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ckcowl 02-14-2011 10:09 AM

when my granddaughters decided it was time to start sewing i bought them a brother machine from walmart...for about $90...the best thing about the machine was SPEED CONTROL...i could set it on slow and even when the foot pedal is depressed all the way the machine still goes slow...my youngest granddaughter was 4 when she started...she is now 10, has completed 7 quilts in 3 years and loves that machine....the other 2 girls have moved up to other machines but that first brother is still going strong for the younest :thumbup:

CloverPatch 02-14-2011 10:17 AM

I forgot about speed control. My Babylock has it. I don't use it, LOL, it is set to FAST FAST FAST.

I know she could use my machine, BUT I already share my machine with Anna. I so hate having to wait my turn! Then change out the thread, yada yada yada. I figured it would be easier on everybody if there was a second machine, primarily for the kids.
Speed control is definitly a feature I need to look for. Thank you I would have never thought to check on that.

misseva 02-14-2011 11:48 AM


Originally Posted by greensleeves
Some of the less expensive Brother's have a speed control. My daughter lets her sixth graders sew on this type and they are able to use it with little instruction. Every year her class makes donation quilts. I think an 8 yr old would be able to use this quite easily too.

One of my Brothers has a push button for sewing and a slide to control how fast/slow it will sew. My grown daughter LOVES this feature B/C she has not mastered the foot control speed.

JJC 02-14-2011 12:08 PM


Originally Posted by CloverPatch
My eldest daughter(Anna 13) uses my maching an ellure plus.
I have a soon to be 8 yr old (Eimly) that is interested in what Im doing. I waited till Anna was 12 before I let her sew, and it was on a Singer from the 70's.

My old Singer, has issues.
I have read on here about how some of you are letting your girls about Emilys age sew already and that they do well.
She wants to sew, and I am attaching her "quilt" that she taped together from my scraps.
My question is there a kid friendly machine that works well?
I have seen the Hello Kitty ones, but I worry that I am paying for the license on the character and not getting a quality machine.
Part of me is scared to death to let her quilt. What if she loses a finger! LOL I know, overbearing. But I don't want to miss this oppurtunity to catch her while she is really interested in this hobby.

By all means let her sew and just let her start out on your machine. I have a Bernina 1260 and my granddaughter who will turn 8 in March is very interested in sewing and has used my machine with my guidance. She did very well. Cherish your time spendt together and what fond memories you will have.

jane2 02-14-2011 12:14 PM

I have a Janome 3050 It's great for my grand aughters age 9 & 10. Just put it in slow speed and let them go! I learned to sew at 5 on an antique treadle Paveway machine. WheN my mother could finally afford an electric she taught me to use it . As a 8 yr old it helped shape my life and I Have been sewing for nearly 70 years. My 4 sister also learned at a very early age as did my brother. Dont be to protective JANE 2

Rose L 02-14-2011 12:14 PM

You have a lot of great suggestions here. I would second getting a full size machine. I started sewing at age 8 on my grandmothers full size 1946 singer, a straight stitch machine w/reverse. Once I started, I never looked back but have found the need to upgrade to machines with more functions over the years. Janome makes really decent machines with multiple functions for very little money as I'm sure most brands do. You can get a good quality machine with basic stitching, zig-zag and some embroidery stitches for around $200 dollars. Remember that they will probably use this machine until they are adults and are able to purchase one of their own. You are a wonderful mother for teaching and encouraging a craft that will last them a lifetime! Best wishes.

deema 02-14-2011 12:21 PM

Yes, the Hello Kitty one is a Janome. I wouldn't hesitate to buy it if I were in the market. The reviews on that machine are unanimously good.

But honestly, the only feature I need to see when using that machine to teach a youngster, is sewing speed control. I taught my daughter on my old machine without it, and she had a lot of difficulty controlling the machine (she's 5). Now with my newer machine that has the speed control, she does just fine. So that is the only *necessary* feature that I would look for in a machine for a child, anything else is just icing.

gollytwo 02-14-2011 12:41 PM

I bought my GD a Jem Gold when she was about 10 - I'd worry more about your GD using the rotary cutter than the sewing machine.

BellaBoo 02-14-2011 12:48 PM

I bought my granddaughter the 3/4 size Hello Kitty. It's the same as the Janome only green with logo. It sews great. She was using a Janome Gem machine but wanted the Hello Kitty one because it was so cute. I figured the real Hello Kitty machine (the 1/2 size is a toy) will probably be a collector's item one day so it could be one she'll be proud to show her grands! She gets my white FW to go along with it, heck she get all my stuff, she's my only grand!

grannyoquilting 02-14-2011 02:04 PM

1 Attachment(s)
I started my DGD out on my bernina 180 and she loved quilting at age 5. I pushed the pedal when she said "Fire in the hole." Her dad is military. I bought her a small Brother at Wal-Mart about 3 yrs ago at age 8. She loves it. Her mother uses it also. I also have a small SearsKenmore, (by small I mean not alot of extra's on them but full size), at my son's house. They all work fine and I use them when I go to stay. I quilt everywhere. Don't hesitate to get her a regular sewing machine the kid ones do not last well. And by all means get her quilting!!!!!!!!!

DGD at her Brother at the lake.
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