My daughter is 7 an loves to sew. she is actually pretty good at handsewing. Nice even stitches. She wants a sewing machine. Anyone have a recommendation for a sewing machine for a young child?
Or maybe a sewing machine for an adult that is simple easy to use??
I only do very light sewing (my girls do some too) and a friend, who happens to be a professional seamstress, recommended I buy a Janome machine over a Singer. She says the Singers (at my price point, under $300) are just really poorly made and not worth the investment. The Janome I bought has been awesome, it's really solid and works very well for all the basics. It cost right around $300.
My first sewing machine was a very simple Brother, with a handful of stitch functions. It had a colorful plate with butterflies. It was great, because it was easy and allowed me to grow into it. They still have versions of it. I sew professionally as a seamstress now, and still use that little machine for certain things :) I love that machine and will always find a way to use it!! I'd say it was a good investment!!
My suggestion, is to find a sewing store around you and ask the folks who work there. They will help you pick one out. This is a similar machine to my first one: http://www.amazon.com/Brother-Sewing-Machine-LX2500-Light... You can buy it at most stores that sell machines, or maybe even Walmart, and obviously online!
When I was the same age I sewed on my grandmothers singer cirqa 1920s. My sister in law (my brother is much older) gave me her old sewing machine. It was a simple one that folds into the table. I see them for sale on craigslist all the time. I've seen the small kids machines, but I equate that to an EZbake oven in my mind= junk.
We have a great shop called sandys sew in vac near us. I'm sure you could find something great there. It's a mom and pop.
They have a location in Livonia too. Maybe a little closer for ya? http://sandysmakeitsew.com/
If you're anywhere near an Ikea, they now offer a basic, nicely-functioning sewing machine for about $70.
If you think she's responsible enough, get a simple Singer or Brother machine.
She needs straight stitch and zig zag and nothing else. If you find a machine that has just that it should be easy enough for her to use.
Have her sew the lines on pieces of paper, no thread just the needle, until she is able to sew straight. Then switch out the needle for a sharper one. The paper will dull it. This will teach her to sew a straight line.
I have a Brother XL2700i - it's cheap as far as sewing machines go (under $100) and it works great. She can set it to a basic stitch and then when she gets better at it she can use others, honestly I just usually use one stitch and I've hemmed jeans/pants, made several really great halloween costumes for my kid, made pillows, made curtains, and a bunch of other little stuff.
It's a really easy machine to use, I did A LOT of research on them before I bought this one since I had a Kenmore one years before that broke on me a month after I bought it. Brother is, in my opinion, the best value for the price, the best for ease of use, and the best "grow with me" sewing machine out there.
I got my 10 year-old a Michley LSS-202 Lil' Sew & Sew Mini 2-Speed Sewing Machine for Christmas. It cost $21 from Amazon. The first thing we did was sew a pair of pants for her baby nephew, and they came out great! The only thing it doesn't have (and I didn't realize was important, because I'm not a sewer) is reverse. But for a first try with a machine for a young child, it's just fine.
Check on freecycle,if there is one in your county If someone has one sitting around they are not using u can get for free.
We also got the Ikea one for myself to do some simple projects. I have enjoyed using it - simple enough for me to remember how to use it and I have started showing my 5yr old how to use it as well. I found a great review of it by a professional who tried it out with her daughters after I nervously bought such an inexpensive machine which made me feel a little better about it :).
Start out with a basic machine forward/reverse and a zig-zag. Let her start her sewing career. When she outgrows the machine, step up to others.
If you have a sewing dealer nearby stop in there and speak with them. They would/should have a few sewing lessons to get to know her machine.
When I started out I got a Singer from their store and then traded up as I grew in my knowledge. I would suggest a Brother or Janome for her. They are easy to use and are good machines,
Happy sewing.
the other S.
PS I have a "herd" of machines that do different things but there are one or two specials that I always use.
My daughter is 18 and loves to sketch and make things.
We bought a Babylock for her about 4 yrs ago. I chose this brand because its what is in the schools so I assumed its pretty durable if multiple students use it.
The seeing center had 3 levels starting at $200ish. We got the mid level at $360 or so which is very basic but has a lot of special stitching as well.
She still uses it and it is easy to use . She had a couple of free lessons at the sewing shop and has never had an issue with it.
She has the dress form as well which I still mistake for someone in the game room when I go up to say goodnight, lol
Good luck!
I can't offer any model information for basic machines (haven't had a basic model since my first one eons ago), but make sure it does straight, zigzag and reverse. Any other decorative stitches, while fun, are fluff and only necessary if you want her to keep the basic model for many years. And if you want to have the fluff stitches, I would suggest buying used from a reputable sewing center who also services machines, where you get more bang for your buck.
I really like the "sewing through paper" idea....that's a fantastic way to start!
I would just go for this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JQM1DE/ref=ox_sc_sfl...
