Getting Started - Additional Items to Buy
 

Last year, my granddaughter who has shown an aptitude for sewing and an interest in both general sewing and quilting, wanted a sewing machine, but her parents and I decided to wait a year to see if her interested continued, given that she was only seven years old. Well, she is as enthusiastic as ever, and I have just bought her her first sewing machine (with her parents' approval). It will be her birthday present this month. My question is this: what should I get her to go with it? For examples, what kind of practice fabric in what quantity, threads, etc. Think of it as an accompanying gift set. I look forward to any suggestions you may offer!

What a fun shopping adventure. I would include a gift card to the lqs, her first lesson could be picking out and learning about her supplies , while also getting introduced to the store. She could pick out her first fabrics! It would be great if you could go with her.

That is so exciting! I'm hoping perhaps my granddaughter will be the one who is interested in sewing/quilting when she gets older (she's just 15 months, so it will be a few years yet!).

I would think starting off with 100% cotton would be easiest at first (as opposed to some sort of blend that might be a bit more difficult to handle). Maybe start off with material/pattern to make a small project (like a table runner or potholders). If something like that, then also add in a rotary cutter, small cutting mat, ruler, pins. I'd probably just go with cotton thread also (such as Aurifil 50 wt or something similar). Then add some pretty fabric and batting to go with.

I'm sure you will have so much fun sharing/sewing with your granddaughter! :o

It's a wonderful thing! I think if you get her a rotary cutter, she should also have a klutz glove for safety. Maybe it would be a good idea to buy her some small pre-cuts, 2.5" or 5" squares. You're going to have so much fun with her!!!

How exciting for both of you. I see lots of sewing bonding time for you and your granddaughter. Possibly a beginners class for children would be a good thing. She may enjoy it so much that she can gather fabrics and go on from there. I like the suggestion that someone else made that a gift card to a LQS and let her pick out her fabrics. Just have fun with her.

Does your granddaughter still play with dolls? If she does this is a nice project -

https://thecottagemama.com/2014/01/b...nket-tutorial/

Perhaps someone known to your family is having a baby - she might like to make the smallest size quilt.

What about Christmas themed placemats or mug rugs?

I have also see some very simple book bags that are made from pretty pre-cut squares and lots of embellishments.

I’m not sure about her having a rotary cutter though!

It is wonderful that you are going to share your skills with your granddaughter - I long for the day when one of mine asks ‘Grandma, will you show me how to use your sewing machine?’

A pillow case kit! I taught several children this summer and they loved the swiftness of completing it . All did a second one right away !

What wonderful memories you two will make! I love dreaming about days of sewing with my grandkids when they're old enough.

I remember learning to sew.All I wanted to do was sew. Push the pedal and watch that machine stitch. I wasn't into cutting. I would say get her good scissors her size, not a rotary cutter. I would go shopping with her and let her pick out some precuts, unless you can do the cutting for her. I recommend a simple quilt of a huge 9 patch, like a baby quilt that's got only 9 pieces. Most 7 year olds want a project they can "make and take" in a day. They don't generally have the attention span to stretch out a project over several sessions. Maybe you should cut the binding and help her attach it.

I would keep it simple and keep it easy. Doll clothes? A doll quilt? Nancy Zieman had a show on her TV show that is still being shown. It featured her granddaughters making a doll quilt with her help. You can find it by logging into Nancy's site. I wouldn't let her use a rotary cutter for now... they are razor blades with handles!! I think it would be better if an adult do the cutting even with scissors for now. Scraps of bright fabric will be nice for her to get her imagination going, also. That's what little girls in the past learned to sew with.

It sounds like great fun for her and for you!! Enjoy!

My first thought was also a pillowcase- something that is useful - and can be done in a comparatively short period of time - and does not have to be perfectly perfect.

Another thought - pajama bottoms - or pull-on shorts - actually, some knits are quite forgiving, also.

I don't recommend potholders - I consider myself an advanced beginner - and I still consider them challenging.

Maybe a mug rug or place mat.