Congratulations, you’re thinking of introducing your child to the wonderful world of sewing!
Once you’ve noticed that your child may have an interest in sewing, the next step should be to check out the marketplace, and see what kinds of sewing machines are out there.
My 5 Favorite Picks:
- Singer M1500: best overall model, easy to use for kids.
- Singer 3232: highest number of stitches available.
- Brother XM1010: great kids instructional sewing machine.
- Singer 1304: good value from a highly regarded brand.
- Singer 2259 Tradition: highly recommended for older/more experienced users.
This guide was written to help you with your research. There are literally thousands of models and kits to buy, but most of them were constructed with adults in mind. If your goal is to give your child a fun new life-skill, then you want to make sure you find them a machine that is easy to teach them to use and of course safe for them.
There’s no set age for teaching your child to sew. Some kids are old beyond their years and can handle learning to sew when they are just 3 to 4 years old. Whatever age you start them at, this guide will help you to choose the safest and right model for them.
Table of Contents
Comparison Chart:
Name | Price | Auto Threading | # of Stitches | My Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Singer 3232 | Yes | 32 | 5 out of 5 | |
Brother XM1010 | No | 10 | 5 out of 5 | |
Singer 1304 | No | 6 | 4.5 out of 5 | |
Singer 2259 | Yes | 19 | 4.5 out of 5 | |
Brother XL2600I | Yes | 25 | 4.5 out of 5 | |
Janome Hello Kitty | No |
11 |
4 out of 5 | |
Michley-Tivax Lil’ Sew | No | 8 | 3.5 out of 5 |
The 9 Best Sewing Machines For Kids in 2023
Brother XM2701 Children’s Sewing Machine
Why It’s Great For Kids: Young sewers will appreciate its light weight, many sewing options, and built-in needle threader.
PROS
- Contains 27 built-in, unique stitches, including zigzag, blind hem, decorative, quilting, and an auto-size one-step buttonholer that makes nearly perfect buttonholes
- Comes with a bilingual (Spanish and English) user friendly manual and an informative instructional DVD
- 25-year limited warranty, and includes free technical online and phone support during the entire life of this product!
CONS
- Not for use in any country that doesn’t support 120V AC
- Foot pedal is a little too sensitive
This inexpensive sewing machine is a dream for young sewers. With a rating of 5 stars, the Brother XM2701 is lightweight (7.2 pounds), has a one-step auto-size buttonhole, an instructional DVD, and 6 fast-change sewing feet (zipper, buttonhole, zigzag, blind stitch, narrow hemmer, and button). In addition, this machine has a needle threader that’s built in, a top drop-in bobbin that’s jam resistant, an entirely automatic bobbin-winding system, and a bright LED work area.
The XM2701 has a complete range of easy-to-use features that will please little fingers. Its built-in free arm is specially made to simplify sewing cuffs, pant legs, and sleeves. Just turn the dial to select a stitch, and touch a lever on the machine’s side to automatically thread the needle.
- Easy-to-use, value-packed and versatile, perfect for a wide range of everyday sewing projects
- 27 unique built-in stitches, including decorative, blind hem, zigzag and stretch stitches and...
- 2-piece carrying and storage case
- Fits any free-arm sewing machine and most sergers
Singer 3232 Simple Sewing Machine for Kids
Why It’s Great For Kids: Children will love its automatic needle threader and one-step buttonholer
PROS
- Free accessories include lint brush, edge, seam ripper, pack of needles, quilting guide, bobbins, thread spool caps, darning plate, L-screwdriver, foot control / power cord, instruction manual, and a soft-sided dust cover
- Includes a buttonhole foot (for adding ribbon slots and buttonholes), 4 presser feet, button sewing foot, and a free arm that allows easy access to collars, cuffs, pant hems or any other hard to reach areas
- Weighs only 12.2 pounds
CONS
- This 110-Volt machine can only be used in the US and Canada
- Bobbin can be tough to access
The Singer 3232 Simple Sewing Machine has a 4.8-star rating and is reasonably priced and simple to use. It features 32 built-in stitches (6 stretch stitches for mending and construction, 6 essential stretch stitches that move along with the fabric used, an automatic, 1-step buttonhole maker, and 19 decorative stitches), a time saving automatic needle threader, and an adjustable stitch width and length, which prevents fabric from bunching and keeps all seams strong. Its completely automatic one-step buttonhole gives professional results with one button touch.
