Best Sewing Machine for a Child-Kids Will Love Them!

Top 3 Picks for Best Sewing Machine For a Child

Award	Product Image	Product Title	Price	Buy
Editors Choice		Janome Fastlane Fuschia Basic, Easy-to-Use, 10-Stitch Portable, Compact Sewing Machine with Free Arm only 5 pounds, Fuschia
Best Value		MICHLEY LSS-505+ Desktop 12-Stitch Sewing Machine, White	$65.62

Best Sewing Machine For a Child

Thanks for stopping by our article on the best sewing machine for a child. Your kids are creative little people. No matter where you are or what you are doing, they will always find a way to do it more creatively. They do not think as adults do. They have not yet lost their creative touch. In fact, being a child is mostly about creating. Whether it is creating friendships, works of art, or stories, children love to take a hands-on approach to life. This is why finding the best sewing machine for a child will make the perfect gift to take that creativity to the next level.

Why Should You Buy a Sewing Machine For Your Child?

A sewing machine is a perfect way to help your child channel their creativity. Now, we do not mean the plastic toy versions that you see in the toy section of stores; we mean real, actual, bona fide, proper sewing machines – the kind which will help them mend their own clothes or create clothes from their own design (great in this throwaway culture of ours).

A sewing machine will help them in creating magnificent works of art. A sewing machine will not only highlight their creativity, it will develop their fine motor skills too. There really is no reason not to buy your child a sewing machine, and when it comes to making a choice, we have everything you need to know before you make your purchase.

The Best Sewing Machine for a Child-Our Reviews

Now that we have gone over what you should look for when purchasing the best sewing machine for a child, we will now go over our reviews. We hope that you will enjoy our reviews and hopefully they will help you in your purchasing decision. Here are our reviews:

OUR TOP PICK: Janome 15312 Hello Kitty Easy-to-Use Sewing Machine

This is a great sewing machine for kids. It looks fun and cute with the Hello Kitty decals, but behind the cute exterior is a serious sewing machine. It’s a machine which kids and adults will love. There are fifteen built-in stitches. Your child will be able to find a stitch for any occasion, including basic stitches, fashion stitches, and decorative stitches.

The exterior is constructed from plastic, with fun decorations, but inside you will find a solid aluminum frame. This frame will last, so when you buy this sewing machine, you do not need to worry about replacement parts or your sewing machine breaking down.

The three-piece feed dog system allows all fabric types to be fed into the sewing machine, and when they have been fed, you can customize the stitches with adjustable stitch lengths and zig-zag width. The customization is easy for small fingers; all you need to do is turn a dial. The removable free arm will also make it easy to sew small areas, such as cuffs of a shirt or sleeves.

Everyone likes to get accessories for their purchases; they are almost like free gifts. This sewing machine comes with lots of them. There are multiple accessories, including four presser feet. The presser feet snap on, which is another benefit for small children. The three-piece feed dog system will also ensure that the fabric is fed through without it bunching or pulling. Young children can find it hard to untangle.

This is a great machine for young children. It is easy and intuitive to use. It is lightweight, so kids will be able to move the machine by themselves, and with a little help, they will be able to set it up by themselves. We would recommend this sewing machine for any young children.

EDITORS CHOICE: Janome Fastlane Fuschia Basic, Easy-to-Use, 10-Stitch Portable, Compact Sewing Machine

This is definitely a sewing machine for anyone who likes bright colors and likes to stand out; there is no hiding this machine – the fuchsia is bright and daring. The thing we love most about this machine is that, even though it looks like it has been designed for children, it is a professional sewing machine.

The machine is also very light, so young children are going to be able to take this machine from storage and place it where they want to work. They should also have no problem putting the machine away when they are done. The size of the machine is also perfect for children, and they should have no problem in manipulating all aspects of the sewing machine.

The top-loading bobbin is a real selling feature. Front-loading bobbins work just fine, but the top-loaders are easier to use, and quicker too. They are also more reliable and less prone to jamming. The finger guard also adds a level of safety to this sewing machine. When there are sharp needles moving at high speeds, there is nothing worse than a small finger getting trapped. The reverse stitch option also allows you to take care of fabric and stitches which have become caught or tangled.

You have four main stitches with this machine: straight, zigzag, crescent, and multiple zigzags. With the straight stitch, you have five variations to add some flourish to your stitching. The zigzag also has three variations.

