Sewing is not only meant for adults. Children love to sew too. This is one of the best ways to engage the minds of kids instead of playing with toys. This will help to ignite their creativity. Choosing the ideal sewing machine for your kid does not come easy. This is why we have written this article to help you make an enduring choice. The fact is that there are plenty of sewing machines specially made for kids. They are safe and easy to use.
We have done comprehensive research and ended up compiling the 7 best sewing machines that kids can use to make their fabrics. These machines can be perfectly handled by kids between the ages of 5 to 12 years. Everything is explained in this article. You will find the review interesting. Without wasting much time, here are the best sewing machines for kids.
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Top 7 sewing machines for kids
SINGER 1304
With the 4-step buttonholer, you can make buttonhole for different button sizes. You can purchase the optional button sewing foot to make the job faster. The automatic tension adjustment saves a lot of time. It eliminates guesswork since you can conveniently adjust the tension to the right setting to suit whatever stitch option that you choose to work with. On some entry-level sewing machines, it can be very difficult working on cuffs, collars, sleeves, pant hems and other smaller projects. The free arm feature helps to eliminate the frustration that is usually associated with handling the difficult parts of the fabric. Parallel rows of stitches can be sewn with ease since the machine has dual spool pins. This provides additional security when handling knit garments, hems and other decorative stitches which would have required the use of an embroidery machine.
Loading the bobbin is a piece of cake. Just follow the numbered diagram that is printed on top of the machine. Bobbin stops turning automatically when it is filled. This is a strong and sturdy machine for long-term use. There is a 25-year limited warranty on the machine head, a 1-year warranty on parts and a 5-year warranty on electrical components.
- LED light to illuminate the sewing area
- Comes with extra-high presser foot lifter
- 350-400 stitches per minute sewing speed
- Automatic bobbin winding system
- Easy threading and free arm
- Adjustable tension
- The interior is made from metal
- Limited stitch options
- No automatic thread cutter
Brother XM2701
To choose any stitch, just turn the knob to the desired stitch number. With the chart, it is easy to figure out any of the stitches you need at any time without consulting the instructional manual. There is also a lever that helps you to do backstitching. For the ease of needle threading, the machine features an automatic needle threader. This eliminates manual threading that is stressful and causes eye strains. Just touch the lever by the side and the needle is threaded automatically. The drop-in top bobbin is jam-resistant. Installing the bobbin is easy and makes threading super convenient too. There is a transparent bobbin cover that allows you to know when the thread is running low. The automatic bobbin winding is one feature that first-time sewists will love.
With the free arm, you can work on difficult kinds of stuff like sleeves and cuffs thereby making it suitable for everyday sewing projects. Another great feature of the Brother XM2701 is the LED light. It provides illumination in the work area, especially when handling dark fabrics. The machine is not lousy. It operates quietly. When it comes to speed, the machine has a decent speed of 800 stitches per minute. There are also a variety of accessories such as 6 sewing foot, 4 bobbins, twin needles, manual and instructional DVD. Watching the instructional DVD helps you to understand how to operate the machine without any issues. Above all, this is an affordable sewing machine. It is highly recommended for beginners, hobbyists and enthusiasts.
- Automatic needle threading
- Automatic bobbin winding
- Bright LED light
- One-step auto-size buttonhole
- Portable and lightweight
- Durable and sturdy
- Versatile and easy to thread
- No automatic thread cutter
- No cover to protect against dust
- There is no speed controller
SINGER Simple 3232
The interior of the machine is constructed from metal to ensure it is stable and skid-free. The adjustable stitch length and width prevent bunching no matter the type of fabric. This ensures that you have strong seams always. When you talk of the design, the SINGER Simple 3232 looks very appealing. It comes with basic aesthetics. Even though it is made with a lot of plastic, the machine is sturdy and durable. Several layers of thick fabric can be sewn with this machine since it has a high presser foot lifter. For easy positioning of projects, you can raise the presser foot in a higher position.