This Singer product has online support, including social media support for connection to other sewers for tricks and tips of the trade. A number of online tutorials are available on threading, bobbin installation, and training on presser feet.
- SINGER PORTABLE SEWING MACHINE: The SINGER 3232 portable sewing machine features 110 Stitch...
- AUTOMATIC NEEDLE THREADER: Threading the machine is so easy that you can have the entire machine...
- SEWING SPEED: The SINGER 3232 sewing machine has a maximum speed of 750 stitches-per-minute, so...
- HIGH PRESSER FOOT LIFTER: The SINGER Simple 3232 sews several layers of thick fabric. The presser...
Brother XM1010 Sewing Machine & Instructional DVD
Why It’s Great For Kids: Children will love its easy stitch selector dial, LED lighting, and automatic bobbin winder
PROS
- Includes a bilingual (Spanish – English) manual, an instructional DVD, and a 25-year limited warranty, which includes free technical support as long as the product exists
- Easy stitch selector allows user to dial stretch, utility, and decorative stitches, as well as buttonhole
- Includes many useful accessories, including a three piece needle set, darning plate, 4 feet, 4 bobbins, foot controller, screwdriver, and quick-start guide
CONS
- Power cord could be longer
- Integrated light is a tiny light bulb, which only lights up left side of presser foot
The Brother XM1010 is an inexpensive and useful machine. It is a lightweight, full-size, portable machine that is specifically designed for everyday mending and sewing. It’s ten different, built-in stitches include stretch, zigzag, blind hem, and an auto-size, 4-step buttonholer. Four sewing feet are included – zipper, zigzag, zipper, and buttonhole. It also includes these easy to use features: drop-in, jam-resistant top bobbin, automatic bobbin winder, reverse sewing, easy stitch selector dial, thread tension control, and bright LED lighting.
- 10 UNIQUE BUILT-IN STITCHES: The Brother XM1010 features 10 built-in stitches including utility...
- EASY NEEDLE THREADING AND DROP-IN TOP BOBBIN: This sewing machine features a needle threading...
- INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: The XM1010 comes with a complete set of accessories, including 4 sewing feet,...
- VERSATILE FREE ARM: This free arm sewing machine is perfect for a wide range of everyday sewing...
Singer 1304 Children’s Sewing Machine
Why It’s Great For Kids: Beginner sewers will enjoy the easy threading system, with clear instructions printed directly on the sewing machine
PROS
- A free online owner’s class instructs users on how to change needles, thread the machine, sew on buttons, sew seams, hems, zippers, and more
- Preset stitch width and length makes getting started a breeze
- Free accessories include darning plate, class 15 bobbins, pack of needles, spool pin felts, needle plate screwdriver, lint brush, seam ripper, foot control, power line cord, manual, and quick start guide
CONS
- This 110-V machine is only designed for Canadian and US use
- Machine shakes while sewing
The Singer 1304 allows the sewer to change the stitch in one simple step. This very reasonably priced machine. It has six built-in stitches – zigzag, satin, straight, scallop, blind hem, and buttonhole. It has a four-step automatic buttonholer and dual spool-pins that provide twin needle sewing in parallel rows. It also features free accessories (three snap-on presser feet – zipper foot, all-purpose foot, and buttonhole foot), a heavy-duty metal frame, and an automatic bobbin-winding system. A removable free-arm allows easy access to collars, pant hems, cuffs, and other hard-to-reach areas.
- BEST SEWING MACHINE: The SINGER Start 1304 sewing machine is basic, simple, and easy-to-use thanks...
- 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...
- AUTOMATIC BOBBIN WINDING SEWING MACHINE: To wind a bobbin, simply follow the numbered diagram...
