“Can I play with your sewing machine?” my curious seven-year-old daughter had once asked with stars in her eyes. She held her seen-better-days Barbie doll in her right hand and a piece of cloth in the other. It didn’t take a genius to conclude that she wanted to make her doll a brand new dress.
Naturally, I’m all in for lending my daughter my stuff. However, my sewing machine is big, bulky, and has too many complicated buttons. But, instead of turning her away, I decided to buy a sewing machine specifically made for kids like her. I’ve never seen her more delighted when it came!
If your little one is interested in sewing like mine was, it’s in your best interest to buy them a machine that’s safe, functional, and easy to use. In this post, I’ve compiled some of the best sewing machines for children you can trust.
SINGER Start 1304 6 Built-in Stitches – Best Overall
Singer is undoubtedly one of the biggest sewing machine manufacturers globally, with product quality next to none. While they’re primarily known for their intermediate and professional machines, they don’t disappoint with their beginner options.
The Start 1304 is one of the first sewing machines Singer has created for children and those just starting in sewing. The company described it as “basic, simple, and easy-to-use” due to its straightforward, uncomplicated design.
Despite that, Singer doesn’t skimp out on the machine’s features.
Along with 57 stitch applications, all of which have pre-set length and width, the Start 1304 also comes with an automatic button function, an all-purpose foot pedal, and a four-step buttonhole feature. This function allows your young one to add buttons to their dolls and clothes as easy as one, two, three!
On top of that, this machine comes with a reverse lever that’s used to secure a seam. This prevents the thread from unraveling during and after the sewing process. Singer also included a pictured threading guide your child can efficiently study and follow to make it even more beginner-friendly.
Pros
- Little to no tension issues
- Quick and easy setup
- Extremely robust construction
- Runs smoothly
Cons
- Some users reported issues with the bobbin function
- Not the most affordable
Janome Easy-to-Use Sewing Machine – Runner Up
The Janome Easy-to-Use Sewing Machine is another favorite of mine. Besides the fact that it comes in three super cute colors (blue, cyan, and pink), it also has a ton of customizable features to suit you and your children’s needs perfectly.
This unit features 15 built-in stitches, a four-step buttonhole function, and a front-loading bobbin system to spare you the hassle of manually threading the needle yourself. Plus, it has an adjustable thread tension and an adjustable length and zigzag width to match whatever fabric you’d like to sew perfectly.
The removable storage compartment is another feature worth mentioning, as it transforms the unit into a free-arm sewing machine. This is ideal for small clothes, sleeves, or hemming a pair of pants.
If that’s not enough, it can operate at a maximum speed of 800 stitches per minute, comparable to a professional sewing machine.
Other accessories include a darning plate (for free-motion stitching), four presser feet, and standard accessories, including bobbins, needles, and seam rippers.
Pros
- Includes a quick start guide, easy-to-follow instruction manual, and YouTube video tutorials
- Three colors to choose from
- Threads easily
- Heavy-duty interior metal frame
- Backed with a 25-year limited warranty
Cons
- The space light is inadequate, especially when working with dark fabric and dim light conditions
- Vibrates heavily
Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine – Best Portable Pick
Brother is another well-known name in the world of sewing. In fact, Brother recently won four of 2020’s “Good Design Award,” totaling 214 since its first award in 1960. Impressively, that’s the company’s 28th year of winning in a row!
The XM2701 Sewing Machine is a fan-favorite due to its gorgeous design, 63 stitch functions, 27 built-in stitches, and an automatic needle threader. Moreover, it has an extremely versatile free-arm that allows you to sew anything you put your mind to, from doll dresses to quilts.
Some of the many accessories that come with the machine include six sewing feet, four bobbins, twin needles, and a three-piece needle set. If that’s not enough, Brother also included an instructional DVD to help you use the machine easily.
Pros
- Lightweight and comes with a carry handle, making it extremely portable
- automatic needle threader saves the hassle of manually threading a needle
- LED light brightly illuminates your workspace
- Works up to 850 stitches per minute
Cons
- Thread tension isn’t the tightest
Conclusion
If I had to pick the best sewing machine for children, I’d pick the SINGER Start 1304.
Although advertised to beginners, it’s functional enough for professionals to use with ease. With so many add-ons, this sewing is a wise pick if you’re looking to immerse your child in sewing.
Here are some great projects for kids to make on their new sewing machine too!
