I put a small towel or face cloth in between the foot petal of the sewing machine my GD uses at my place to slow her down. It is hard for them to adjust there pressure. This way she can press as hard as she wants but the machine will only go so fast as I have it blocked . I hope this makes sense to you and it is something that will solve your problem. It is nice you are giving this little one a creative place to go and be special .. I had a very special place like that when I was very young and she became my Grandma. no blood relation but my GRANDMA just the same and my boys new her as Grandma also. Good Luck.