The machine can sew in reverse position with the automatic reverse sewing feature. Press the automatic reverse button to reverse and reinforce the stitching of any fabric. SINGER Simple 3232 comes with a front-loading bobbin. Wind and insert the bobbins with ease without affecting the smooth needle plate surface. There are loads of accessories that include all-purpose foot, button sewing foot, zipper foot, soft-sided dust cover and buttonhole. Others are darning plate, pack of needles, bobbins, L-screwdriver, thread spool caps, instruction manual and power cord.
- Heavy-duty interior metal frame
- Automatic needle threader
- Front-loading bobbins
- Adjustable stitch width and length
- Portable and lightweight
- Good for beginners
- Easy to use and inexpensive
- Comes with limited features
- Average build quality
- Bobbin jams sometimes
Brother XM1010
Other incredible features are an automatic bobbin winder and jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin. There is a clear bobbin case so you can monitor the thread’s level. Both the top thread and bobbin have different thread cutters placed conveniently. Thread cutters eliminate the use of scissors. The adjustable thread tension ensures that you have smooth and even stitches thereby eliminating the fear of bunching. Use the knob to easily adjust the tension. With the Stitch Selector, you can choose the right stitch for any fabric you are sewing. The wonderful built-in free arm is one excellent feature that makes it easy to sew cuffs and sleeves with accuracy. You can create buttonholes automatically to fit different button sizes without any issues. One important feature that is lacking in this feature is the automatic needle threader. This is a big minus.
With the instructional video, you can get yourself acquitted with the machine pretty fast. If you don’t want to pull out the DVD video, you can find some self-explicit graphic instructions engraved on the front side of the machine. The Brother XM1010 has a 25-year limited warranty. Some of the accessories are a screwdriver, 3-piece needle, darning plate, a foot controller, a quick-start guide, an instructional DVD and a manual.
- Easy stitch selector
- Lightweight and portable
- 4-step buttonhole maker
- Work area has a LED light
- Adjustable thread tension
- Drop-in top bobbin and automatic bobbin winder
- 10 exceptional built-in stitches
- No needle threader
- No automatic speed controller
- Not for advanced sewists
Janome 11706
This sewing machine is lightweight and sews fabrics smoothly. The Janome 11706 is not particularly rich in features but has a limited number of stitches. It is portable, durable and solid. Many users have described it as a workhorse. 650 stitches per minute is an ideal sewing speed for beginners. Some of the other features include a built-in thread cutter for cutting thread. With a thread cutter, the use of scissors is no longer needed. There is a free arm to make it convenient to sew cuffs and sleeves. The bright LED illuminates the work area ensuring there is visibility when sewing dark fabrics. You cannot do with a stitch selection dial. It helps you to choose the right stitch for any fabrics.
Other features are reverse stitching, built-in storage, 3-piece feed dog, one 4-step buttonhole, a push-pull bobbin winder, snap-on presser feet, vertical oscillating hook bobbin, de-clutch bobbin winder and extra high foot lift. There are also a decent number of accessories which include zigzag foot, sliding buttonhole foot, darning foot, overedge foot, gathering foot, seam ripper, concealed zipper foot, blind hem foot, button sewing foot, binder foot, gathering foot, universal needle, needle threader, needles and many more. The chassis and head of the machine are under a 25-year limited warranty while the electronic and electric parts are under a 2-year warranty.
- Easy to operate and use
- Compact, portable and lightweight
- Built-in thread cutter
- Decent 650 stitches per minute sewing speed
- Very durable with low maintenance
- Bright LED light for the work area
- Free arm to easily handle cuffs and sleeves
- Issues with bobbin
- No automatic needle threader
DONYER POWER Electric Sewing Machine
Some of the other features include a sewing compartment for the storage of accessories and other items. The sturdy carry handle at the top of the machine makes it portable and easy to carry. Two speeds make it comfortable for you to sew at your own pace. You can choose High or Low. With the carry-handle, there won’t be the need to carry the machine on your arm. The built-in automatic needle threader stops the discomfort that comes with manual threading. The machine threads the needle all by itself meaning no more eye strains.
