How to Sew on a Child's Sewing Machine

A child’s sewing machine offers a way for a child to learn the basics of sewing. Most child-sized machines are more of a toy and learning tool than a perfectly functioning sewing machine; do simple, straight-stitch projects. Usually for children 8 years and older, these machines have special safety features like a needle guard and a safety pressure foot. The product manual for the child’s sewing machine will offer invaluable information on how to use a specific model, but all sewing machines work in the same basic way.

Things You'll Need

• Thread
• Fabric
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Wind the bobbin according to your machine's manual. A child’s sewing machine may or may not require this step. If the machine is a chain-stitch machine, it will not use a bobbin thread. A lock-stitch machine will require you to wind the bobbin; this type of machine is the most common.

2. Pull the thread from the spool holder, through a thread tension knob and through the needle to thread the machine. Refer to your manual for specific instructions.

3. Choose a stitch and stitch length for your project; the machine may have the option to adjust these. A child’s sewing machine may have a straight or zigzag stitch option and a few stitch length options. There may also be a switch to adjust the speed of the machine.

4. Place the fabric you want to sew under the pressure foot, lower the pressure foot and then use the foot pedal to sew the fabric.

5. Adjust the tension of the thread to create a perfect stitch. The tension controls on a child’s sewing machine are basic and may take several trys to set properly. Turn the tension knob in the smallest increments possible, testing the stitches on a scrap piece of fabric. A perfect stitch has no loops on top or bottom and it does not cause the cloth to pucker.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a small project to sew on the child’s machine. A stuffed pillow or simple doll dress are good ideas. Make sure you have the fabric, thread and supplies you need before you begin.

• As an alternative to a child’s sewing machine, consider purchasing the most basic adult sewing machine for a child; especially for a child who is 10 years or older. Basic adult machines are petite in size, higher quality and last much longer. The only consideration is the lack of safety features a child’s machine offers.

• A child should always have adult-supervision when using a sewing machine.

References

• Craft and Fabric Links: Setting Up Your Sewing Machine
• University of Kentucky Extension: Adjusting Sewing Machine Tension

Resources

• University of California Extension: Sewing Machine Safety