When to start a young girl on a sewing machine

Zoe, who is now five, sews on one of my Singer machines. I make sure they first know how to wind and insert the bobbin, and how to thread the machine. Sit them down with a few sheets of lined notebook paper and let them stitch (even without thread) along the lines. This certainly helps them learn control for a straight seam. The 6, 9, 11, and soon to be 13 year old DGD all sit and sew. Funny how their personalities come through - the oldest is the least careful and the 9YO is the pickiest. The 11YO gets discouraged if it doesn't go right, but isn't willing to rip things out or make corrections.

I learned how to sew at age 5 with my moms supervision and on her real machine. It was a kenmore that only went forwards and backwards. In my opinion a toy machine is not worth the price. get her a real machine.

I learned when I was 7. I agree about not using the toy sewing machine. I got one for Christmas that year, and it was truly a toy. Switched over to mom's old Signature.

Wow! You ladies are great! A lot of good advice. I will definately not get a toy machine! I also agree that if it is not started young it will not interest them later. Thanks so much!

I was six when mom first plopped me in front of her machine. I made dozens of potholders and graduated to winter coats by the time I was in the 9th grade. With strict supervision and a detailed safety lesson, I think she's ready. Go for it!

I remember being about 12 and Mom letting me sew Barbie ( a brand new idea then!) clothes on the old Singer treadle she had. She bought a Singer Touch and Sew a couple of years later and I sewed some on it, but she was a little more protective of the new machine. Wish we had had room to keep the old treadle! I remember the debacle of Home Ec in the 9th grade...not a very understanding teacher. It was years before I sewed again!

I had my 9 year old niece over a few weeks ago and I had her sew on my Singer Inspiration machine and she made a tote bag and a small quilt. She did fine...I supervised her very closely and explained about the needle and would periodically remind her to keep her fingers out of the way.

I taught my daughter how to sew on a machine shortly before her 8th birthday. I taught her on my older mechanical Janome, but she much prefers my newer Brother with speed control. I'm thinking about getting her a machine of her own for Christmas so I don't have to share ;)

My almost seven year old grandgirl wanted to sew on a machine so bad, so I broke down and sat with her to show her how to do it. She does not listen to direction well I learned and as I was explaining what we would be doing, stomped on the foot pedal and nearly sewed three of my fingers. End of lesson.

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Originally Posted by Jean Sewing Machine

Do not start them on toy machines! I bought two Singer toys, we never sewed one seam, they would not form a stitch. I bought a Janome 3128 for $90, and a matching Hello Kitty for my granddaughter and grandson. They could sew right away on the machines. They were 8 and 6 at the time. I have a Singer One machine that is the easiest machine to use. Last weekend I gave my granddaughter, now 8-1/2, a bag of scraps and let her create-- she did great! I didn't even have to hover over her! I'd say your grandkids are the perfect age, with a little basic instruction to use a sewing

My grandkids' machines are exactly the same as the one this child is using in the video. Tuesday Morning sold the Kenmore models for $59 last Christmas.

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That little guy is so cute...and smart..... His mom does great videos.... I loved how he knew the proper terms for everything...