Does someone have a link to a universal type product that maybe adheres to the sewing machine to protect fingers? My local sewing machine repairman suggested I buy one for teaching my 5 year old niece how to sew. I've googled and haven't found what I'm looking for.

Anyone have one, does it work o.k.? I would like to make her first experiences sewing less dangerous.

No but I would be interested also, to teach my granddaughter.

the only finger protectors I have ever seen are on the kiddy toy sewing machines. I also think that there is a hello kitty model with that attachment. sorry that I am no help in this. but those are the only protectors that I know of.

Hi Candace When I started teaching my 4 and 5 yr old. DGD I use my old singer machine and I taped a popcicle stick at the 1/4 mark. This helped them to keep the fabric stright. That way there fabric didn't run off to the right on them and they were able to watch there fingers when they got close to the needle.
Also if your teaching her on a machine that you can lower the speed on your machine that also helps.
My 4 year old made her first quilt before she was 5. and with no hurt fingers.. Goos luck

there are vintage "finger protectors" for the old Singer machines. they would fit any short shank machine. I have one in my collection, but do not know where you can get them.April Henry (april 1930's) has a website & sells on eBay.
she might have one for sale. fun place to look, even if you
don't find what you are looking for.

I wonder if you could tape something to the right side of the machine where it would hang down between the child's fingers and that needle? A piece of cardboard or something? She could still get stuck, but the visual barrier would be a reminder.

The only thing that I could think of is if the protector that is around embellishing machine needles could be adapted to the machine? However, it may defeat the purpose as it could be harder to see where to sew.
I have little kids sewing with me a lot and my philosophy is to teach them safety with the right gear and procedure as I think people have accidents when they are struggling with blunt scissors etc. However, I am not trying to dictate what you should do - safety has to be the prime concern. I have had 4 - 7 year old boys and girls manage OK. However, I must say I have an 'eagle eye' on them ( reminding safety rules) and never leave the room if they are in it.

I can't lower the speed of the machine as it's a 1960's Morse. And she's in love with it because it's a pink, princess machine that she wants to learn on. Maybe it is a vintage Singer piece that he was talking about. I've not had much luck finding anything.

Thanks, the popsicle stick is a good idea.

Found this site. Perhaps one of these may fit:

http://www.universalsewing.com/tek9....criteria=520.1