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Sewing is one of the most satisfying creative hobbies out there. I couldn’t wait to be able to teach my kids how to sew. Unfortunately, they never got the sewing bug like I did, but they do know their way around a machine.
If you have a little person in your life that you’d like to share your love of sewing with, here is a list of the best sewing machines for kids.
These machines are not toys, but are actual kid-friendly sewing machines that are great machines to learn on, and don’t have a ton of bells and whistles to break or make the whole process confusing.
Now let’s have a look…
10 Picks For The Best Sewing Machine for Kids
These are our top picks for the best kids sewing machines. Take a look through these kid-friendly sewing machines, and read on to find out how to choose the best childs sewing machine for your budding sewist.
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#1 Janome Graceful Gray Portable Sewing Machine
- Portable, Compact Sewing Machine Perfect for beginners, alterations and sewing on the go
- 11 Built-In Stitches including straight, zigzag, crescent with two needle positions
- Free Arm, Accessory Storage, Easy Reverse and only five pounds
- Threading Diagrams & Top Drop-In Bobbin with clear cover makes for easy set-up
- Presser Foot with Finger Guard protects little fingers
All the Details
- Bobbin: Top Drop-in
- Stitch Speed Adjustment: No
- Number of Stitches: 11
- Buttonholer: No
- Automatic Threader: No
- Finger Guard: Finger guard presser foot
What We Like
- Simple to thread and use
- Comes in fun colors
- Free arm
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t have a built-in light
- No on-off switch
Our Verdict
For a very inexpensive machine, this is a good choice for the best sewing machine for kids. It comes in a wide selection of fun colors, sews well and doesn’t have a ton of extra features to get in the way.
#2 Brother XM2701 Lightweight Sewing Machine
- 27 Unique built-in stitches: The XM2701 includes 27 built-in stitches including decorative, blind hem, zigzag, and stretch stitches and an auto-size buttonhole
- Automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin: This sewing machine includes an automatic needle threader that perfectly pushes the thread through the needle and a convenient, jam resistant drop-in top bobbin
- Included accessories: The XM2701 comes with 6 sewing feet, 3-piece needle set, twin needle, 4 bobbins, instructional DVD, manual and more
- Versatile free arm: This free arm sewing machine is perfect for a wide range of everyday sewing projects, and users from beginners to advanced
- At your side support: The XM2701 sewing machine comes with Brother At your side support offering free technical support via online, live chat or phone for the life of your machine
All the Details
- Bobbin: Drop-in
- Stitch Speed Adjustment: No
- Number of Stitches: 27
- Buttonholes: 1-step buttonholer
- Automatic Threader: Yes
- Finger Guard: No
What We Like
- Drop-in bobbin and needle threader make set up easy
- Plenty of stitches for the advancing sewist
What We Don’t Like
- It can be a bit speedy for a new sewist.
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for the best sewing machine for kids and you have a bit more to spend this is a great choice. With lots of features at a great price, this one should definitely be on your shortlist.
#3 Janome Fastlane Basic Sewing Machine
- Portable, Compact Sewing Machine Perfect for beginners, alterations and sewing on the go
- 10 Built-In Stitches including straight, zigzag, crescent with two needle positions
- Free Arm, Accessory Storage, Easy Reverse and only five pounds
- Threading Diagrams & Top Drop-In Bobbin with clear cover makes for easy set-up
- Presser Foot with Finger Guard protects little fingers
All the Details
- Bobbin: Top Drop-in
- Stitch Speed Adjustment: No
- Number of Stitches: 11
- Buttonholer: No
- Automatic Threader: No
- Finger Guard: Guard on presser foot
What We Like
- Simple to thread and use
- Comes in fun colors
- Free arm
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t have a built-in light
- No on-off switch
Our Verdict
This kids’ sewing machine is basically the same model as our #1 choice above, just in a different color. Good price for a basic sewing machine that will do just about everything a newbie sewer will need.
