| your child is 3 years old, the only question you must | | | | Another route is to find a used sewing machine that is |
| ask yourself to determine if a person is ready to learn | | | | in good working condition. The main point, is that you |
| to sew is: Will they obey the MOST important rule in | | | | don't want to make a big investment causing you to |
| sewing? | | | | be concerned with your child messing the machine up, |
| What is this rule? - Keep your fingers out from under | | | | or not getting the value out of it by not using it as often |
| the needle!!!!! When our daughter was 3, I knew that | | | | as you thought you would. However, invest enough so |
| she could understand the dangers and would obey | | | | that the machine does not cause your child to lose |
| that rule. We bought her an inexpensive sewing | | | | their desire to learn to sew. |
| machine and three months later she was sewing | | | | BASIC FEATURES YOU WANT IN A SEWING |
| pillows, and by 6 months she had sewn her first lap | | | | MACHINE |
| quilt. Of course, we never let her operate the sewing | | | | 1. Stitches: straight, zigzag, buttonhole, and a reverse |
| machine without supervision. It is very important to | | | | stitch |
| never let your child be unsupervised while sewing. | | | | 2. Presser Feet: basic foot (already on the machine), |
| We have three sewing machines. My husband bought | | | | zipper foot, and buttonhole foot |
| me a wonderful sewing machine for my birthday, | | | | 3. Make sure you have several (I prefer at least 4-5) |
| which is what started this incredible journey. When my | | | | options for stitch length and width. |
| girls showed their interest, we were led to buy a basic | | | | *One other thought about what you want in a machine. |
| machine for our 3 year old, so that we didn't have to | | | | One of the mothers that I am working with found a |
| be concerned with her breaking mine. This was an | | | | sewing machine for her 6 year old that has a speed |
| adult sewing machine, actually it is a machine that is | | | | control on the pedal. This is the hardest thing for |
| used in schools (able to take a lot of wear and tear), | | | | younger children to learn; how to control the speed of |
| but under $100. | | | | the machine with just the right pressure on the pedal. If |
| Just last year, we met a precious man that has | | | | you can find this feature on a less expensive machine |
| worked on sewing machines for over 40 years. When | | | | get it. If not, don’t worry about it because by |
| he found out that my girls were sewing at such a | | | | learning pedal pressure your child will be able to use |
| young age, he blessed them with a 30 year old | | | | any machine. |
| machine that is still in wonderful condition. | | | | FINDING THE RIGHT MACHINE |
| We enjoy all 3, each having its own pros and cons. | | | | After you have been sewing for a while, and you |
| We actually find ourselves choosing one over the | | | | know you are going to spend a lot of time/years doing |
| other for different types of jobs. I believe this is true | | | | this, you will also know what you enjoy making the |
| for all sewing machines; every brand and model has its | | | | most, and what needs your sewing machine must |
| pros and cons. | | | | meet. |
| DO NOT JUMP INTO AN EXPENSIVE MACHINE! | | | | Even though we sew a large variety of items from |
| Unless you already own a sewing machine, or if your | | | | home decorating, clothes, quilts, to accessories, as well |
| sewing machine required your savings to purchase it, I | | | | as patching horse blankets, we spend most of our |
| highly recommend an inexpensive sewing machine for | | | | time on costumes (1600s-1800s dresses) and bags. |
| the younger ages. Once again, you have to consider | | | | Both of these require a machine that can handle |
| the maturity level of your children. Will they follow the | | | | extreme bulk. |
| Main Rule of sewing? We bought a new, cheaper | | | | Start asking for people's opinions on different sewing |
| machine for our 3 year old, but I let my 6 year old use | | | | machines. Go to stores where you can try them out. |
| my machine. She is the oldest child, and strived on | | | | Try your friends' sewing machines, and don't forget to |
| knowing ALL rules about everything and following | | | | take with you the type of fabric that you use the |
| them to the T. | | | | most. |
| You don't want to go so cheap that the machine is | | | | Once you try out some machines, I recommend buying |
| breaking all the time; this will lead to frustration. (They | | | | on line, because you can get great deals. It just |
| sell children's plastic sewing machines — DO | | | | depends on if you need the extra service that a store |
| NOT go this route). I have seen very good sewing | | | | front may provide. Make sure you have someone in |
| machines in the $50-$100 range. We bought ours for | | | | your area that can service your machine before |
| around $60 and still use it today. | | | | buying online. |