There is a free arm so you can comfortably work on sleeves and cuffs. There is also an adjustable stitch width and length. The DONYER POWER Electric portable mini sewing machine has some extras such as built-in light for visibility when working on dark fabrics, a thread cutter that discards the use of scissors, measuring tape, an instructional manual and other accessories. All these extras help to make your job easier. It comes with just one year warranty. Don’t use the battery and power supply together at the same time. Always take the batteries out anytime the machine is plugged to the mains and vice versa.
- Easy to operate and use
- Portable with sturdy carry-handle
- Built-in needle threader and thread cutter
- Adjustable sewing speed
- Inexpensive and very affordable
- Great for beginners
- A storage compartment to make accessories handy
- Not made for big and heavy fabrics
- Just one year warranty
Brother SM1738D
Brother SM1738D is lightweight, functional and user-friendly. There are 17 decorative and utility stitches. Selecting any of the stitches is just a matter of turning a dial. The machine comes with more extra control at your fingertips with the reverse sewing lever and tension control dial. You can use the 4 sewing presser feet to do general sewing, insert zippers, sew on buttons and make buttonholes. There is no problem with the machine’s sewing speed. At 750 stitches per minute sewing speed, you can get projects completed very fast. The drop-in top bobbin is jam-resistant and comes with a clear cover to monitor the thread usage.
Other features include an automatic bobbin winding system and a free arm for the easy handling of cuffs and sleeves. The machine has fewer adjustments but has got a lot of functionalities to handle the sewing of different fabrics including denim. This is the best sewing machine for a teenager. Accessories such as twin needle, a Disney dust cover, a darning plate, an extra spool pin and an instructional DVD all come with the machine. It is backed with a 25-year limited warranty.
- Affordable and inexpensive
- Easy to use
- Lightweight and portable
- Reverse lever button for reinforcement
- Free arm to conveniently sew pants, sleeves and cuffs
- Clear bobbin cover
- Easy stitch selection using a knob
- No automatic needle threader
- No automatic thread cutter
- Usually tension issues
Buying guide
The best sewing machine for kids should be able to sew different fabrics like corduroy, satin and denim without stretching the fabric. When you want to buy a beginner sewing machine, there are some features you must look out for. Don’t buy a basic sewing machine without the following features.
Built-in needle threader
Anytime you want to sew, you will need to thread your machine. Threading the machine manually can be a harrowing experience for people with bad sight. This usually leads to frustration and eye strains. To avoid the discomfort that comes with manual needle threading, it makes sense to choose a machine with an automatic needle threader. This feature threads the needle automatically thereby saving you a lot of energy and time.
Top-loading drop-in bobbin
As a beginner, a poorly designed bobbin can cause frustration. Choose a machine with a bobbin that is easy to insert. To avoid running out of thread without knowing, it is important to look for a machine with a transparent bobbin cover to know when the bobbin is running low. This is why a top-loading drop-in bobbin is preferable. It makes life a lot easier. With this kind of bobbin, there is no need to disassemble the bobbin casing.
Free arm capability
A versatile free arm helps you to sew narrow and round garment pieces such as sleeves and cuffs without stress. A sewing machine that is unable to convert to a free arm won’t sew this piece of garments. Avoid creating limitations for yourself by choosing a sewing machine that comes with a free arm.
Automatic buttonholer
Turning the fabric or manipulating a dial before making a buttonhole is unnecessary if the sewing machine has an automatic buttonholer. With this feature in place, you can sew a buttonhole in one step. Some of the basic machines make it easy for users to insert the button into a slot to make a buttonhole that fits.
Automatic thread cutter
With the automatic thread cutter feature, you will never need a pair of scissors. Each time you sew to the end of a fabric, the thread is cut automatically. This brings a lot of ease when sewing. It is an important feature to always look out for.
