Best first sewing machine for a 6 yo -- any recommendations?

[Katie Bugs Mama]

Hi--I want to get dd a little sewing machine for Christmas, and I could use some advice on which one to get. I'm thinking of getting one of these: http://www.wowzzers.com/sewingknitti...eferrer=Google .

I like the old-fashioned Singer because it can be hand-operated (which seems really safe) and because it happens to be very, very similar to the machine that MIL learned on. (She has it on display in her sewing room.) The down side is that I'm afraid that dd will be disappointed that it doesn't look more like a "real" sewing machine.

If I go with one of the more modern ones, should I get one that does a chain stitch, a lockstitch, or zig-zag chainstitch? Does anyone know where I can find one that doesn't only run on batteries?

TIA for any and all advice!

[sabrinat]

I've heard great things about this one.
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...seBVCookie=Yes
It also goes on sale frequently for around $60.

You might also keep an eye out for a vintage one from a garage sale or thrift store. you could probably score a fully loaded one for not much money and then you could you the rest of the budgeted money to let her get a cute little sewing kit, fabric and all the notions she might need to get going.

[Katie Bugs Mama]

Thanks for the tip. I'll definitely have to think about that one. Do you think that it would be safe enough for a 6yo? Of course, I'm going to be watching her like a hawk, so I imagine that any machine would be OK in terms of safety, but I worry, you know?

[sabrinat]

I wasn't quite as young as her when I learned, but I know lots of folks that were. Even with the foot pedal, it only goes as fast as you push it, kwim...I'm a slow pusher and a slow sewer. I think it's ok to learn on a real machine. I plan to teach my dd that. I have also sewn w/my son and neice when they were 7 & 8 and I had a regular cheapo brother that they used...no problem! I think the "toy" machines just lead to frustration becuz they really aren't for making much, but if you teach her properly like mothers have done for generations she should be fine. HTH and good luck!

[Katie Bugs Mama]

That's a really good point about the limitations of "toy" machines. So much to think about. :

[rubelin]

I got my first machine for my 5th birthday (after handsewing for a while). It was a toy machine but pretty close to a real one http://www.jackbergsales.com/toys/sewperfect.htm

I burned the darn thing out probably in the first year. My Dad would take the cartriges apart to fix them but finally gave up and they started letting me use my mom's Singer. My dad still jokes about how the SewPerfect was not intended for industrial use, lol

I would lean toward getting a decent very simple grown-up machine. You could even leave the foot pedal off and just teach her to use the handwheel until she gets comfortable with it.

Or you can buy her one of the old SewPerfects from that link I gave and see how long it takes her to burn out the motor

[elanorh]

I learned on a treadle sewing machine. If you can find one they're awesome to have. Anymore, they're kind of expensive but if you keep your eyes open for estate auctions etc., you may find one for a reasonable price. I just was gifted with my great-aunt's 1910 Singer treadle machine this summer, and that's what Ina will learn on when she's old enough to start.

The foot press is huge, the machines are reliable (if they are working), there aren't any fancy stitches or anything - just straight stitching, forward and back ... Very nice for the sort of projects that you start a child out on (pillow cases, gathered skirts, etc.)