Help! My Kid Wants a Sewing Machine!

Since I began The Merry Makery, machine sewing for kids has been the most popular lesson I give. This fills me with such joy! I LOVE that so many kids want to sew!

I have a set of student sewing machines in the studio that are always available for lessons, so kids (and grown ups) can learn basics before they purchase their own machine! But if a student discovers that they REALLY love sewing they may wish to practice their skills outside of lessons.

Parents frequently ask me for guidance on what sewing machine to purchase for their child! And today I’m here to demystify that process for you!

Avoid machines that are made for and marketed to kids!!!

If you take nothing else away from this post, please, please, please heed this advice. Imma try not to get too feisty here. But no promises.

Kids sewing “machines” are everywhere. And darn it, some of them are so cute! Your kid may have spotted them on retail shelves and begged you for one. You may already own one, in fact, because said child may have fallen in love at first sight. And it seemed like a great birthday or Christmas present. After all, they are inexpensive and might be a good way to give your kid a taste of the sewing machine experience without dropping much money.

But be strong, moms, dads, grandparents, uncles and aunts!!! These “machines” are toys. And more often than not, lousy ones. They are often made from flimsy plastic, battery operated, and break after one or two uses. And they might completely sour your kid’s desire to sew before they have a fighting chance to properly learn.

I’ve said my piece and I’m moving on.

Consider a basic “mechanical” machine from a well-known sewing machine brand.

The ideal beginner machine should be very simple and it should come from a well-known sewing machine brand. I will go ahead and share that I recommend looking at models made by Singer , Janome, or Brother.

Specifically search for “mechanical” rather than “computerized” machines. If you want to get something that will make it even easier for your child to get the hang of the machine, specifically look for a model that has a “drop-in bobbin” system.

Try a used or older machine, IF…

… you can find a local dealer who services that brand.

I love a great pre-owned machine. Especially if it was passed down from a grandma or another beloved relative. I own my grandma’s sewing machine, and having her machine with me makes me feel a warm connection to her even though she passed away 15 years ago.

But older and pre-owned machines are likely to need repairs in order to run smoothly. The best way to get them repaired is through dealers who work with particular brands. Preferably dealers you can work with in person.

How do you find local dealers? Simply enter the name of the sewing machine brand + “local dealers” into your internet search engine. The results should yield plenty of leads.

Don’t underestimate the value of old-fashioned “common sense”

My last words of advice? Draw upon your “common sense” even if you think you know nothing! Read online reviews before purchasing, if possible. Ask your friends who sew if they have recommendations. Heck! E-mail ME a link to a machine you are considering if you want my hot take on it.

Stay within your budget, and don’t fret too much over the decision! And have FUN! You are setting your kid up for sewing success!