#4 Singer Start 1304
- BEST SEWING MACHINE: The SINGER Start 1304 sewing machine is basic, simple, and easy-to-use thanks to 57 Stitch Applications, all with pre-set stitch width and stitch length. Just select your stitch and start sewing
- SINGER Start 1304 Start Free Arm Model Sewing Machine has 25 Year Limited
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND PORTABLE: This lightweight and portable machine weighs only 7 pounds, making it great for sewing in smaller spaces or taking to sewing class
- AUTOMATIC BOBBIN WINDING SEWING MACHINE: To wind a bobbin, simply follow the numbered diagram printed on top of the sewing machine. The bobbin will automatically stop turning when it’s completely filled
- SINGER Start 1304 ACCESSORIES: Includes All-Purpose Foot, Zipper Foot, Buttonhole Foot, Darning Plate, Pack of Needles, Bobbins, Needle Plate Screwdriver, Spool Pin Felts, Seam Ripper / Lint Brush, Power Line Cord, Foot Control, Quick Start Guide, Instruction Manual. Amps: 0. 6
All the Details
- Bobbin: Frontloading
- Stitch Speed Adjustment: No
- Number of Stitches: 6
- Buttonholer: Yes
- Automatic Threader: No
- Finger Guard: No
What We Like
- Heavy-duty metal frame
- Free arm
- Comes with several presser feet
- Automatic bobbin winder
What We Don’t Like
- This is a good basic sewing machine at an affordable price.
Our Verdict
Easy to thread and use, this machine is a good choice for a childs sewing machine for the beginning sewist. It does have a buttonholer which is a nice feature at this price point.
#5 Janome Arctic Crystal Sewing Machine
- Overview Features: 15 Built-In Stitches, 4-Step Buttonhole, Front-Loading Bobbin System, Heavy Duty Interior Metal Frame
- Customizable Features: Adjustable Stitch Length & ZigZag Width, Reverse Lever, Darning Plate
- Convenience Features: 3-Piece Feed Dog System, Removable Free Arm, Dual Retractable Spool Pins
- Easy to Use: Tutorial Videos, Built-In Bobbin Diagram, Quick Start Guide Included
- Included: 4 Presser Feet, Beginner Accessories, easy-to-follow Instructional Manual, 25-Year Limited
All the Details
- Bobbin: Frontloading
- Stitch Speed Adjustment: No
- Number of Stitches: 15
- Buttonholer: 4-step buttonholer
- Automatic Threader: No
- Finger Guard: No
What We Like
- Bobbin loading instructions are right on the machine
- Comes with 4 presser feet
- Adjustable stitch length and zig-zag width
What We Don’t Like
- The included light could be brighter.
Our Verdict
This machine comes in pretty colors, but don’t let it fool you. It’s not a cheap toy. This machine has enough features to be used for quite a while before outgrowing it. Instruction manual is easy to read and understand. If you can get a hang of the front-loading bobbin, you’ll have it made with this machine.
#6 Singer Heavy Duty 4411 Sewing Machine
- POWERFUL FOR TOUGH FABRICS: With 50% more power, the SINGER Heavy Duty 4411 is built to handle tough fabrics like denim, canvas, and leather. Its heavy-duty motor ensures professional-grade stitching, making it a reliable choice for heavy-duty projects, while also offering versatility for lighter fabrics like dress-weight materials.
- VERSATILE STITCH APPLICATIONS: Offering 69 stitch applications, the SINGER 4411 lets you explore a variety of sewing techniques, from basic seams to intricate decorative stitches. Whether you’re sewing home decor items or fashion garments, this versatile machine is equipped to handle a wide range of creative and functional projects.
- HIGH-SPEED STITCHING: Achieve faster results with up to 1,100 stitches per minute, allowing you to complete projects quickly and efficiently. Perfect for everything from everyday repairs to more complex sewing tasks, the high-speed stitching capability makes this machine a true workhorse in any sewing room.
- DURABLE METAL FRAME: The heavy-duty metal frame ensures skip-free sewing and provides long-lasting durability, even when working with thicker fabrics. Designed for stability, the full metal interior frame keeps your projects running smoothly, ensuring consistent, high-quality stitches on every project.
