Sewing machine safety tips for kids

Sewing is great for building maths skills and fine motor skills, and sewing itself is a skill that everyone can use at some point in life. So if you enjoy sewing, chances are good that your child had expressed interest in your hobby, but the sharp scissors and needles makes most parents cringe, however, we don't want to discourage their interest in a useful and rewarding pursuit.

Even young kids can get started with the right tools and close supervision, and it doesn't make much sense to let a three-year old loose with a sewing machine. With proper safety precautions, kids can start learning to sew at a young age. Here are five safety tips to remember when dealing with budding tailors and seamstresses.

At eight years of age, it's up to the parent to decide whether the child is ready. If you feel that she is ready, provide plenty of guidance and stay right with her while she makes her first stitches. Children younger than eight years old probably don't have the motor skills and good judgment to attempt machine sewing. So you must maintain strict control over the sewing machine.

Let your child work with safety scissors and a plastic needle. If you give him a loosely knit, porous fabric, they will work just fine. So use age-appropriate supplies. Sewing scissors are too large and too sharp for young hands, and regular sewing needles present a laundry list of dangers.

If you have curious kids about sewing, they might try to use the machine when you're not around, and if it's not properly secured, they could be seriously injured. Make sure the sewing machine is secured and inoperable when you're not around. Put the needle and pressure foot down when done sewing, cover the machine and turn it off.

Until your child gets the hang of things, careful supervision is of the most importance. Watch your child closely, especially during the first few attempts. for the youngest children, swallowing small parts such as needles and spools of thread is a concern. And even safety scissors could cut little hands.

Keep a magnetic pin cushion in case of spillage. It's also wise to keep needles, scissors and pins put up and out of kid's reach when not in use. These things create a temptation for young, unsupervised kids as well.

Encouraging your child's interest in sewing could serve him well when he's older, it may help him develop a lifelong interest in the hobby. He might decide to sew clothes for his own family, saving a lot of money in the process. or, who knows, he could be a future fashion designer.


Do your'e child have a sewing machine ? What do you do to make it's use safety for him/her ? 

Sewing machines buying guide

If you're buying a sewing machine, for you or for someone else, you can avoid making an expensive mistake by asking a few simple questions, especially that choosing a sewing machine can seem a daunting task.

Who is the user ?

Is the sewing machine for a child, a beginner, who is learning the basics of sewing, or a more experienced sewer ? Child's will need a very simple machine, with basic features. Beginners will probably need an inexpensive machine with a range of basic stitches. An experienced sewer may need many more features. Singer for example made some sewing machines for kids, these machines can came with as few as 6 stitch options, and the number can reach +300 stitch options.

Frequency of use ( Mechanical sewing machines vs Computerized sewing machines )

Those who only sew on rare occasions find that mechanical sewing machines are easier to manage. Depending on how often a person sews, users may prefer either machine type. Computers are simple and quick to set up, so habitual users spend less time with preparation and more time on production. People who sew on a daily basis prefer computerized machines that save their settings in memory cards. So the big question is how often will the machine be used ?

Projects

What type of sewing will the machine be used for ? Because some machines are better at performing certain tasks than others. Mechanical sewing machines work well with short-term projects that do not require large portions of fabric and for hemming, stitch repairs, and simple patterns. For long-term projects, computerized machines are ideal and also for more complex sewing crafts, such as quilting and embroidery.

Budget

Many tailors work out a budget and determine how much the investment is worth compared to their intended use of the machine. The price of sewing machines varies greatly. Computerized models range from hundreds to thousands of dollars for high-end embroidery machines. Consumers can find decent mechanical units without spending more than a few hundred dollars. 

Weight and storage

Do you need extra storage space ? Will it need to be packed up and put away after each use ? 

Many sewing machines come with storage area underneath them, especially if you don't want to lift a heavy machine more often than necessary.

Conclusion

 By evaluating your specific habits and needs, you can make informed decisions about which sewing machine is right for you.

Old singer sewing machines

For more than 150 years, Singer has been manufacturing sewing machines. If you are a starter, you may find that a vintage Singer is the perfect machine for you. Since the first Singer sewing machine was sold, the world of home sewing has changed and few of those old Singer machines are in high demand until now.

