Age/sewing machine

**sinopa27** · 12-26-2009, 06:37 AM

My 11 year old (12 in Feb) has shown a lot of interest in arts, crafts and knitting. She works very well with her hands. I am thinking about getting her a sewing machine. Do you think 11 3/4 years of age is too young? What kind of machine should I get her?
Please note: I can't sew a thing! I actually need to learn.

Please advise. Thanks FV family

**Pemberleyan** · 12-26-2009, 06:50 AM

I don't think that's too young. It might be best to go to a sewing machine shop which should have some older, used basic machines in stock, instead of buying one at a discount store which may not be repairable in the future. This way she could sit down and use some of them and get a feel for what it would be like to use. Some machine shops also have classes.

There are so many sewing websites online, free patterns, forums, etc. There is a wealth of information out there for her to learn by. Even if she never gets into fashion sewing, it's a great skill to have, to be able to make hings like napkins, bibs, pillows, curtains, purses or to be able to make repairs and alterations. You could learn together!

Also, the most basic sewing kit should have a good pair of scissors, some pins and a good seam ripper.

**ladykemma2** · 12-26-2009, 06:58 AM

get her a "bottom of the line" Janome New Home, with a zig zag and buttonhole stitch.

this will be a skill she can use for the rest of her life.

edited to add: when she gets to be about 16 and can start to think abstractly (has mastered algebra 2), get someone to teach her drafting and draping. I haven't had to buy a pattern since!

**JenMarie** · 12-26-2009, 07:46 AM

She's not too young, I started when I was 10. Do you have any friends or family who sew that could help her get started?

**pat in east texas** · 12-26-2009, 08:17 AM

Let her take a beginner sewing class. If she takes to it in a big way, get her the best machine you can afford. The good machines are built to last and operate without a lot of trouble, which can be discouraging especially for a child.

**Josephhgoins** · 12-26-2009, 08:21 AM

My mother did not believe in sexes sterotypes. She taught both my sister and myself the basics of everything either of us might need. What she couldn't teach she got someone to teach us. One of the lessons that has paid off in spades for me is sewing. Although I do buy my own clothes, I make my own curtains, quilts, table clothes and napkins.

My sister made my grandmother new kitchen cabinets from scratch a few years ago.

I knew how to get mom's machine out, threaded and have the bobbin loaded well before I was 11.

Good luck with whatever you decide. I bought a tabel top Brother from Wal-mart a few years ago that seems to be working fine. I am sure that if it messes up I would just have to throw it away and get another one. I believe I paid $79 for it.

**tervsforme** · 12-26-2009, 10:16 AM

No, that's not too young at all. There are a lot of ways to go to get a sewing machine. I would agree that a sewing shop has great buys on used machines. They let people trade in their old machines for new ones. They refurbish the old ones and then sell them. A great way to get more on a machine than you might normally not be able to afford. A lot of those shops, mine included, give free sewing lessons if you buy the machien there.

**Suzanne Sky** · 12-26-2009, 10:37 AM

My 8 year old granddaughter had been asking for a sewing machine for awhile, so she got one for Christmas and said it was her very favorite thing. Her mom got her a new, but plain jane model on sale for about $40. I am so happy that Alyson has shown an interest in sewing. I just wish they lived close so I could share in the fun of her using it. Meanwhile, her 10 year old sister is getting into crocheting...just simple things like scarves so far, but I am thrilled about that, too. Fortunately, before I knew any of this, one of the things I bought and sent them for Christmas was a ...well, I don't know what you call them... the 'flat circle' knitters (nifty knitter long loom, maybe?) from Walmart and some skeins of yarn. So I am one proud grandma due to their interest in sewing and crocheting.

**frugalfranny** · 12-26-2009, 02:05 PM

Originally Posted by sinopa27

My 11 year old (12 in Feb) has shown a lot of interest in arts, crafts and knitting. She works very well with her hands. I am thinking about getting her a sewing machine. Do you think 11 3/4 years of age is too young? What kind of machine should I get her?
Please note: I can't sew a thing! I actually need to learn.

Please advise. Thanks FV family

She won't need more than just a 'basic' machine.

Since you don't sew, and don't know if you have it handy in your area----call your extension agent and asked about joining 4-H. It IS NOT just for farm kids. It just seems to be more popular is the smaller rural areas. Start her in beginning sewing.......a great way to learn. Other than your time/gas NO COST for any of the classes whereas some of the shops around here charge close to $40 a pop for a class! They start them out on simple things and you learn many things - about the machine, sewing, caring for it, etc.

**Lady_V** · 12-26-2009, 02:13 PM

I gave Diva a sewing machine for Christmas last year (she was 8) and she loves it. It's just a simple machine, small and doesn't do any of the fancy work.

Before that, she had a battery operated Bratz sewing machine that someone gave her.

**frugalwarrior2** · 12-26-2009, 06:45 PM

I was sewing at about 8. Just a basic machine. Reveiw diff. types on the internet. Some of the cheaper machines have bobbin winding issues. Joanne fabrics offers classes. Could you take one w/ her?? It is great she is interested. I could never get my dd into it. We got a great machine from Target online for about $100. a few years ago.

**sinopa27** · 01-05-2010, 05:14 AM

Originally Posted by JenMarie

She's not too young, I started when I was 10. Do you have any friends or family who sew that could help her get started?

I actually have a sister and a cousin that can sew. She has mentioned it again, so I am thinking for her birthday I will get her a sewing machine. She loves to do things with her hands. Maybe we can learn together and I can make my own nursing uniforms.

**sinopa27** · 01-05-2010, 05:18 AM

Originally Posted by frugalfranny

She won't need more than just a 'basic' machine.

Since you don't sew, and don't know if you have it handy in your area----call your extension agent and asked about joining 4-H. It IS NOT just for farm kids. It just seems to be more popular is the smaller rural areas. Start her in beginning sewing.......a great way to learn. Other than your time/gas NO COST for any of the classes whereas some of the shops around here charge close to $40 a pop for a class! They start them out on simple things and you learn many things - about the machine, sewing, caring for it, etc.

thanks so much. She is a member of 4-H. I will check into that!!