Singer 2259 Tradition Easy-to-Use Sewing Machine
Why It’s Great For Kids: Perfect machine for the sewer that’s just learning – has easy threading and stitch selection
PROS
- Accessories include buttonhole foot, all-purpose foot, zipper foot, button sewing foot, two thread spool caps, edge / quilting guide, screwdriver, class 15 bobbins, lint brush, seam ripper, needles, power cord, foot pedal, machine intro DVD, and instruction manual
- Has a 25-year limited warranty with online and social media support, as well as video tutorials on installing a bobbin, threading, and presser feet training
- Has adjustable tension, automatic pressure control presser foot, a four segment feed-dog system, and a heavy-duty metal frame
CONS
- The automatic threader did not work as well as competitors
- Too many needle jams
The Singer 2259 saves time with its easy, quick threading feature. Kids enjoy the adjustable zigzag width and stitch length. This machine features 19 built-in stitches with a fully automatic four-step buttonhole, four snap-on presser-feet, and easy stitch selection. It is reasonably priced and has a free arm and on-board storage, as well as a simple stitch selection dial. Nineteen built-in stitches offer many options for decorative sewing, home decor, crafts, and fashion sewing.
- SINGER SEWING MACHINE: The SINGER Tradition 2259 portable sewing machine features 19 built-in...
- HIGH PRESSER FOOT LIFTER: The SINGER Tradition 2259 sews several layers of thick fabric. The presser...
- BEST SEWING MACHINE: Best sewing machine with quick-and-easy threading, adjustable stitch length and...
- FREE ARM SEWING MACHINE: The free arm provides easy access to cuffs, collars, pant hems and other...
Brother XL2600I Sewing Machine
Why It’s Great For Kids: Fantastic choice for the novice sewer and for those daily sewing projects
PROS
- Compact, lightweight style (11 pounds) and simple bilingual manual (Spanish and English) is ideal for beginning sewers
- Quality accessory pack includes blind stitch, zipper, buttonhole, narrow hemmer, and button sewing foot, class 15 bobbins, screwdriver, twin needle, standard needle pack, darning plate, small screw-base light bulb, and extra spool pin
- Has an outstanding 25 year limited warranty, plus free phone support for entire life of this product
CONS
- Can’t be used in countries that don’t support 120-Volt AC (even if voltage adapter is used)
- Reverse stitch option does not work as described
The Brother XL26001 features a thread cutter, needle threader, auto bobbin winding, drop-in bobbin loading and a one-step auto-size buttonholer. It also has 25 built-in stitches (including decorative, utility, and heirloom stitches), each one capable of multiple stitch functions, and a free arm that permits fast and simple sewing of shirt sleeves or hems on pants. This very versatile machine is ideal for kids creating or altering clothing, quilting, crafting, home decor, and so much more. This is a fantastic product for a very affordable price.
- 27 Unique built-in stitches: The XM2701 includes 27 built-in stitches including decorative, blind...
- Automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin: This sewing machine includes an automatic needle...
- Included accessories: The XM2701 comes with 6 sewing feet, 3-piece needle set, twin needle, 4...
- Versatile free arm: This free arm sewing machine is perfect for a wide range of everyday sewing...
Janome Fastlane Fuschia Children’s Sewing Machine
Why It’s Great For Kids: This machine weighs only 5 pounds and features a presser foot with finger guard to protect small fingers
PROS
- Can be used with chiffon, flannel, knits, cotton, and lightweight denim
- Ideal for dorm living and apartments, as well as for sewing with friends or taking to classes
- Has a built-in accessory tray, a 4-point feed dog system, and an adjustable tension control dial
CONS
- Stitches don’t feel as quality as competitors
- Bobbin occasionally does not pick up
The Janome Fastlane, is one of the finest, most reasonably priced children’s sewing machines on the market today. This portable machine is the right choice for sewing and alterations on the go. It’s ten built-in stitches include zigzag, crescent (for custom hems), and straight with 2 needle positions, accessory storage, a free arm, easy reverse, a top drop-in bobbin featuring a transparent cover, and threading diagrams. Its multiple sewing functions include paper crafting, scrapbooking, mending, general crafting, creating doll clothing, applique, seaming, quilt piecing, and zipper insertion. This product comes with a 25-year limited warranty.
