My GD wants to learn to sew!

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11-12-2017, 02:36 PM

#21

mengler

Senior Member

Join Date: Sep 2011

Location: Burke, Va

Posts: 344

When my GD wanted to learn I stalked craigslist for a solid used machine. Something basic with room to grow. I found an Elna with 10 or 15 stitches. It was in perfect shape for $30 from a woman who upgraded. I got a great machine with adequate capabilities for next to nothing that would have been a lot more new. I recommend doing that until you see if she sticks with it. JMHO

11-12-2017, 06:54 PM

#22

NZquilter

Super Member

Join Date: Aug 2016

Location: Kansas

Posts: 4,433

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sew Freak

You are going to have so much fun with her. My GD is also 9 and wants to learn to sew. I don't know what machine to suggest but I got a used machine at a garage sale. It is in the basement waaaay in the back but I believe it is a Golden Touch and Sew...maybe and I paid $30 or $35 for it. I got it with her in mind and because it has a set of block style embroidery letters. My only recommendation is that if you hit garage sales or estate sales you might want to check them out and you may have to ask if they even have one they want to get rid of as sometimes they do they just didn't get around to setting it out. I will be giving this to her this year as part of her Christmas present and I don't feel bad that it is used as I don't know that she will come to stick with sewing or this may just be a phase. (I know you all know I'm cheap! But before I'm cheap Grandma is 'smarter' than she is cheap.) If she finds she really likes to sew I would like to get her a better machine as this one doesn't have some goodies that I've come accustomed to.....but that's a few years down the road. Have fun!!!

I don't think your cheap-- you have a head and you're smart!

11-12-2017, 08:49 PM

#23

Maire

Senior Member

Join Date: Apr 2009

Location: Pennsylvania

Posts: 619

My 2 local granddaughters started out at age 9 or so, on the Janome Jem Silver (ASG anniversary machine) same as the Janome Jem Gold which unfortunately has been discontinued and Necchi Travel Mate. It is a fantastic machine, sturdy, accurate & fast. Some dealers still have them & can be found online.
One granddaughter likes to sew slow & very precise but doesn't feel the joy. The other is pedal to the metal as fast as she can go, not concerned about accuracy or seam widths, But loves it and has gotten very creative, now age 13. She has finished at least 10 quilts, had a quilt in a quit show, an active junior member of ASG.
I can't say enough praise about the Janome Jem Gold or Necchi Travel Mate. A friend has a Juki, not sure of model, that is also a great beginner travel machine.

11-13-2017, 04:19 AM

#24

grandmahoney

Senior Member

Join Date: Dec 2010

Location: Martensdale, Iowa

Posts: 319

I have been teaching two of my grand-daughters to sew. I just let them use my extra sewing machines. Their interest changes so fast at this age I wouldn't get a new one for her. So if you have a extra sewing machine that's the one I recommend. Then give them some pretty fabric and start simple. Because the control issue is the hardest for them at first. I also drew lines on fabric and had them sew. When I thought they were ready we did other things like pillow cases, draw string bags, rice bags and some very simple doll dresses. I chose these things over a quilt because they can get the project done quickly and have something they made to take home with them that day. They are very pleased to show mom and dad what they made. I know you will have great fun sewing with them no matter what you chose.

11-13-2017, 11:15 AM

#25

Sew Freak

Super Member

Join Date: Jun 2011

Location: Manteno, IL

Posts: 1,621

Thanks NZ!!

11-14-2017, 07:51 PM

#26

1screech

Super Member

Join Date: Jun 2009

Location: Florida

Posts: 1,811

My granddaughter sewed her first quilt at the age of 6 and in the entire quilt, I ripped 5 seams. She felt comfortable and not scared of the machine. She still would rather sew on my featherweight than her Mother's bernina.

11-15-2017, 06:34 AM

#27

Onebyone

Power Poster

Join Date: Jan 2011

Location: Southern USA

Posts: 15,915

My grandson who is five sews on an old vintage Singer. Can't mess that one up, can't even move it. LOL I showed him how to use it and not get it unthreaded and turned him loose. I don't hover but keep an eye on him. He sews fabric squares and strips together and usually ends up with something fun he created. He started using the machine with no needle to get over playing with making it go and feeding fabric in it. Now his three year old brother is in that phase of sewing with no needle. Young kids learn fast and remember the first way they are shown. I make sure to show them the correct way the first time and each time afterwards.