- TOP DROP-IN BOBBIN SYSTEM: The convenient top drop-in bobbin system, complete with a transparent cover, makes it easy to keep an eye on your thread supply. This feature prevents running out of thread mid-seam, ensuring uninterrupted sewing and a smoother overall sewing experience with every project.
All the Details
- Bobbin: Drop-in
- Stitch Speed Adjustment: No
- Number of Stitches: 11
- Buttonholer: Yes
- Automatic Threader: No
- Finger Guard: No
What We Like
- Adjustable needle position
- Free arm
- Heavy duty frame
- Drop feed
What We Don’t Like
- Free arm space is limited
Our Verdict
This machine costs more than the very basic models, but comes with many more features, like an extra high presser foot lifter and a more powerful motor. If you’re looking for a machine that will last your new sewist until they’re on their own, this is one of the best choices for best sewing machine for kids.
#7 Janome Basic Easy-to-Use 128 Sewing Machine
- Janome easy-to-use basic sewing machine with 8 stitches including 1 four-step buttonhole
- Vertical oscillating bobbin system, preset stitch length and width, single dial of stitches
- Interior metal frame, adjustable thread tension, auto bobbin declutch
- Free arm convertible, includes bonus quarter inch seam foot; thread tension control: manual
- Accessory storage, extra-high presser foot lifter, compact and portable
All the Details
- Bobbin: Vertical bobbin
- Stitch Speed Adjustment: No
- Number of Stitches: 8
- Buttonholer: Yes
- Automatic Threader: No
- Finger Guard: No
What We Like
- Quarter inch presser foot included for quilting
- Free arm
- Extra-high presser foot lift
- Limited number of dials and adjustments
What We Don’t Like
- Bobbin winder is awkwardly located
Our Verdict
This machine is very easy to use, lightweight, and portable. It’s often on sale so you may be able to get it at a very good price. This is another quality choice for the best sewing machine for kids.
#8 Brother CS6000i Computerized Machine
- 60 Unique built-in stitches: The Brother CS6000i includes 60 built-in sewing stitches, including decorative stitches and 7 styles of auto-size buttonholes
- Automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin: This sewing and quilting machine includes an automatic needle threader that perfectly pushes the thread through the needle and a convenient, jam resistant drop-in top bobbin
- Included accessories: The CS6000i includes a hard protective case, wide table, 10 sewing feet, needle set including twin needle, 3 bobbins and more
- LCD Screen: Easily select your stitches with the touch of a button and view your selections on the LCD display
- 25 Year limited warranty: The CS6000i is backed by a 25 year limited warranty with free technical support for the life of the product
All the Details
- Bobbin: Top Drop-in
- Stitch Speed Adjustment: Yes
- Number of Stitches: 60
- Buttonholer: 7 styles
- Automatic Threader: Yes
- Finger Guard: No
What We Like
- Wide table sewing surface
- Free arm
- Has both an auto threader and stitch speed control
What We Don’t Like
- 60 stitches may be overkill for a newbie sewist
Our Verdict
At first glance, this computerized machine might seem like overkill as the best sewing machine for kids choice, but you can’t beat the number of features for the price: automatic threader, drop-in bobbin, stitch speed control, free arm, etc. This machine comes with lots of features that make it easy to learn to sew and will last your beginning sewist for years to come.
#9 Singer Simple 3232 Portable Sewing Machine
- SINGER PORTABLE SEWING MACHINE: The SINGER 3232 portable sewing machine features 110 Stitch Applications, a built-in 1-step buttonhole, built-in needle threader and a heavy-duty metal frame making sewing creative projects fun and easy
- AUTOMATIC NEEDLE THREADER: Threading the machine is so easy that you can have the entire machine threaded, from the spool to the needle’s eye in seconds. The built-in needle threader helps you thread the eye of the needle effortlessly.
- SEWING SPEED: The SINGER 3232 sewing machine has a maximum speed of 750 stitches-per-minute, so larger projects can be sewn quickly.