19th century's popular Singer sewing machines 

The first model of Singer, released in 1851, was extremely heavy, and the company worked hard to create lighter models with more and better features for home and professional seamstresses in the late 1800s. Although the Singer company created the first functional sewing machine designed for home use, it quickly had plenty of competition in the market. In order to stay ahead, Singer continually improved on its machines, releasing new models regularly. These were some of the most popular models during this time period :

The Singer Model A, released in 1859. It was a hot seller and cemented Singer's reputation as a manufacturer of quality sewing machines.  it offered a large stand with lots of space to work, beveled gears and a stylish appearance.Today, these models are difficult to find and often require significant work to be functional.

The Singer New Family, also known as the Fiddlebase, was released in 1865.It featured a beautiful cast iron base and a wood table surface. The machine itself often boasted elaborate decorations. Since these machines were so popular and durable, it's easy to find functional antique models for sale. Even more popular than previous models, it didn't take up as much space in the little rooms of Victorian homes. They range in price from around $200 to around $800.

The Singer 27 and 28, released in 1885, were both designed for the home seamstress. You can find these models in antique stores and at auctions, typically for around $400 including the wood and iron stand. They were hugely popular due to their small size and ease of use.

20th century's popular Singer sewing machines

Singer continued to release new models, working hard to stay ahead of the competition. The 20th century meant major changes for the sewing machine industry. By the 1930s, most homes had electricity, eliminating the need for treadle-driven or hand crank machines. These were some of the most popular models during this time period :

The Singer Model 99, released in 1921, was the first Singer to run on electricity. You can easily find these machines in antique stores and at auctions, typically for around $200. This electric model was expensive for the average consumer, but Singer continued to sell it well into the 1950s. 

The Singer Model 201, released in 1939 near the end of the Great Depression, was another popular electric model. Also easily accessible in antique stores and even thrift shops, a Model 201 in good shape with the stand sells for about $250.The stand for this machine was distinctly modern, giving it a vintage -- rather than antique -- look to today's buyer. 

The third model which was introduced in 1933, the Singer Featherweight, was one of the longest running and most popular Singer models. The Featherweight was popular for its portability, since the machine fit inside a handy carrying case. This machine was produced in varying forms until 1964, and it's easy to find this model in thrift stores and antique shops.  It can cost you between $50 and $200.

Do you have an old singer sewing machine ? Let us know about your experience with this machine.

Kids sewing machines

Choosing the perfect sewing machine for your kid can be confusing. These days, kids sewing machines are getting more and more popular, and a lot o parents encourage their children to sew. If you are one of them, you don't have really to spend a lot of money but you don't have to buy the cheapest either. You want something that would enhance her activity and something that help him learn. That's very important, so don't be surprised if your child learns faster than you did how to sew, because children's minds are like sponge, they absorb everything.

A lot of option on are on the market like :

Brother LS21251 Sewing machine

Brother LS21251  is a very popular kids sewing machine. It has an automatic bobbin winder, snap-on presser feet, foot control, reverse sewing lever, free-arm capability, automatic 4-step button holler, 10 built-in stitches, bobbins, screwdriver, needles, darning plate, extra spool pin and 25 year limited warranty. 

What do people say about it :
Parents and kids who used it, gave good reviews, because of the convenience it offers. It surely is worth it's price.

Singer 6038 sewing machine

Singer 6038, with this machine, your daughter can have a trouble-free sewing experience whether she's a beginner or she's ready to replace her toy machine for sewing.  It has a traditional styling that is built to provide high-quality masterpieces. It comes with adjustable stitch length (up to 4mm), automatic needle threader, top drop-in bobbin and free arm. The machine is lightweight with built-in carrying handle. This is not only for kids but for everyone as well. It's really a great kids sewing machine.


What do people say about it :
I think that his name talk about it, we are talking about a SINGER sewing machine.

More options :

If your daughter is still too young for heavy-duty sewing machines then maybe you can read our article about toy sewing machines for kids.

Did you liked this article ? share you're opinion with us on a comment.

New home sewing machines history

Home sewing machine available in the market these days may be considered as a collector's item or mechanical equipment such as one of the modern models and it could have been manufactured a long time ago.

However, you have to be sure that the new home sewing machines still work very well for all sewers.

To secure the patents and to obtain the lead in the market, big manufacturers of sewing machines started to battle each other out around 1860, and then was the start of New Home company. 

