Since most sewing machines come with a number of extra functions and stitches, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the possibilities if you are a parent trying to buy your child their first sewing machine.
On the bright side, though, the majority of machines are simple to use, and many include a variety of stitches and computerised features. Without a doubt, with the correct guidance, kids can learn how to use a sewing machine.
We have tried nearly every type of sewing machine so far, evaluating them on setup, usability, feature range, design, effectiveness, and overall value in order to find the best machine for kids.
We gave top priority to machines that produce high-quality stitches and have simple instructions. A few models made especially for children are among our top choices, as are versions with features that beginners can get used to. Let us explore the best sewing machine for kids in this article.
Table of Contents
Best Sewing Machine For Kids
Further in this article, we have covered the best sewing machine for kids that you can buy for your kid without having to ponder upon much on the thought of having the right sewing machine at your home.
1. Baby Lock Zest Sewing Machine
The Baby Lock Zest Sewing Machine can seem a little too simple to seasoned sewers, but that’s just what makes it the best sewing machine for kids. Our stitches steadily improved after two months of practice on this machine, despite the fact that we started at a beginner level. Finding the proper tension and thread for our sewing projects didn’t take us long because the instruction handbook had excellent photos and simple directions.
Throughout the six months that we evaluated the machine, the stitch quality remained great, and we had no issues. Were we impressed by the Babylock Zest? Yes, and we would suggest it to anyone who is just beginning to sew or if you want a sewing machine for your kid. Our main issue was that the foot pedal required constant exposure to a power outlet due to its excessively short wire.
It has all the normal features you would expect from a sewing machine, including a foot pedal, accessory storage, a detachable extension table and a free arm for stitching the legs, sleeves and cuffs of trousers. Additionally, we appreciate that the bobbin is front-loaded, making it simple to thread and pop out. Compared to other sewing machines on the market, it has just 15 stitch options, but that is still more than enough for beginners to create lovely crafts.
It’s quite pleasant to use, and we thought there was ample room to move the cloth around as we pleased. In terms of operation, the sewing machine performed well. We were very happy with how well the straight stitches worked with woven cotton cloth, even though they were excellent on all the fabrics we tested.
You can carry this Baby Lock model with you wherever you go thanks to its handy handle and compact design. For an additional fee, you can additionally purchase a bag to carry it in. If there was a knob on the body to adjust the speed rather of a pedal, it would be the one thing that would make it even simpler for beginners, especially children who are just starting to sew.
PROS
- Includes 15 stitches, making it ideal for beginners.
- Really simple to use and set up
- Lightweight and portable
- The directions are straightforward to understand and follow.
CONS
- A foot pedal controls speed, which could prove challenging for children to operate.
- The cable for the foot pedal is short.
2. Janome Easy-to-Use Sewing Machine
We recommend sticking to the fundamentals with a basic model, such as the Janome Easy-to-Use Sewing Machine, if you’re just starting out in sewing. It has 15 stitches so you can sew clothes, pillows, and other creative items, but it isn’t computerized, so there isn’t a digital LCD screen or stitch buttons to push. There are certain decorative stitches that you can use for shell tuck, smocking, and appliqué, but you can’t use it to embroider hearts or letters.
After six months of testing, Janome’s primary advantages are its simplicity, ease of use, and variety of stitch possibilities. Additionally, throughout our whole testing time, we had no issues at all. There are no special add-ons like a built-in thread cutter, drop-in bobbin, or automated needle threading settings that are sometimes found in more expensive machines, despite the fact that it did include everything someone new would need.
Specifically made for kids, this sewing machine is among the least expensive on our list. You can find out more about the machine by watching the YouTube video tutorials that come with it in addition to the instruction manual. Although the straight and zigzag stitches were of high quality on all the fabrics we examined, we noticed that denim textiles had the most constant and uniform appearance.
The machine’s small size allowed us ample space to work with the cloth while sewing, which made it comfortable to use. However, its design could make it difficult to replace a bobbin or thread the needle if you have eyesight problems.
