There are quite a few sewing machines in the world that are marketed specifically for kids. And while it’s cute to have a tiny sewing machine, some of these models are almost toys instead of a tool that can actually help teach your child to sew.
When choosing a kid-friendly sewing machine, think about what they would like to sew for themselves and make sure you are giving them a machine that can help them accomplish that.
Perhaps the best sewing machine for kids could be a beginner machine that has a lower speed and let them learn how to use a real sewing machine. That way, if they’re interested in pursuing sewing, they will be beginning on a real sewing machine with all of the parts and pieces they need to be familiar with.
With proper supervision and a healthy respect for safety when sewing, even a relatively young child can be taught to sew on a sewing machine meant mostly for adults. If the size of an adult machine is truly a hindrance, there are a few good smaller-sized kid’s models out there with all the features of a basic adult’s machine.
Best from Singer. Singer Start 1304 Sewing Machine
- Budget: $$
- Our rating:
- Built-In Stitches: 6
- Buttonholes: 1 in Four-Steps
- Speed per minute: –
- Free Arm: Yes
- Included Feet: General Purpose, Zipper and Buttonhole.
This machine takes some experience to actually thread it and put it to work for the first time, but once you’ve passed that step it’s a great sewing machine for kids.
The best advice I can give you is to only buy this machine for your children if you’ll be able to sit and teach them the fundamentals of sewing, threading, and tension. It becomes very intuitive once you’ve achieved that step and works very well for daily sewing and all kind of lightweight alterations.
Since the price of this machine is quite affordable, it could make a great option for your kid and your pocket.
- Good for daily small sewing alterations
- Small budget
- Easy storage
- You must first remove the free arm to change the bobbin
- Your dust cover needs to be sewed as it’s not included
Best from Janome. Janome Arctic Crystal Sewing Machine
- Budget: $$
- Our rating:
- Built-In Stitches: 15
- Buttonholes: 1 Four-Step
- Speed per minute: –
- Free Arm: Yes
- Included Feet: Blind Hem, Bobbin Buttonhole Sliding Buttonhole, Zig-Zag.
Keeping in mind that you’re a complete beginner, the Janome Arctic Crystal sewing machine is perfect for you for its simplicity while remaining as strong and durable as other high-end machines. Even more, it’s been designed to come with just 15 different stitches so that you can try out different styles and improve your skills through the practice of the sewing basics without getting overwhelmed by unnecessary complicated features.
As a beginner, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to adjust the length of the stitches, simply turn the dial and keep sewing. This simple, and often overlooked, feature, is super handy when you’re first starting to sew and need to adjust to the different fabrics or follow your creativity along.
Lastly, to make your experience as intuitive as possible, this model has everything labeled on it so that you don’t have to go through the whole user’s manual over and over again to operate this machine. You’ll happily wander at how straightforward to set up and use it really is.
- Janome’s quality made available for beginners
- Easily start learning the basics of sewing without compromising on a great quality of stitches
- A good option to take to classes as it’s only 12 pounds
- Instagram attractive color for your new sewing room
- Heavy-duty interior frame for higher performance and durability
- Color might not be everyone’s choice
Best for Teenagers. Brother CS7000i Computerized Sewing Machine
- Budget: $$
- Our rating:
- Built-In Stitches: 60
- Buttonholes: 7 One-Step
- Speed per minute: –
- Free Arm: Yes
- Included Feet: buttonhole, overcasting, monogramming, zipper, zigzag, blindstich, button fitting, walking, and spring action quilting.
The Brother CS6000i is still one of the most in-demand sewing machines. And the new favorite is its successor, the Brother CS7000i. It’s packed with decorative stitches and different features that will enhance your kid’s experience helping them have fun, a perfect opportunity for them to start exploring the potential of this fun hobby without thinking about changing their new machine for a long time.
It’s probably the best sewing machine for family use since all the extra presser feet and accessories also make it a great choice for household tasks.
- Control the speed by sliding a lever, press the Start/Stop button and forget about the foot pedal
- Includes a hard case to protect it from dust
- It might feel a bit plasticky, but it definitely delivers great stitches on all sorts of light and medium weight projects
Best for Little Girls. Janome Hello Kitty Sewing Machine
- Budget: $$
- Our rating:
- Built-In Stitches: 2
- Buttonholes: None
- Speed per minute: –
- Free Arm: Yes
- Included Feet: Protective presser foot.
