Sewing Machine for children
Anita_White | Posted in Equipment and Supplies on
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I recently taught a sewing class for children. I was dismayed at the amount of time spent on going from machine to machine to keep them up and running. Some of the best machines were the oldest. It made me realize that we really need a machine out there that is sturdy, small, and appealing to children and not too pricy. Asking kids to stay interested in sewing when they are dealing with machines is too much. There is a new Singer Featherweight out there. Has anyone used it? We had a Bernette in class and it was terrible. I am amazed that Bernina dealers sell it. I think Bernina is missing a market by not having a small, kid friendly machine that works well. Anita
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when i taught my kids to sew, at ages 5 and 7, they wanted to use my brand-new computerized pfaff (not my old mechanical machine, which i thought would be 'easier'; at least easier on me!) i was amazed that they mastered the mechanics of the machine so quickly--needle up/down, presser foot, etc. i'm sure it's also easier that i was just working with one or two kids at a time, instead of a whole class. i think kids do better with a good machine, rather than a cheap machine (just like we do).
*Please don't buy CHEAP. You are correct in stating that the older machines are better.I also taught children to sew on my best computerized machines. The needle stopping in the UP position is a good plus. Many of the computerized machines have a 'single pattern' feature, this is a great feature when sewing with children, when a child's sewing needs to be interrupted quickly [stopped] I can press that button and the stitching will come to a halt.I do allow/encourage children to play with my sewing machines, under close supervision of course. They are amazed that they can sew their name and fancy stitches.
*I've used older, mechanical Elnas for teaching kids to sew--the machines are small and have great deco stitches via insertable cams. The stitch quality is superb! They also have a fabulous speed control marked with turtle & rabbit icons. The kids got a thrill moving from turtle to rabbit as their sewing skills improved. Even the older Elnitas, although they weren't manufactured in Switzerland like the TOL Elnas, are good for beginning sewers. The kids also love my old Singer Featherweight but that's just straight stitch.
*I, myself, learned to sew on an old treadle sewing machine that I bought for $2.00 at an auction when I was eight years old. That old machine instilled a love for sewing in my heart, I am now a fulltime professional dressmaker. My mother sewed, but not much, she rarely got past the mending box. She taught me the minimum basics of how to sew, and now I am still teaching her how to really sew.
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