- HIGH PRESSER FOOT LIFTER: The SINGER Simple 3232 sews several layers of thick fabric. The presser foot can be raised to a higher position for easy positioning of your project.
- AUTOMATIC REVERSE SEWING MACHINE: Push the conveniently located automatic reverse button to sew in reverse and reinforce the stitching
All the Details
- Bobbin: Vertical bobbin
- Stitch Speed Adjustment: No
- Number of Stitches: 32
- Buttonholer: Yes
- Automatic Threader: Yes
- Finger Guard: No
What We Like
- Heavy-duty frame
- High presser foot lifter
- Quick and easy threading
- Includes 4 presser feet
- Online owner’s videos are great for learning the machine
What We Don’t Like
- Automatic threader can be tricky for figure out
Our Verdict
This Singer is a solid, well-built, well-priced machine that does all the basic functions that a new sewist needs.
#10 Janome Mod 19 Easy-to-Use Sewing Machine
- Janome Easy-to-Use Basic Sewing Machine with 19 Stitches including 1 Four-Step Buttonhole
- Easy Threading with Built-In Needle Threader
- Top Loading Bobbin with Clear Cover and 5-Piece Feed Dog System
- Adjustable Stitch Length and Width and 4 Presser Feet
- Free Arm, Drop Feed, 25-Year Limited Warranty
All the Details
- Bobbin: Drop-in Bobbin
- Stitch Speed Adjustment: No
- Number of Stitches: 19
- Buttonholer: yes
- Automatic Threader: Yes
- Finger Guard: No
What We Like
- Free arm
- Drop feed
- 4 presser feet
What We Don’t Like
- The foot pedal/speed can go a bit fast for a beginner.
Our Verdict
This lightweight sewing machine is easy to use, does all the basic stitches and is another top choice for the best sewing machine for kids. The needle threader is easy to use and the bobbin winding system is straightforward. While this is a good basic machine, we feel that our #8 choice (Brother CS6000i) is a better value and comes with a few more beginner-friendly features.
What is a Kids Sewing Machine?
When you think of a kids sewing machine, your first thought might be of a cutesy, plastic pink sewing machine toy. But when you’re looking for the best sewing machine for kids that actually sews, you don’t have to limit yourself to a sewing machine designed especially for kids.
There are many sewing machine models on the market that would make a great kid-friendly childs sewing machine that aren’t necessarily designed just for youngsters.
So when you’re choosing the best sewing machine for kids for your new sewist, keep an open mind and don’t think you have to get a machine that’s just for kids.
As a matter of fact, unless you want to be buying a new sewing machine for your child every couple of years, it’s probably better to choose one that can grow with your new sewist for a few years as they improve their sewing skills.
Why Would You Buy A Special Sewing Machines for Kids?
While you don’t necessarily need a child’s sewing machine for your kids, there are a couple of reasons that buying a kids sewing machine makes sense:
- You don’t want your child messing up your expensive electronic sewing machine.
- Your sewing machine is way too complicated for a new sewist and you don’t want to cause extra frustration when they’re learning
- You have visions of hours spent sewing together and you’ll each need your own machine.
- You’re worried that your current machine may be unsafe for your child to learn on.
Why Teach Your Child to Sew?
Learning how to sew provides so many benefits for a young sewist.
Valuable Life Skills
Being able to sew is a skill that they’ll have for the rest of their lives. From making a blanket for their favorite stuffed animal, to being able to make their own clothes, to sewing curtains for their first apartment, being able to do it yourself is an amazing gift to give a child.
Quality Time Together
If your child has seen you sew, they’re probably curious and already want to do everything you do. Sewing can be a great way to spend time together, especially before those annoying teenage years when your kids usually want to stay as far away from you as they can.
Creative Outlet
If you’re a sewist, you already know that sewing is an excellent creative outlet. If your child already likes to create in other ways, like art projects, craft projects, legos, etc, chances are they will love the creativity that sewing brings because they get to choose what to make and the fabric as well.