Additionally, we had trouble using the buttonhole features and thought the directions were complicated. To be fair, though, it was simple once we figured out how to do it. The variety of bright colours, such as pink sorbet, crystal mint, blue couture, and more, is our favourite aspect, though.
Advanced sewists might find this machine a bit too simple, even while it is beginner-friendly and suitable for simple jobs like creating a quilt or make-up bag. Nevertheless, because of its ease of transportation, it’s a fantastic choice for retreats and workshops.
PROS
- Simple design
- Comes in a variety of candy-colored shades.
- Numerous stitch options
CONS
- The instructions are a little difficult to follow.
3. NEX Sewing Machine
For anybody searching for a sewing machine that kids would feel comfortable using, the NEX Sewing Machine ticks a number of boxes. It is small, light, and only has simple functions that children can learn. The machine’s speed control knobs, however, let users adjust how fast or slow they like to move, which is what we appreciate best about it. For a youngster sewing for the first time, the fact that there are just two speeds is ideal.
This machine requires very little setup, just put in the foot pedal and power wire, and it’s ready for use. It is considerably simpler to use because it is pre-threaded. However, keep in mind that the machine’s design differs from that of other sewing machines, and many of the buttons are located in unfamiliar locations.
With just 12 stitches, this sewing machine is more than sufficient for children’s basic sewing, crafts, or quilting tasks. However, we had trouble winding the bobbin and found buttonholes to be difficult. All things considered, we thought this sewing machine was capable of producing high-quality stitches and suitable for children to create simple projects.
PROS
- Has integrated speed control knobs for improved management.
- Very reasonably priced
CONS
- We had issues with the buttonhole feature.
4. Brother LX3817A Sewing Machine
Despite not being specifically marketed to kids and teenagers, the Brother LX3817A appeals to crafty teens who want to get active because of its adorable design, vibrant colours, and simple functionality. The machine has 17 different stitch possibilities, including zigzag and straight stitches, and is lightweight enough for your teen to take around with ease. It also has tension settings that can be adjusted, which is always helpful if you want even stitching on all of your sewing tasks.
The machine was difficult to thread, but we tested it on a variety of materials and found that the stitch quality was constant. We discovered that, when the machine was operating, we had no control over the light since it lacked a separate light switch. It was also unexpected that the machine lacked any kid safety measures.
For unfamiliar sewers and young enthusiasts, the price of less than $100 is not too high. With this machine, our 13-year-old was able to effectively finish sewing tasks. This sewing machine would also be useful for adult beginners who wish to express their creativity. It comes in three colours: white, grey, and baby blue.
PROS
- Numerous stitch pattern settings
- Good price
- Adorable front design
CONS
- Not able to independently control light
- Absence of kid protection features
5. Juki MO654DE Serger
If you are buying a sewing machine for the first time for your kid or teenager, you might be hesitant to spend the money on a serger, but it might be a good choice if you want your clothes to have polished necklines and completed edges like store-bought items.
You can do more in less time with a serger since it sews more quickly than a standard sewing machine. All types of fabrics can be made use of with this Juki serger; it even includes a hem attachment for creating a rolled hem, a finish that is suitable for delicate fabrics.
As is common for a home serger, this one can hold two, three, or four threads simultaneously. Threading was far more complicated than loading the spools into the machine, which was to be expected given how intricate the process can be. However, we valued the user-friendly instruction manual with its excellent graphics. With a few small modifications, the machine operated well once we started going on.
We particularly appreciate that it features a light switch on the body, allowing you to select whether the light is on or off when sewing. Presser feet, seam rippers, and other sewing equipment are stored in the storage box, which is easily accessible through a slide-off front and side opening.
PROS
- Can be used on all fabrics
- Light switch makes it easy to see what you’re doing
CONS
- Can be complicated to thread
6. Brother CS7000X 70-Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine
In addition to being lightweight and comfortable to operate, the Brother CS7000X boasts digital features that make it simple for children to use. The machine features a digital LCD screen and 70 stitch possibilities. It does have a lot of buttons, which at first appeared complex, but we found the fast guide and illustrated instruction manual to be easy to understand.
