My little grandson is 4 he loves to sew , calls it our secret , and wont tell his Mom what we are making , our 8 year DD can use my new Bernina 830 and love it . Cathy

Bessedandlucky: My grandaughters started with lessons at ages 8 and 11. They both like sewing/ I gave them lesson at those ages at our local quilt shop. They made chicken pin cushions, and purses.

My sons showed interest to sew on fleece when then were 10 and 7 yrs. old. We started with fleece hats. They liked cutting out a paper pattern and making a hat was so easy and fast. My older son went on to design his own mitten pattern and make himself a pair. They each made a pair of boxers in Jr. High (mandatory sewing project). My youngest son, now that he's grown up, just finished a college costume class project. He made himself a kilt. He wore it all day on Christmas!

I have memories of sitting on my Mom's lap, with my fingers guiding the fabric while her feet worked the treadle. I was probably 4-5 yrs. old. I know my feet wouldn't reach the treadle while I was sitting on the chair.

I bought a singer in a cabinet at an auction for thirty
five dollars with my 2 four year old granddaughters in mind we have light hooked up but left foot pedal unplugged.They turn the wheel by hand to make it sew and they think it is great.They were always wanting to sit on my lap to help me sew
they love playing with my quilting pieces so they already have there own pre-cut stash we have lots of fun they love all the bright colors.Angie Grandma of seven

I agree completely! I usually start them out hand sewing first before the machine.

My girls are 8 and 14 and have been sewing for quite a long time. They started by sitting on my lap and helping sew until I felt they were ready to do it on their own(and could reach the petal). Each child will be different. My 3 yr old son wants to sew so bad on his own, but he loves pressing all the buttons and don't trust him yet. I've had my girls quilting on the long arm already too.

They are ready when they show an interest. I always suggest that you start them on some hand sewing.

Oh gosh I forgot all about those cards, my DD used to love them!

Thoroughly agree here as there are some I would never let near a machine. The kids that I started out were about 6 - 7. I allow them to guide the material and push the pedal themselves but they have to get their 'licence' before they can do that. This entails a series of mini - lessons where they have to practice a certain exercise until they get it OK and pass a safety test.

My DGD became interest at about 5. I started her off by letting her sit in my lap and help.

Perfect color for her new Barbara. Love that hot pink; I know she did. I say any interest should be encouraged and let each develop as their interest allows. Don't push beyond their comfort level and your patience level.

You are so blessed to share this love with her and she will always have these fond memories.

Machines and our tools can be dangerous, so be cautious of them. Several years back, I was asked by our fair to do a demo on beginning to quilt. I brought a stack of scraps and some simple paper piecing patterns. I found that even very young kids who were interested did very well at following the lines with hand stitching.

Any time but only if they are interested.

my daughter who's almost 32 suddenly shows interest and has picked up my spare machine,so I guess I'm saying any time they show interest.

My great neice wanted to learn at 6 when I was babysitting her and making a quilt for mom and dad. With direction she cut, sewed, and pressed an entire block on the quilt by herself. Was very proud to introduce generation three at the time. :)

Good for you...and for her.

My Children have always wanted to sew at a young age, because that is what I am doing. We have made tons of bean bags over the years. I let them hand sew the last little bit shut.

The only problem with teaching them to sew is that when they get a little older and they can sew on their own they will take over your machines. I have had to literally kick my older girls off the sewing machines so that I could get some sewing done myself.

I started my 7yo grandaughter last year. I bought her a small Janome at Hancock fabrics. Has 6 stitches and is easy to thread, she is really enjoying it. Takes home all my scraps

When my oldelst was 2 yrs old I cut some blocks and put dots on the seam lines to show her where to stick the needle. She sewed together enough blocks to make her a doll blanket. To this day she loves to sew but hand sewing and embrodery are her favorites. She also started crocheting when she was about 12, then went on to tatting.

I have an 8 yr old I want to learn, but you would be amazed how hard it is to find a good starter instructional book geared to young children.