Confidence & Self Esteem
Sewing can also be a source of confidence and self-esteem when your kids become tweens and teens. During adolescence, anytime you can build a child’s confidence, it’s a win. Showing them that they can master a skill and enjoy it is a great way to build independence and confidence in your child.
Important Features to Look For in The Best Sewing Machine for Kids
Any machine you purchase for your child needs to be easy to use, reliable and safe. You want your new sewist to learn how to sew without becoming overwhelmed or frustrated.
Here are the important features to look for when buying a kid’s sewing machine.
Safety
Look for a machine with speed control and other safety features like finger guards to protect small fingers.
Presser Feet
While it may seem easier to choose a machine with snap-on presser feet, it’s probably safer to go with a machine that has presser feet that screw on since they’re less likely to snap off and cause a safety hazard.
Warranty
Let’s face it…kids break things. Look for a machine with a generous warranty period.
Weight
Look for a machine that weighs enough to not bounce around the table when sewing, but light enough to be manageable by a child. If you’re lucky enough to have a dedicated sewing cabinet, heavier sturdier machines usually are the best choice.
Ease of Use
The best sewing machine for kids is one that is simple and easy to use. If a machine is too complicated, learning will be frustrating.
Threading
Look for a child’s sewing machine that is simple to thread. Drop-in bobbins, and automatic needle threaders can make things easier for a new sewist.
Simple Functions
Kid-friendly sewing machines don’t have a ton of electronics and can be adjusted with just a couple of settings. Look for the basics: Straight and zig-zag stitches, along with simple adjustments for stitch length and width.
Extra Fun Features
If your budget allows it, a machine with extra embroidery features can be a fun addition as long as it doesn’t make the machine overly complex. Being able to personalize their projects with monogramming, and cool embroidery designs can make the creative process more fun.
Tips for Helping Your Child Love To Sew
These tips can help you teach your child to sew without overwhelming them. Every child is different so keep in mind your individual situation when teaching your young sewist.
Choose Age-Appropriate Sewing Projects
Even though your tween wants to start off making a cool moto jacket, beginning with a smaller project can help build their skills and be less frustrating in the long run.
For younger sewists, choose simple projects that can be completed in an hour or two.
Let Your Child Make Some Decisions
Allowing your child to choose the fabric is a great way for them to feel invested in the project. There are some great fabrics choices that kids love like character fabrics, bright colors, and all kinds of animals from sloths to corgis.
Encourage Their Creativity
Once your child has learned how to operate a sewing machine, let them loose with your scrap bag and let them go crazy creating whatever strikes their fancy.
Progress Over Perfection
Stress learning over perfection. Sometimes projects don’t turn out exactly as planned. Show your child that learning a new skill is more important than the perfect project in the end.
Tips for Using Sewing Machines for Kids
Sewing can be frustrating when you’re learning. I always forgot to lower the presser foot on my Mom’s machine and ended up with a big messy thread nest, which made me want to throw in the towel.
- Make sure to supervise your new sewist well until they know their way around the machine, especially if they’re very young.
- Start with small, simple projects that are easy to finish and provide a sense of pride and satisfaction.
- Set up your child’s sewing machine so they can safely reach the foot pedal and the tabletop without having to reach too far
- Make sure they have a sturdy place to sit so you won’t have to worry about them falling off the chair. The best sewing chairs for an adult may not be the best size for a child. Being able to sit comfortably and ready both the foot pedal and the machine is important.
Summary: Our Top Picks For Children’s Sewing Machines
Here’s a recap of our favorite choices for Sewing Machines for Kids. Any of these would be a good starting place to get your child started on a lifelong love of sewing.
The Takeaway: Which is the Best Kid-Friendly Sewing Machine for My Child?
When your youngster is interested in sewing and wants to get started making, choosing a machine from our best sewing machine for kids list is a great place to start.
There are many options that are affordable, safe and have all the features that a beginning sewist needs to get started.
Hopefully, your child will develop a love of creating and sewing and will be sewing for years to come.
Happy Creating!
