| Kids sewing machines are a great introduction to | | | | choice for youngsters 12 and over. |
| creative crafting. There's no better way to get a child | | | | Factors to consider when buying kids sewing |
| interested in sewing than to give her a children's | | | | machines |
| machine of her very own. | | | | Age - generally speaking, even toy machines are best |
| Most machines that are sold specifically for children | | | | for children at least eight years of age. Though most |
| are more toy than tool, which can make discovering | | | | brands of children's machines are designed and |
| sewing pure fun. Colorful, lightweight, and often | | | | manufactured with safety in mind, younger children |
| associated with favorite characters like Barbie and | | | | may lack the necessary coordination for safe use. |
| Hello Kitty, these super-simplified machines fascinate | | | | Experience - will this be the child's first exposure to |
| children. While youngsters are having fun they're | | | | sewing? If so, the simpler, more basic, and more |
| developing both creativity and coordination and laying | | | | geared to learning, the better. Many child's machines |
| the foundation for a lifetime skill. | | | | are sold with kits that include instructions for simple |
| Early-learner or toy machines are kid-friendly in more | | | | projects along with everything necessary to complete |
| than looks. They're specially sized for children and | | | | them. |
| developed with both safety and ease of operation in | | | | Type of projects - Some children's machines produce |
| mind. They come in both battery and AC powered | | | | only a chain stitch, which is easily pulled out. This is fine |
| versions, and many have dual power options. Most | | | | for "pure practice" sewing, but may not be satisfactory |
| models include drop-in bobbins for ease of use and the | | | | for projects that involve actual construction or are |
| best also have finger guards, a special safety feature | | | | intended to be permanent. |
| that keeps little fingers away from the needle. | | | | Adult supervision and assistance required |
| Children's sewing machines aren't the same as mini | | | | Machines made specifically for children feature |
| machines, which are scaled-down versions of | | | | super-simple operation and many have special safety |
| standard machines. Mini or compact machines more | | | | features, but children will need some instruction and |
| powerful and have greater speed and capability than | | | | supervision. An adult should be close at hand when |
| those made just for kids, which makes them a good | | | | children are using the machines, especially at first. |