- 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
Janome 11706 Hello Kitty Sewing Machine
Why It’s Great For Kids: A durable sewing machine that’s a reliable product for children to learn to sew on
PROS
- The front-loading bobbin is perfect for children and is a “real” sewing machine, not a toy
- It’s lightweight, has an excellent stitch quality, and the sound is uniform
- Plastic bobbin can be replaced with Singer class 66 metal bobbin
CONS
- Needle timing was off and wouldn’t pick up bobbin thread
The Janome 11706 features a free-arm, carry handle, 4-step buttonholer, and eleven stitches (including two stretch stitches). This lightweight kids machine (12 pounds) is portable and is an excellent choice for taking to sewing class or dorm rooms. The Janome Hello Kitty also has a three-piece feed dog, an extra-high presser-foot lift, a push-pull bobbin winder, snap-on presser feet, stitch selection dial, and a vertical oscillating hook bobbin. This sewing machine is well made, has an easy-to-follow manual, and creates nice, even stitching.
- Overview Features: 15 Built-In Stitches, 4-Step Buttonhole, Front-Loading Bobbin System, Heavy Duty...
- 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
Michley-Tivax Lil’ Sew & Sew Sewing Machine
Why It’s Great For Kids: Can be used by children as young as 4 years old (with supervision)
PROS
- Good instructional video is available on their website
- Ideal for simple stitching and hemming with such light fabrics as cotton
- Can be controlled either by a switch on machine or by the foot pedal
CONS
- The bobbin threader is plastic and feels cheaply made
- Many users have reported having problems with the tension setting
The Michley-Tivax Lil’ Sew and Sew LSS-505 provides eight built-in stitch patterns, double thread, and double speed, forward and reverse sewing, and two speeds for easy use. It sews sleeves, features a built-in sewing light, and includes an adaptor, drawer, thread cutter, thread bag, and foot pedal. This machine uses DC 6Volt power and comes with a one-year limited warranty.
The Lil’ Sew & Sew is one of the least expensive children’s machines on the market today and has a reputation for efficiency and ease of use. Its light weight (5 pounds) allows sewers to carry it anywhere, and its built-in LED light does an excellent job of illuminating the entire work surface.
- Kit Includes: Sewing Machine, 100-piece Sewing Kit, & Electric Scissors
- 8 Built-in Stitch Patterns
- 2 Speeds for ease of use
- Double Thread;Skill Level:Beginner, Intermediate
What Features Are Important For A Child?
Choosing the right sewing machine for a kid is a matter of matching their personality to the different features that beginning machines offer. The features that we will be looking at include speed control, brand names, automatic needle threaders, and large dials.
Sewing Machine Speed Control
Any sewing machine must have good speed control – this is especially important for kids.
It should be able to adjust to your child’s expertise and level. Kids will get frustrated if they feel that they are sewing too fast or they are losing control. It’s good for the model to have an automatic stop so it won’t continue to operate when it runs into resistance.
Brand Name Sewing Machines for Kids
There are many brands on the market, but it never hurts to buy a model with a name that has a track record of quality.
Singer is one of the most recognized names in the industry and has a stellar reputation for well-built, basic machines. Singer machines come with easy to follow diagrams and instructions. 3 models reviewed below include the Singer 3232, the 1304, and the 2259.
Brother sewing machines are also very highly regarded by parents who want a good quality machine that has excellent stitch quality and can deal with a bit of rough handling. Here we look at the Brother XL26001, the LS21251, th XM1010, and the XM2701.
The Janome brand has become increasingly popular for its safety features and multiple options that youth and adults can both appreciate. Popular models are the Janome Fastlane and the Hello Kitty machines.
Rounding out our list is the fund and fabulous Michley-Tivax Lil’ Sew & Sew. This is a high quality, lightweight, relatively inexpensive machine that is easy to carry around. It works well for basic mending without expensive, unnecessary, extras.
Automatic Needle Threaders
Ask any parent that has tried to thread a sewing machine with their son or daughter and they will tell you what a headache it is. Children will be able to immediately get right into their sewing project without extra muss and fuss.
Kid’s Need Large Dials
Kids will definitely appreciate a model that has a large stitch selection dial, preferably located front and center for easy access. Big tension dials and easy to reach reverse levers also get high marks from children beginning to sew.
Safety Considerations
No matter how vigilant a parent or guardian is, there are always those times when an accident occurs.
That’s why it’s so important to pick the correct model from the beginning so they have a positive experience. A child should never start sewing on an industrial machine made for adults. Beginning sewers will naturally make many mistakes, but we don’t want those mistakes to lead to a serious injury.