Hello Kitty lovers will love this branded sewing machine made by well-known Japanese manufacturer, Janome.
This machine simply offers 2 stitches with 6 different variations to help children from getting confused over an arrray of different features like those of the more advanced models.
It’s also a good option for little girls who would enjoy playing around and learning to sew with a familiar-looking machine that triggers the creativity inside of them.
- An adult will most likely have to guide the child in the very beginning
- Dial stitch selector, perfect for beginners
- A fun gift for Hello Kitty lovers
- It lacks a light bulb, making it safer for kids
- Instructions are in Japanese only, although they come with clear graphics and you can also find and English version on the internet
Best for 10 years old. Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine
- Budget: $$
- Our rating:
- Built-In Stitches: 27
- Buttonholes: 1 One-Step
- Speed per minute: –
- Free Arm: Yes
- Included Feet: Buttonhole, Button Sewing, Narrow Hemmer, Zipper, Blindstitch, Zigzag.
This is another good option for kids as it works great when sewing light fabrics and is super intuitive.
The price of this machine is very affordable as a first-time user sewing machine and it has plenty of decorative stitches for free-motion embroidering.
As with every sewing machine in this price range, it is true that it feels a bit plasticky, but considering that is a kid who will be using it, you should see it as a perk if you think about their overall safety. Apart from this fact, the Brother XM2701 is well-designed and super easy to learn how to use it.
- A reasonable price for more decorative stitches than average
- It includes a decent number of presser feet
- Not suitable for heavier materials
Best for 6 to 8 years old. Janome Fastlane Sewing Machine
- Budget: $
- Our rating:
- Built-In Stitches: 4, 10 variations.
- Buttonholes: None
- Speed per minute: –
- Free Arm: Yes
- Included Feet: Protective Presser Foot.
The New Home model is a compact strong Janome machine that’s been designed to run slower than your average domestic sewing machine to better adjust children’s needs.
So, while it’s a brilliant option for young children dealing with their first projects, you should avoid it as an adult beginner.
- Good price for an entry-level machine – when bought cheaper than $75-
- It lacks the typical light bulb as it’s been thought safer for young children
- Advanced children might outgrow it soon
Best for Toddlers. CoolMaker Toy Sewing Machine
- Budget: $
- Our rating:
- Built-In Stitches: 1 + Pom-pom.
- Buttonholes: None
- Speed per minute: –
- Free Arm: Yes
- Included Feet: Standard Multipurpose.
Please, don’t buy this toy sewing machine thinking your kid will be able to actually sew with it, you’ll find yourself disappointed and deceived for the waste of money.
But then, why would you find a toy among a list of beginner sewing machines?
Well, I actually find it super fun as a gift for toddlers! It has everything it needs to call for their attention while being safe enough for them to play with and instill in them the seed of sewing. It’s also a great ‘toy copy’ of an adult’s sewing machine so you might find it fun to give it to your toddler and keep him or her busy trying to replicate your sewing moves. A great distraction for them to find in your sewing room that will give you time to finish a quick project.
- Perfect gift for toddlers
- Let them copy your moves while you sew quick projects
- It’s only a toy
Best for Classroom. Singer 7258 Computerized Sewing Machine
- Budget: $$
- Our rating:
- Built-In Stitches: 100
- Buttonholes: 6 One-Step
- Speed per minute: –
- Free Arm: Yes
- Included Feet: General Purpose, Zipper, Buttonhole, Satin Stitch, Blind Hem, Overcast, Darning/Embroidery, Rolled Hem.
You could think of this machine like the Singer version of Brother CS6000i.
As your kids will most likely be sewing simple projects, this computerized sewing machine becomes their perfect companion thanks to a wide range of decorative stitches and many advanced features that will help them have a very pleasant time and keep growing their skills for years to come.
For such a reasonable price, the quality of stitches makes it a fine option to consider as a child sewing machine for those who want to skip the simpler models and jump straight to something more advanced. A good low-cost machine for their first serious projects.