This is a perfect machine for any child who is starting on their sewing journey. This sewing machine is great for basic sewing, and your child will be able to repair fabric and make their own clothing. It is also advanced enough to add some decorative stitches to garments. Great or all ages.

BEST VALUE: Michley LSS-505+ Desktop 12-Stitch Sewing Machine

We like how small and compact this sewing machine it is. It also features a handle on the top, making it easy to carry, even for your youngest children. The features have also been kept basic, so it is a great gateway sewing machine to hone your skills as you begin to develop. It is great for kids for this very reason. It is not overly complex, so young children will be able to use it without the need for a lot of instruction.

There are enough stitches to give you a lot of options, without it becoming overwhelming. You have the option between zigzag and straight stitches. This is not a sewing machine which will allow you to make decorative stitches and other advanced stitches, but you have enough variety to be able to repair clothes and make your own. If you have two pieces of fabric to stitch together, then this machine will be able to do it. You can also use reverse stitching with this model.

Kids will enjoy having two speed settings. They can start with slow stitching if they are unconfident or tackling complex problems, and move to faster stitching when they are comfortable with it. There is also a sleeve nook to allow for sleeve sewing or the sewing of any other small garments.

This is not a fully professional machine, but it is a great sewing machine for a beginner. If you are looking for your child’s first sewing machine, then this is a great pick.

RUNNER UP: SINGER | Start 1304 Sewing Machine with 6 Built-in Stitches, Free Arm Sewing Machine

This sewing machine immediately looks uncomplicated which will put a child at ease. They will not feel overwhelmed at seeing a lot of controls and options and will feel more confident about stitching with this sewing machine. The simple white design is a classic look and does not look like a kid’s sewing machine, which will better suit a child who does not want to be defined by child-like appliances.

One benefit of purchasing this sewing machine is the 4-step buttonhole option. All of the sewing machines on our list will allow your child to sew and repair their own clothes (among other things), but this one will also aid them in adding buttons to those clothes.

This sewing machine is easy to thread. This is a must for all kids’ sewing machines. There are diagrams on the exterior of the machine which will aid children in following the threading instructions. First-time users will benefit from the diagrams as well as the simple instructions.

This machine also gives your child a lot of options. There are multiple available stitches and available feet. The stitches are extremely easy to switch between, especially for younger kids, and all you need to do is turn the dial (which is labeled). The three included feet also snap on and off with ease. Not only will they be able to add buttonholes and stitch fabric, but they will also be able to add zippers too.

The thing we love most about this sewing machine are the dual spools. Your child can sew two parallel lines of stitches. This can add some amazing decorative stitches in two different colors. The removable arm also means that children can work on smaller garments and areas.

This is a basic sewing machine which does not have all of the bells and whistles of a more expensive machine, but there is a lot of power here. This is a great machine for a child who wants to be able to do the basics but also add some flair to their designs.

Here is a great introduction video on the Singer 1304 Start Sewing Machine!!!

RUNNER UP: NEX Sewing Machine Children Present Portable Crafting Mending Machine

This is another great sewing machine for kids (it is also great for adults too). It is great for all manner of crafts. Your child can use it to make and mend clothing, craft purses, and pillow covers, and even make cute dolls and soft toys.

There are twelve stitches available with this sewing machine. They are easily chosen at the push of a button, and each button has a picture of the stitch on it. There are straight stitches for regular work, patterned stitches to add detail, buttonhole stitches, and curved line stitches. The options are great for kids who want to experiment with their creativity.

Other features of this sewing machine include reverse stitching, tightness control, and a sewing light. If you need to cut your thread, there are also in-built scissors too. This is an extremely portable sewing machine which can hem, sew, buttonhole and more.

For children, this is more of an intermediate machine so we would recommend it as a second machine or a professional machine for your child if you can help them get to know the features of the machine. This is a professional machine that you will want to use as much as your kid does.

What to Look For in a Kids Sewing Machine

When it comes to looking for a kid’s sewing machine, there is a lot of crossover with adult machines. In fact, there are many machines which are built for both adults and kids to use. If you are thinking of buying a machine designed for children or an adult machine which will suit your child, there are a few things which you should be focused on.