They will put a bobbin in wrong, break needles, jam threads, etc. For these reasons and more, you should start your child’s journey into sewing on a lightweight machine that’s been constructed with kids’ safety in mind.
Portability is also important. Carrying a lightweight machine into the kitchen to sew with mom or dad is much easier than trying to lug around a heavy one.
A few sewing safety tips for kids:
- Always have the pressure foot down before starting to sew
- Check to see if there’s anything under the fabric before starting to cut
- When finished sewing, use the hand wheel to put the needle down, then put pressure foot down before turning off and covering the machine
- If your machine has a foot pedal, don’t operate it barefoot or with slippers.
Different Types
There are a number of sewing machines on the market designed especially for children and beginner sewers.
We would recommend that you don’t buy a “toy” model sewing machine. They jam easily and may cause your child to get frustrated and give up sewing.
Look for a real sewing machine that is designed for novice sewers and available at a reasonable price. Safety is the number one feature to look for, of course, but there are other considerations and machines to consider, depending on the age, interest, and skill level of your child.
Children 7 and above are at the perfect age to learn on a mechanical sewing machine. There are many models out there that are easy to thread, the bobbin winding is uncomplicated, and stitch selection is a simple. It’s important to choose a model that complement’s a child’s personality. If they get bored easily, you may want to consider a machine that has a lot of features and options.
The Brother LS2125i is a great kids’ sewing machine with many options. It’s lightweight, budget-priced, and easy to set up. Ten stitches can be selected by turning a dial, including an automatic four-step buttonhole stitch. It offers the variety that children love – it’s a top-loader and even winds the bobbins for you! It has a variable-speed pedal control that helps your child to keep up with needle speed.
Another recommended option is the Brother sewing machine model XL26001. It has a switch selection dial, a simple free arm for hem sewing, and a drop-in automatic winding bobbin. It also has 25 unique stitch types that will be ready and waiting once your child has mastered zigzag stitches and a basic straight line.
When you feel like your child is old enough to move beyond an intro model, you can read more about “adult” level machines here.
Is My Child Too Young To Sew?
Children as young as 3 or 4 can be started on a small, lightweight machine that can do standard sewing. Start them off by practicing sewing using no needle, so that they’ll get used to the machine. Once you’re confident that they know how to keep their fingers out of harm’s way, you can put the needle in and have them sew with slowly adult supervision.
Some children may do well with a sewing kit designed especially for them. You can buy a complete set, that includes kids patterns, machine and accessories. We generally don’t like these kits though because the machines aren’t usually all that well made.
A first sewing machine should be lighter than a general purpose machine, have child-friendly safety features, and be less expensive than larger adult models. Studies confirm that boys and girls who start sewing at a younger age are capable of understanding necessary safety measures, can learn early how to protect small fingers from a presser foot, and in general will have a higher level of safety knowledge than children that start at a later age.
Online reviewers speak very positively about the Janome Hello Kitty Sewing Machine for the youngest children. This machine offers a free arm, 11 stitches, a four-step buttonhole, and a convenient carrying handle. There’s nothing fancy here, but there’s enough functionality so that children can learn basic skills on an inexpensive, reliable machine. The extra high presser foot snaps on and is sturdy. In fact, the three feet that are included are as secure and stable as any screw-on feet. The tension dial and reverse lever are also easy to reach.
Conclusion
After looking at and comparing hundreds of sewing machines, and reading what seemed like thousands of reviews, we came up with a list of what we consider the top 10 best sewing machine for kids.
We considered simplicity, safety features, variety of options, and cost. The top machine for children, in our opinion, is the Brother XM2701 full-featured, lightweight model, which earned a “stellar” five-star rating. Its broad range of simple to use features will please even the most finicky new sewer. This machine’s 25-year limited warranty shows just how much Brother stands behind their product.
Two machines are tied for second place with a rating of 4.8 stars – the Singer 3232 and the Brother XM1010. Both are simple to use and reasonably priced. The Singer 3232 has 32 built-in stitches (19 of which are decorative), in addition to an automatic needle threader, one-step automatic buttonhole, and an adjustable length and width stitch. The Brother XM1010 shines with bright lighting and has an easy-stitch selector dial, plus an automatic bobbin winder.
