Recommendations for an 11 year old
#1
Recommendations for an 11 year old
My granddaughter just told me that she wants a sewing machine for her 11th birthday next week. Despite my overstock of sewing machines, I'm not sure if any would really be right for her or what would be best. I like Kenmores and have a 158.13033, which weighs a ton, but I think would be easy to use.
I could give her a Featherweight, but I think they're a lot easier to jam than the Kenmore and they're too hard to come by for any reasonable price. I definitely need to give her something portable, not in a cabinet. BTW, she is learning to sew, but hasn't had much experience.
Any recommendations for something to look for?
Thanks,
Linda
I could give her a Featherweight, but I think they're a lot easier to jam than the Kenmore and they're too hard to come by for any reasonable price. I definitely need to give her something portable, not in a cabinet. BTW, she is learning to sew, but hasn't had much experience.
Any recommendations for something to look for?
Thanks,
Linda
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 384
hmm I'm partial to the 301 and featherweight but I have some 3/4 size kenmores(unfortunately I haven't made time to try them out enough to know if they're awesome but others have assured me they are..) the 1020, 1030 1040, 1045, 1050 that have the rose embossed cases? they do zig zag and different stitches built in -s omeone here I think said the bobbin winder is delicate though and hard to find replacement if it breaks
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Chula Vista CA
Posts: 7,402
My mother taught me to sew on her 15-91 when I was 8 years old. I used that machine until I was 19 and moved away from home. It was set in a cabinet so I tried like crazy to get her to buy a machine with a free-arm but it never happened. I don't think the weight of the machine is as important as having a reliable, easy to use machine. I do believe adult supervision is still necessary when operating the machine, so if it is too heavy she would have help to lift it.
#6
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 15,506
#7
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Centralia, WA, USA
Posts: 4,890
I just asked my expert. She's an 11 year old too.
Here's Olivia.
Hi! I started off with a Singer 101, I enjoyed using this machine VERY much!!It makes a beautiful straight stitch. Of course there's a chance of her wanting a fancy stitch, if so I recommend a Singer 401 because it has a selection of nice stitches and it sews very well. Another great sewing machine for cool stitches is a Touch-And-Sew. a great zig-zag stitch and straight stitch as well as fancy stitches. When you check this write back please!
Olivia 11 year old expert
Here's Olivia.
Hi! I started off with a Singer 101, I enjoyed using this machine VERY much!!It makes a beautiful straight stitch. Of course there's a chance of her wanting a fancy stitch, if so I recommend a Singer 401 because it has a selection of nice stitches and it sews very well. Another great sewing machine for cool stitches is a Touch-And-Sew. a great zig-zag stitch and straight stitch as well as fancy stitches. When you check this write back please!
Olivia 11 year old expert
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Phenix City, Alabama
Posts: 881
I got a Commander (kenmore, 15 clone) when I was 8. 46 now, still have it and use it. It's straight stitch only, but what a stitch. The only thing I have ever done to it was replace the foot pedal with the electronic one and replaced the spring in the tensioner.
#9
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 15,506
A Singer 15 or a 15 clone IS a great choice, too. I think they are almost bullet proof. Along with the Singer 99 the 66s machines are pretty and sew very nice.
#10
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 15,506
Another great cheap basic machine to learn on is a Singer 404 - then do like Olivia and get a 401 or better still a 403 with a box of cams. There are some really nice old Kenmore machines. I like the older ones with the drop in disks the best.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
msmariab5
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
12
03-16-2014 04:20 AM