Vintage child's sewing machine
 

I'm thinking about purchasing a vintage child's sewing machine for my 3.5 y/o daughter. I was wondering if there were any recommendations or things I should keep in mind before purchasing. Thanks.

Make sure you get the clamp with the machine, so that you can attach it firmly to the table. :) Keep in mind that needles are hard to find.

Think I would go with a featherweight.. I don't have one, but feel like it will grow with the child..

That was my first thought too barri1, but we're talking about a 3 year old...I'd be wary of a power machine until she was just a bit older...

Hi Charlee...
What about a machine with a hand crank? I just have a problem thinking about a machine that is a childs toy. I wouldn't be happy with an electric machine, and a 3 yo... I also question the attention span of a 3 yo.. The hand crank would can be used by an adult..

Wow, your 3 year old can sew?! Fantastic!

Thanks for your help. My daughter is very respectful of things, which is great. She is the type of kid that plays with porcelain tea sets and eats off real dishes with no problems. That being said, I'm not crazy enough to give her a power machine... yet anyway. Maybe in a few years. And she'll only be working on things when I am present. I've heard some pretty awful things about the newer toy machines which is why I was thinking a vintage child's machine. I'm not totally sold on the whole thing anyway, but you guys have been helpful.

You are looking to teach control. A hand crank is hard for some adults to control. I had one to learn on - sewed my finger before I was 5. A finger guard will only do so much. A toy sewing machine is not going to teach excellence. I gave my GDs a relatively inexpensive Spartan. It has a drop in bobbin - less to loose. It has a finger guard - I got it at sew-classic. She thinks her little machine is just so cute. I would also try a Japanese 15 - relatively inexpensive and a good machine - they do come in cool colors. AND Muv has a video how to thread it, wind the bobbin, etc.