Presser feet
Find out how many presser feet the machine has. A machine with multipurpose feet allows you to sew both zigzag and straight stitches. It is important to ensure that there is also a buttonhole foot and zipper foot. How tightly a sewing machine holds a fabric is something that can be regulated if the machine has an adjustable presser foot.
Power switch
Not too machine basic sewing machines come with a power switch. A machine with an ON and OFF switch is safer to use for kids. Any machine without this feature is not safe where you have kids always milling around. Another option to explore if the machine does not have a power switch is to plug the machine to a safety strip using a master switch.
Speed control– You should be able to control the speed of the machine so you can sew at your own pace. This is the importance of speed control. With the feature in place, you won’t need to stop and start all the time. You can always choose a sewing tempo for yourself.
The number of stitches
Though basic sewing machines come with fewer stitch options but ensure that important ones are available. The basic stitch that includes the straight and zigzag stitches should not be overlooked. Also, don’t forget the decorative stitch. Ensure that the machine has a maximum stitch length and width.
Tension adjustment
Tension adjustment is an excellent feature that allows you to adjust the tightness of the thread. If it is too tight, it could cause the bunching of fabrics and when it is too loose, it may result in bad stitches.
Sewing speed
Basic machines don’t have a lot of speed but their speed is decent for beginners. Look for a machine that has a sewing speed of between 650 and 800 stitches per minute. With this range of sewing speed, projects can be accomplished without much delay.
Design and control
When it comes to the design, you must ensure you are going for a portable machine and light in weight. It should be responsive to pressure when using the foot pedal and not stop when sewing thick or multi-layered fabrics. The controls should be conveniently placed and easy to reach.
LED light
More often you will work on dark fabrics. This is why you will need a sewing machine with LED light to effectively illuminate the work area. With a built-in LED light, you won’t need extra light and can do your job without any inconveniences.
Needle position
Needle positioning is a great feature that helps you to sew conveniently. The feature allows you to move the needle and stitching line from left to right. It also allows you to have the needle in an up or down position when you stop sewing.
Storage compartment
You would need your accessories and other important items to come in handy. This is the purpose of a storage compartment. It allows you to store things that you need so they are within reach.
Warranty
A sewing machine without a warranty will be a waste of investment in case anything goes wrong. Ensure that the sewing machine comes with some form of warranty. Brands such as SINGER and Brother offer up to 25-year limited warranty.
FAQs
How often should the sewing machine be cleaned and serviced?
It depends on the type of sewing machine and the work it is used for. If you sew cotton fabrics more often, it could cause a buildup of lint. This makes it imperative to do periodic cleaning and servicing.
Why is the sewing machine not feeding properly?
Three likely issues could cause improper feeding of the machine. It could be caused by improper adjustment of the drop-feed knob, insufficient pressure on the presser foot or if the stitch length knob is set too close to zero
Why is the needle always breaking?
There can be needle breakage if it is not properly inserted. Breakage can also occur if you constantly pull the fabric while you are sewing it.
Why is the sewing machine making loose stitches or loops?
The tension adjustment is the problem. Try to adjust the tension properly
Why is the machine skipping stitches?
Check the needle. The needle may be bent or blunt. It is also possible that the needle is inserted improperly.
How come my machine is running heavily?
It is possible that the machine has not been oiled. There could also be dirt or lint buildup in the shuttle.
Conclusion
A basic sewing machine is an excellent way to start sewing. But for first-timers, choosing the right machine can be a tough challenge. After more than 48 hours of research, we recommend the SINGER Simple 3232 for having 32 built-in stitches. This gives you a lot of stitch options. It also comes with decent sewing of 750 stitches per minute. The 25-year limited warranty makes it a great choice. Another option is the Brother XM2701 with 27 built-in stitch and 25-year limited warranty. The sewing speed is also 800 stitches per minute. Your sewing career has got a good footing with any of these two machines. Choosing one will make a great investment in the long run.
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