My 7 1/2 year old daughter is interested in learning to sew and wants to get a sewing machine for her birthday. I DO NOT know how to sew AT ALL. What is the best sewing machine to get her that is reasonably priced but not a piece of junk that is a waste of time to get?
Thanks ladies!!
Sewing classes before you invest in a machine. She is really young. Might sound good but then when she actually tries it, she may not like it.
I would go to a sewing store if you have one.
My daughter has a Babylock middle of the series that ran almost $400. Our school district uses this model and I figured if they withstand daily use by students, it would hold up. It is a good quality machine not overdone with bells and whistles.
That said..... My daughter was 14 when she got her machine. I'm not sure I would have purchased a $400 machine for my 7 yr old.
I've heard that you can get a basic Brother or Janome both less than $200 from places like JoAnns. Also... Some JoAnns also have classes on how to use the machine as well. A fabric store like Hancock's also sells machines.
Do you know a home Ec teacher in middle school or can reference one to get a referral. They might even know if someone is selling a machine.
Good luck
I have a Singer, and I love it. :) Brother is also a decent brand. Just pick a machine that has at least a zig-zag stitch, and a buttonhole function. (Which, most will...)
When you start her off, draw lines on a sheet of paper. A few straight, a few zig-zag, a few swoopy ones, and some loop-de-loops. Have her sew along those lines without any thread. He needle will puncture the paper, without wasting thread or fabric. It's great practice. I would also look online and have her watch a few beginners tutorials. Then start her off small with pillowcases and pajama pants, and let her work her way up from there. :)
Mine is a Brother from the Walmart and it's done great. I've used it to make costumes for my family for Halloween and the Renaissance Festival with no problems.
How about the two of you learning to sew. Get with Jo-Anns or your local quilting guild or a local sewing store to ask if someone would teach you.
I agree with TF and Marie C about machines. Make sure it reverses and has an automatic buttonhole. Start with a real machine and not the toys on the market. The $120 to $200 range is good. Once she gets better you can upgrade your machine. Name brands to consider would be Brother, Janome (Kenmore), Babylock, Bernina (Bernetta), Juki, and Singer.
This is a good age to begin to learn something that you can use your whole life. A hobby can bring many hours of joy to a person and keep them occupied and busy.
the other S.
Very timely. My 7yo has also recently become obsessed with the idea of sewing. I started her with hand-sewing some pillows last weekend.
Next up, will be a class and (hopefully) my buying a machine. I have my grandmother's old 1950s era machine, but I don't think that's going to work.
We have a Brother I got at a fabric store. Not top end but does the jobs we need.
I would suggest that you go to JoAnns. Most Joanns teach sewing classes, and even if you don't want the classes, they are really knowledgeable.
If she wants to make clothes, make sure you get one that can do automatic buttonholes. That is one option that some really inexpensive machines might not have, and it's nearly impossible to make a button hole without it.
I don't remember exactly what brand I have, but I have one that works just fine for basic stuff, and it cost between $70-$100 (I don't remember exactly).