Pedal vs. Start/Stop Button

There are two main ways to operate a sewing machine, and a kid’s sewing machine is no different. You can either use a pedal to start and stop the sewing machine, or you can use a start/stop button (which acts as an on/off switch). The main problem with having a peddle is if the child’s foot can’t reach it. If the child is younger and is sitting at a regular table, then they may find that they cannot reach. If a child is young (or short), then a start/stop button is recommended unless you have a child-size table for them to work at.

The advantage to using a peddle is that it frees up your hands to push through the fabric. This makes it easier to control the speed of the stitches and the movement of the fabric as you are sewing. If your child is comfortable in using a peddle, then we recommend finding a sewing machine with a pedal.

The other option is to find a sewing machine with a start/stop button, but with the possibility to add a pedal at a later date. Then you can start your child off with the button and move onto a pedal when they feel more confident.

Finger Guard

It is not only kids who use a finger guard. Most beginners will benefit from using a finger guard, because plenty of beginners (adult and child alike) have accidentally sewn their fingers. A finger guard is especially beneficial for a child as it will allow them to make mistakes when they are starting out. A child’s motor skills are still developing so you should expect them to make some mistakes (it is part of the learning process). A finger guard will protect them from injuring their fingers.

We would recommend finding a machine with a removable finger guard. Once your child becomes more confident in sewing, they will want to remove the finger guard as it can get in the way when you are sewing fabric.

Foot

The foot is the part where the fabric is fed through. It is an important part of your sewing machine, and without it, the fabric will not be fed through correctly, and you will not be able to sew. You have two options when it comes to feet: snap-on and screw. Feet which screw in will hold in place better. Snap-on feet can come off if they are handled too roughly, and there is a good chance of that when a child is using a sewing machine. If a feet does come off when your child is using the sewing machine, then it can present a hazard to your child and could play a part in damaging the sewing machine.

The problem with screw-in feet is that they take more time to get on and off, and it may be hard for a child to screw and unscrew them as the screws are small and finicky. With snap-on feet, your child will be able to remove them easily and replace them. Screw-in feet are more durable and will stay in place longer, but you can get durable snap-on feet if you purchase a quality machine.

Threading the Needle

Getting the thread through the needle is no easy task. Most adults struggle with the task until they have performed it a good few hundred times. One thing you should make sure to do is to teach your child how to thread a needle. There are many techniques out there, and it is a good skill to have for any child.

Threading a needle can be an almost impossible task for younger children so you may want to invest in a sewing machine which automatically threads the needle for you if you believe that your child will have trouble with it. Not being able to thread the needle when you need to can really put a kid off, and, believe me, you will have to do it multiple times a session.

Always remember that an auto-threader is not a replacement for manually threading a needle, and if you buy a sewing machine with an auto-threader for your kid, you should still teach them to thread the needle manually. They may move onto another machine where there is no auto-threader, or the auto-threader may malfunction. The earlier they can learn to thread the needle, the better.

Speed

Most machines will offer you a consistent speed, but there a couple of things to look at when it comes to the speed of your machine. Firstly, it is always a benefit to find a machine which has a variety of speeds. Many machines will have two speeds – fast and slow – and we recommend this type of machine for children. Most children will not need a multi-functional sewing machine so the two speeds should accommodate all they want to do.

The other thing to think about is how the speed is affected by a pedal vs. a start/stop button. With a start/stop button, you either have speed, or you do not, and many pedals work in the same way, but there are some pedals which control the speed, allowing you to move from slow and fast, with all the range of speed in between.

With some pedal-operated sewing machines, pressing lightly on the pedal will give you a slow speed, and the harder you press, the faster the machine will go. This can take a little getting used to for a child (and adults too) but will give more control over sewing.

Stitch Type

You want to have some variety when it comes to the number and type of stitches which you have, but you do not want to go overboard. There are some sewing machines out there which allow you to sew with hundreds of different stitches. This would be overwhelming for a child. Much of your choice will depend on the age and skill level of your child.

Basic sewing machines will allow your child to use around six stitches. This will be fine for younger children or for those who are just starting out, but even younger children will soon become bored with the lack of variety. 20-30 stitches can seem like a lot, but for older and more advanced kids, this will be fine.

At a bare minimum, you should be looking for a sewing machine with at least 10 stitches, and reverse, zigzag, and straight stitches are a must.