New home sewing machines history 

The first New home sewing machine was called New England, made by Thomas White. He could expand his business by despising all the downs that he had to face then, and thank's to him, New home sewing machine survived until now.

 Many New Home models have been released and sold to the public over the years.

One of the first New Home sewing machines that were manufactured is the model no 914, with a body elegantly finished, and made of solid metal frame. You could store it in it's special cabinet once you were done using it.

It still had a hand crank, a treadle and a wheel. You have to step on the pedal and turn the crank for the machine to work and to start creating stitches. You could place a number of much-needed accessories such as threads, scissors, and bobbins thank's to the drawer.

The new model was called 915, which was basically following model 914. Except that the former had a cover, that could protect the sewing machine from constant movement,  there wasn't any difference between the two models. 

They included a number of attachments which you can use immediately. A good part of the body was made of nickel, and it was still ornamented.  

Newer types of sewing machines from New Home has some additional feature, like a handle so you can bring your machine with you anywhere you go. There are feed dogs, which will help you the creation of stitches, and twin needles that make it possible to sew two colors at the same time and that you find included in your sewing machine.

New Home sewing machines may not be as technological or as advanced as other sewing machines, but can last for a long time. They make perfect collectibles, or as heirlooms to your children and even to your grandchildren. I say it and i repeat it, having a New Home sewing machine means that you have a very solid machine.

Used sewing machines for kids

If you don't have enough money to buy a new sewing machine but you still want your kid to practice sewing on a real sewing machine, you can buy a used one. Look for used machines in your newspaper ads or online at an auction site, but you need to know that shipping the machine to your house can get expensive due to the weight.

These some things that you should keep in mind if you're buying a used sewing machine for your kid :

• The machine should be examined by a sewing machine service professional, and that helps to keep the thing oiled and cleaned so it will stay in good working order.

• To be sure that little fingers are safe from coming in contact with the sharp equipment, you'd better buy a needle protector if it's available  for your machine.

• The weight of the machine can be a problem, especially if your child will not have a dedicated sewing station. So, you need to look for a machine that is lightweight. Older machines are often very heavy, making them hard for children to use. 

You are confused by the jargon ?

The glossary below should help you to make better sense of the technical terms if they seem a little hard to understand :

Bobbin : It's a small spool for holding thread. Before you begin sewing, the thread is wound onto the bobbin, then flitted into a bobbin case and put into place.You should know that sewing machines use two threads to make a stitch ( the bobbin thread and the needle thread ).

Free arm : It works by detaching a piece on the base of the machine, leaving the arm protruding. It's a cylinder on the bed of the machine that allows you to sew items like sleeves and trouser legs.

Stitch selector : It's a dial that allows you to select different stitch types on basic machines. On computerized machines this is done on general by pressing a key.

Knee lifter : very useful for quilting, sewing around curves, it's a lever which can be pressed with you knee. It allows you to lift the presser foot and drop the feed dogs without taking your hands off the work. 

Presser foot : You can find different models of this tool, every one has it's own job. It hold the fabric in place against the feed dogs so that it doesn't move about while you are sewing.

Sewing machines for kids

If you're child expressed interest in learning to sew, and you are looking for the best sewing machine choice. Sewing machines for kids are getting more and more popular these days and you have a lot of options on the market.

Popular sewing machines for kids toy's :
If you are shopping for a young child, toy sewing machines are a good choice. These machines sew a simple chain stitch, which is normally all that's required for a basic use.  The stitching durability varies and users often complain about being able to pull the stitches out by hand. These machines are affordable, especially with their good price ranging from $25 to $100.

These toy sewing machines for kids are popular :

• The Totally me Zig Zag and Straig Sewing machine is a good example, you don't have to worry about the safety beacause it features a safety shield on thee needle. It's color is purple and pink which makes it an awesome choice for girls.
• The Barbie Lightweight Portable Sewing machine is a great choice for the first sewing machine for the first child sewer in your'e family. Online comments about this product indicate that the needle is so easy to replace.

Smaller sized sewing machines for kids :

Usually, this type of sewing machines is gonna coast you between $100 and $150. You can buy it if you see that your kid is likely to become serious about sewing. These machines can perform many simple stitch functions, and that's what makes them good for older children. They are made by the same manufactures as adult sewing machines.