- Reverse button to easily protect the seams
- It automatically changes the tension based on the stitch picked
- Start/Stop button
- Built-in Needle Threader
- Drop-In bobbin system with transparent case cover, perfect for them to see when they need to load more thread
- The Tie-Off button automatically finishes sewing
- Be aware that the pedal cord is a bit short although if used on a kids table it should be fine
Top 10 Sewing Machines for Kids Comparison Chart
| Machine | Features | Other Features | Accesories | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
BEST from SINGER Singer 1304 Read Review | - 6 Stitches - 1 Four-Step Buttonhole | - Free Arm - Reverse Lever - 13" x 7" x 11.5" - 10 lbs | - Included Feet: General Purpose, Zipper and Buttonhole. | |
BEST from JANOME Janome Arctic Read Review | - 15 Stitches - 1 Four-Step Buttonholes - 5 mm Width - 4 mm Length | - Free Arm - 13 lbs - 15.2" x 11.6" x 6" | - Included Feet: Blind Hem, Zig-Zag, Bobbin Buttonhole, Sliding Buttonhole. | |
BEST for TEENAGERS Brother CS7000i Read Review | - 850 spm* - 70 Stitches - 7 One-Step Buttonholes - 7 mm Stitch Width - 5 mm Stitch Length | - Free Arm - Automatic Needle Threader - Drop-in Top Bobbin - Twin Needle Function - Speed Control System - Start/Stop Button - 17lbs - 16" x 6.7" x 12" | - Included Feet: ¼” piecing, spring action quilting, walking, buttonhole, overcasting, monogramming, zipper, zigzag, blind stitch, and button. - Hard Case - Extension Table | |
BEST for LITTLE GIRLS Janome Hello Kitty Read Review | - 2 Stitches - No Buttonholes | - Free Arm - 4.9 lbs - 11.42" x 5" x 8.98" | - Included Feet: Protective Presser Foot. | |
BEST for 10 YEARS OLD Brother XM2701 Read Review | - 800 spm* - 27 Stitches - 1 One-Step Buttonholes - 5 mm Width - 4 mm Length | - Free Arm - Automatic needle threading - 12.6 lbs - 15.3"x 5.9"x 12.1" | - Included Feet: Buttonhole, Button, Narrow Hemmer, Zipper, Blindstitch, Zigzag. | |
BEST for 8 YEARS OLD Janome Fastlane Read Review | - 4 Stitches, 10 variations. - No Buttonholes | - Free Arm - 5 lbs - 10.5" x 9" x 5.8" | - Included Feet: Protective Presser Foot. | |
BEST for 7 YEARS OLD Janome New Home Read Review | - 4 Stitches, 10 variations. - No Buttonholes | - Free Arm - 5 lbs - 10.5" x 9" x 5.8" | - Included Feet: Protective Presser Foot. | |
BEST for 6 YEARS OLD MagicFly Portable Read Review | - 3 Stitches, 10 variations - 1 Two-Steps Buttonhole | - Free Arm - 5.3 lbs - 10.8" x 4.7" x 10.2" | - Included Feet: Standard Multipurpose. | |
BEST for TODDLERS CoolMaker Toy Read Review | - 1 Stitch - Pom-Pom Maker | - Free Arm - Less than 5lbs - 8.3" x 7.7" x 5" | - Included Feet: Standard Multipurpose. | |
Best for CLASSROOM. Singer 7258 Read Review | - 750 spm* - 100 Stitches - 6 One-Step Buttonholes - 6 mm Stitch Width | - Built-in Needle Threader - Drop-In Bobbin System - Adjustable Tension - Start/Stop Button - Tie-Off Button - Free Arm - 14.5" x 7.5" x 12" - 14.6lbs | - Included Feet: General Purpose, Zipper, Buttonhole, Satin Stitch, Blind Hem, Overcast, Darning/Embroidery, Rolled Hem. |
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FAQs
It really depends on the age and the skills of the child. You’ll find several good options in our article with the best sewing machines for children.
It really depends on how mechanically inclined the kid in question is. At 6 years old most children should be able to start learning the basics and practice their first little projects.
Read it all about the best sewing machines for kids on our website.
Most basic Brother machines are pretty good for beginners and at an affordable price. However, because it really depends on the projects you will be working on, you may want to read a full article about the best sewing machines for beginners.
Any simple structure made with cotton fabric is ideal to start practicing your sewing skills. You could make a simple square bag, or get inspired by basic quilting projects that you search online.