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-   -   My granddaughter is scared of the sewing machine (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/my-granddaughter-scared-sewing-machine-t137352.html)

JenniePenny 07-13-2011 12:19 PM

If it's a Janome, there is very likely a setting on the front of the machine for speed. It might look like a horizontal switch with arrows pointing in one direction.

Check the owner's manual.

caliquocat 07-13-2011 01:58 PM

Surely it has a speed control if it's a new machine.

jljquilter 07-13-2011 02:09 PM

Try a janome sew mini. No bells or whistles but more her size. It only goes so fast no matter how hard you press the pedal. Also works as a travel machine.

BellaBoo 07-13-2011 02:13 PM

My DGD at age 8 wanted the Janome Hello Kitty 3/4 size machine. I was surprise at the quality. It's not a toy machine but a scaled down version of the Janome Gem. It is perfect for a young sewer and so darn cute! My DD uses it for fast sewing repairs and small projects.

BigDog 07-13-2011 02:14 PM

I just bought a 3128 about a week ago. I haven't looked in the manual to see if there's a speed adjustment because for me, it's easy to adjust by not hitting the pedal so hard. There really doesn't seem to be an in-between speed, though. It's either very slow or away she goes.

I sew on a highly polished teak table. It doesn't run from me. She must be pushing it or leaning into it. That would be understandable since she's new to sewing machines.

I love my 3128. It's the perfect little straight line machine. And it's quiet.

poultney 07-13-2011 02:35 PM

I have worked with both of my granddaughters to learn to sew. I started the youngest off with a bottom line machine from Hancock's. Not a child's. But it sews slow. I tried to update her to my other granddaughter's which is a reg. machine from Walmart, but it scared her because of the speed. So, you might want to think about purchasing a low end machine for her to start on. I originally but my oldest granddaughter one from Michaels but it was terrible. It frustrated me so how could I expect her to learn to sew. So make sure it works well so she doesn't get frustrated. Hope this helps. Sally

seasaw2mch 07-13-2011 07:32 PM


Originally Posted by BigDog
I just bought a 3128 about a week ago. I haven't looked in the manual to see if there's a speed adjustment because for me, it's easy to adjust by not hitting the pedal so hard. There really doesn't seem to be an in-between speed, though. It's either very slow or away she goes.

I sew on a highly polished teak table. It doesn't run from me. She must be pushing it or leaning into it. That would be understandable since she's new to sewing machines.

I love my 3128. It's the perfect little straight line machine. And it's quiet.

No speed control on this one and I have tried holding the pedal in my hands to gently push down on the pedal but it still runs like a mad dog. As for quite, not this one. I have a Viking and a Baby lock, both which are very quit machines but this thing is loud. I put her on my babylock to see how she did with using the speed control and she sewed up a storm. I guess I will have to see about getting rid of the Janome and looking else where for one that she can use.

It's just disappointing to buy a new machine and have so much trouble with controlling it.

Lisa_wanna_b_quilter 07-13-2011 07:38 PM

I googled through a bunch of reviews for this machine. The big complaint on it, seems to be there is no way to slow it down and the foot pedal is hard to control.

seasaw2mch 07-13-2011 07:52 PM


Originally Posted by Lisa_wanna_b_quilter
I googled through a bunch of reviews for this machine. The big complaint on it, seems to be there is no way to slow it down and the foot pedal is hard to control.

yea that's what I found too but was hoping that maybe someone found a way to do it. Wish these reviews were out before I bought this.

grammy6 07-13-2011 08:50 PM


Originally Posted by bearisgray
Might be easier to find an "older" machine

I would recommend a little newer model. I purchased a used simplicity machine from my dealer. I specifically asked for one that had an adjustable speed. It will go very slow then when she feels more comfortable it can be set to go faster. I know you hate to purchase another machine but that feature alone is worth it to teach your little ones. I paid $95. I have 6 grandkids and all use the "slow" feature. Good luck in whatever decision you make. Happy Sewing to your grands.


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