Bobbin

Getting the bobbin onto the machine can be difficult for small hands. You should be looking for a bobbin which is easy to find and easy to use. If there is a slot on the door, then your child should be able to get it open with their smaller fingers. The bobbin should be easy to install and wind. If your child becomes frustrated getting the bobbin on, they will not be able to use the sewing machine and will become frustrated at the entire process.

Weight

Usually, items are made smaller for kids, but that is not always the case with sewing machines, nor should it be. Many kids sewing machines are just toys. The machines which we are reviewing are appliances. When you are looking for a sewing machine for a child, you should take into account the weight.

A child should be able to use their sewing machine by themselves, and that means being able to remove it from where it is stored and put it back into storage. They will also want to take their sewing machine to other places, such as a friend’s house, or even from room to room. If the sewing machine is too heavy, then your child is not going to be able to take it as many places as they want to, and it may stop them from using it altogether.

Safety

It goes without saying that a sewing machine for a child should be safe. There are many things to look for to ensure the safety of your child when they are sewing, and we have already talked about a few of them, such as fingerboards and the weight of the machine. So, what else should you be looking for?

You want to find a sewing machine which is crafted from high-quality materials. There is no point in buying a cheap machine to save some money only to have to pay for it to get fixed or pay for a replacement. Cheap machines fall apart easier, and when there are sharp needles involved, that can be a problem. Look for a machine with a high-quality metal core and quality parts surrounding it. There is no price which you can put on the safety of your child. A higher-quality machine will also mean a machine which is easier and better to use.

You also need to think about your child’s fingers. No matter how hard your child tries, they are still going to have their fingers jabbed by a needle. A finger guard will help to protect against that, but it is inevitably going to happen. To counter this, we recommend sitting down with your child and going through the operation of the sewing machine with them. The best preventative measure for protecting small fingers is the correct use of the sewing machine. If you are worried about fingers being pierced, and your sewing machine does not come with a finger guard, then you can purchase one for a sewing machine for around $10.

When you are thinking about fingers, you should also consider small fingers with a pedal. Some children will want to use the pedal by hand, and there is a chance that small fingers can become caught. Look for a pedal where small fingers cannot be caught. It may also be a good idea to look at eye protection. Although it is rare that eyes will be damaged, there is a chance of pieces of needle snapping off and flying upwards. You do not need to use professional safety goggles or anything like that, but basic eye protection will take away any risk.

Easy to Use

Choosing a sewing machine for the skill level of your child will also help to keep them safe. If you buy a machine which is too complicated, then they are going to be unsure of all the functions and features and will make mistakes. It is not a bad thing to start with something simple. Not only will this be easier for the child to use, but it will also save you some money and allow you to see if your child likes using a sewing machine before you commit more money. Be aware that your child will begin to progress and want a more complicated sewing machine. You should not think that the first sewing machine you buy will be the only one you buy. As your child progresses, they will be able to operate more and more complicated machines. This is a good thing. As they progress, they will be able to sew more complicated garments and craft more professional clothing. They may even start to save you some money.

Conclusion

Buying a sewing machine for your child is a choice which can have a major impact on their life (and, potentially, yours). Sewing is not for every child, but for those who take to it, it is a life skill which has been forgotten by many people. There is a certain joy in catching or growing your own food and consuming it, just as there is a certain joy in creating your own clothing and wearing it. The best part about creating your own clothing is that it is usually a lot cheaper and a lot better made.

You should not rush into your choice of a sewing machine for your child. You do not need to do hours of research, but there are certain things which you should think about before you commit to buying. By doing a little research, you will be able to make an informed choice and choose a sewing machine which is right for your child and is going to last them. We have scoured the internet to bring you all the information you need to make that informed choice.

Giving the gift of a sewing machine is giving the gift of sustainability. Children love to get gifts, and a sewing machine is no different, but it is different in its use. Most gifts are used and then thrown away. A sewing machine is a gift which can be carried over into adulthood (especially if you buy a high-quality machine).

Take the time to find a sewing machine that matches the skill level and age of your child. Find a sewing machine that they can use and which is safe for them. Make sure that you (or someone else) can be there to help them learn about their machine, and then watch at what your child can create.

Thanks for stopping by and checking out our reviews on the best sewing machine for a child. We hope that we have helped with your purchasing decision. Please feel free to leave a comment!!!