My 5-year old granddaughter and I made a 9-patch sofa pillow and we gave it to her parents for Christmas. If I remember correctly, she pushed the pedal and I guided the fabric under the needle (with her help, of course). She had selected the fabric, and when we were done I contributed a 14-inch pillow form and finished off the cover. She was VERY proud and we still have a photo of her holding the pillow in front of her and smiling. Nice.