I set my 2 year old on my lap and let him remove the pins as we sew along. He also chooses fabrics from my stash and plays with them. Sometimes I let him control the foot pedal with his hands. I am teaching a 5 and 6 year old basic stitches by hand and the machine as well as learning the names of stitches and parts. The 6 year old is my daughter and has started on her first quilt--a 9 patch. I've cut the pieces for her and she sews them. If it's too wonky she uses her very own seam ripper. Might as well learn to use that thing young...I sure employ it often enough. She has her own sewing basket with small scissors, thread, pins and magnetic pincushion, measureing tape, etc. I also bought her an old inexpensive singer machine so she can sew along with me. I wish it had speed control on it, but this is what I could get. Good luck, and just do what works for you!