, at five years old or even younger, which will last them their lifetime (like learning to ride a bike). It can also be a great bonding experience if they can do it with a family member who can teach them how to use it. If the child is very young, however, it is a good idea to buy a different sewing machine than the one the adult uses, as those can be more dangerous for them to use.
To teach a child to learn to sew is a way to teach them to be artistic and creative. As funding for artistic opportunities diminishes in schools, it is important for parents to take on the responsibility to teach them practical and imaginative skills. There are lots of resources online to help you teach your child how to sew, as well as provide you with ideas for sewing projects. It is a great hobby for your child and does not demand much time outside of school or homework.
Not only is sewing a great hobby to learn, it is also great for making friends. There are not many children who sew, making it a great way to connect with other sewing kids. They can learn and practice sewing together, with supervision of course.
Of course, it is worrying at first to have a child learn to sew, especially with the needles. However, sewing machines designed for children will have a smaller needle and are less heavy and much easier to manipulate. These models are ideal for children, so you can teach them worry-safe.
Why is it Important to Buy the Ideal Kid’s Sewing Machine?
As said before, learning to sew is a tedious and patience-demanding task. Children might be interested by the cool machinery at first, but quickly lose interest after they realize the time and dedication sewing requires.
Children’s sewing machines makes the process easier, all the while teaching them the necessary basics. It will help them establish a strong foundation so they can later experiment with more complicated and intricate techniques.
It takes practice to learn the basics of sewing, but quickly your kids will have the skills to create and produce lots of unique things. In our guide, the recommended sewing machines are the perfect balance of easy-to-use, high-quality, and long-lasting models.
