Originally Posted by 749janet
I'm wanting to teach my granddaughter how to sew only I'm at a loss as to where to start. She's nine years old. Do I get her used to operating the sewing machine first? Practice on learning how to sew two pieces of material together? Please help any advice would be helpful. Thanks so much.
:thumbup: I am sure that everyone will have a different opion, but what I did was: I had my DGD (who also is 9) sit at the machine and explain to her it was not a toy. Tried to explain to her some safty rules, then showed her how to thread the machine. Told her the different parts of the machine. Gave her some scraps and told her she could do what she wanted with them. She then spent the rest of the day sewing pieces together. She learned how to thread by herself. When she made some mistakes I gave her a ripper and told her that was part of the process. I made up a scrap box and gave her some tools. I told her, she was responsible for keeping the area clean and she had to put everything away when she was finished. I sew on the living room table so the table is used for many things. Told her how to sew a seam and just let her go at it. If I would have given her too many rules at one time I think she would have baulked. It is a lesson in patience and she made a few things that exicited her. She keep saying thank you Gammy for teaching me to sew. Of course she has a long way to go but she is having fun. I don't have to say we both were having fun. I am sure you will find a way that works for both of you. Just have fun and God bless. BrendaK