We find the features to be extremely helpful and intuitive. The stitches held up well throughout several months of testing. We tended to use the machine frequently since it felt easy to operate and handy.
We appreciated that we never lost our position because the machine stopped itself whenever we removed our foot from the pedal. This eliminated the need to backstitch and allowed us to just continue where we left off. Additionally, the machine makes utilising a drop-in bobbin at the top easy, especially for beginners.
This sewing machine’s automated features, which reduced setup time, include an automatic buttonhole, automatic bobbin system, and automatic needle threader. Using both straight and zigzag stitches, we generally observed no problems with the quality of the stitching on any of the fabrics we examined.
The table’s 10-foot extension allows quilters to work on larger projects. Additionally, it features an additional free arm for hemming sleeves, trousers and cuffs. Furthermore, we discovered that the connection helped maintain the fabric’s levelness when stitching. All things considered, it’s a fine option for beginners and older children, while it does include some sophisticated features that would be better suited for people with some expertise.
Although this machine is undoubtedly useful for experienced sewers, beginners won’t find it challenging because of its user-friendly settings. This machine is a must-have for anybody who enjoys weekend hobbies and enjoyable crafternoons.
PROS
- Has an LCD screen and 70 stitch options.
- Able to handle more complex jobs
- Using a drop-in bobbin is simple.
CONS
- Those with some sewing expertise would benefit the most.
Tips for Choosing the Right Sewing Machine for Your Kid
Following are the tips for choosing the right sewing machine for your kid.
Size & Weight
Depending on size and material, the majority of sewing machines weigh between 5 and 30 pounds. Nowadays, a lot of sewing machines are constructed of plastic, which makes them rather light, but if you want something more robust, there are heavier old metal ones available.
Because most sewing machines have a carrying handle built into the top, they are still somewhat portable. Furthermore, a lot of sewing machines are small enough to fit on a table or desk. However, if you have a space set out for sewing, you might want to invest in a robust sewing table to keep things organised.
Options for Stitching
The majority of sewing machines include both a straight stitch and a zigzag stitch setting. However, you’ll discover that as the price rises, so will the number of stitch settings. The number of stitch settings on sewing machines can range from 12 to 165. In addition to zigzag and straight stitches, many machines provide decorative stitches for quilting or stitching handcrafted items, as well as basting and overlocking stitches.
Speed
By applying pressure to the foot pedal while stitching, you can control the sewing machine’s speed. The machine will move more quickly when greater pressure is applied. It’s crucial to remember that not all sewing machines have speed control capabilities since some will continue to run at the same pace regardless of how hard you push the foot pedal.
In order to sew at a rate that suits them, kids and beginners alike should attempt to get a sewing machine with speed control. However, it’s not absolutely required because you improve with experience and practice.
Is it Preferable to Learn to Sew by Hand or Machine?
Both machine and hand sewing are excellent methods for learning to sew, but hand stitching takes a lot more effort and ability to get the same results as machine sewing. Nevertheless, a lot of individuals find it to be a fun and soothing pastime to engage in during their free time. Conversely, learning to sew with a machine is also beneficial since it allows you to stitch things much more quickly and effectively with less work.
Conclusion
It’s important to consider practicality, safety, and convenience of use when selecting the best sewing machine for children. Thankfully, there are a number of top-notch choices that accommodate beginners while allowing for skill improvement.
For young beginners, the Baby Lock Zest Sewing Machine is an excellent starting point because of its dependability and simplicity. Another excellent option is the Janome Easy-to-Use model, which has a simple design and a range of stitches. Children could more easily regulate their stitching pace thanks to the NEX stitching Machine’s speed control feature.
The Brother LX3817A offers a variety of stitch possibilities and a stylish appearance for teens or older children seeking greater versatility. Though it takes some practice, the Juki MO654DE Serger can assist in achieving professional-quality finishes if you’re looking for a more sophisticated choice.
The ideal sewing machine for your child ultimately relies on their sewing objectives, age, and level of expertise. There is a machine that meets their demands, regardless of whether they are just getting started or want to advance their abilities. Purchasing a high-quality sewing machine can boost children’s creativity and foster a lifetime love of sewing.