At what age do you think it's OK to teach your child to use the sewing machine? My daughter (who is almost 7) is really interested in learning but (of course) I'm worried for her fingers. What do you think?

My machine came with a finger guard, which I immediately removed. can you steer fabric while she operates pedal, or vice versa?

I've seen shows on tv where people work with children quilting as young as 4. I think as long as she is well-supervised, it would be a great experience to share with her. It'll be something she'll always remember. I crocheted with my mom when I was about 7. I think you just have to be very patient and laugh with her a lot! My mom would tell me what I lacked in skill I made up for in enthusiasm. Those times are still treasured memories for me...50 years later. I taught my son needlepoint when he was in the first grade. He still laughs about how much fun we had together. My grandson likes to sit in my lap when I sew. He's only 2 1/2, so I just let him pick out fabrics and we sew them together. We have a "quilt" started of scraps he's picked out of my box. They are random, to say the least! But he thinks it's fun!

if she's interested, she's old enough. lucky you!!! years and years of bonding, fun and memories await you both! :P

I've been working with my granddaughter off and on with the sewing machine for over a year (bought her a machine for Christmas 06) and she just turned 7 a couple months ago.... she is "scared" or "respectful" of the needle as I was upfront and told her how careful she has to be... I don't have a guard for any of my machines.

On her last visit we worked on some needlepoint and she really liked the hand sewing so I think next time I will give her something to hand piece and see how she likes that.

I agree with Patrice, if they want to do it, they are old enuf!

My grandaughter can sew, she is now 6. She started at 5. I had her sew lines on paper to start, when she got speed control she got fabric and thread. I put the foot control on a stool so she can reach it. Rememer kids learn the nost at a very young age :D

I've been sitting at a sewing machine for as long as I can remember. My mom started me very young on her old black one direction (no reverse stitich) singer. My oldest daughter, never had the urge to sew. My soon to be 7 year old I started at age 5 with hand sewing, she has her own little chain stitch machine that doesn't work very well so she's getting my first little mini-singer that I got when I was her age. My 4 year old, when she wants to hand sew I have some plastic needles (they have a little ball looking thing instead of a point, and are over sized) that we found at hobby lobby with the needle work kits in the kids section. I use a paper punch to put holes in fabric that she can use yarn to "sew" with. Usually she uses them to string beads on yarn though. I agree with the other ladies, if she has an interest she's old enough to give it a go. Very closely supervised of course. If after she tries the first few times, you don't feel she's ready for the sewing machine, show her how to hand sew, still supervised with the needle of course. I found it easier for my little one to start with a bigger needle, like a darner, with a big eye at first; then move her down gradually as she gets better and more confident.

I let my daughter start about that age. The machine I had that that time had a speed control and we put it on "turtle" speed until she learned some.

Have fun.


DD

My oldest granddaughter was 4 (now 7) when she wanted to help sew. We started with her handing me the quilt squares and now she helps with sewing on the machine. My 3 year old GD told me last week she wants to makes quilts. So I will start working with her. I seen a Hello Kitty sewing machine at target I think I'll get to start working with her.
Hello Kitty is a big favorite around our house.


Pam

I think I was about 5 when I started sewing. I learned on my mom's old singer. I made doll clothes and Barbie clothes. :) My daughter is 10 and she has just now asked about learning to sew. I don't know why I didn't think about teaching her sooner like my mom did with me.