It was only a few generations ago that learning to sew at a young age was the norm for many children. Many parents today cannot imagine their son or daughter being able to muster the discipline necessary to learn how to sew. These parents are often surprised, however, when their little ones take to sewing like ducks to water.
Not only are kids today still able to learn how to sew, they often enjoy it! Even though there are more screens and devices than ever competing for a kid’s limited attention span, sewing can become a favorite hobby for any interested child.
Not only is sewing fun, but it's a rewarding activity that allows children to experience the satisfaction and self-efficacy that comes with creating something useful (as most art-related projects do). Learning the art of sewing is also a practical life skill that stays with children throughout their entire lives, and an excellent way to develop hand-eye coordination.
For parents of children interested in sewing, or for parents looking to instill in their children the benefits of sewing, finding the best sewing machines for kids is an important part of the process.
Sewing machine manufacturers have responded to the demand for children’s sewing machines by offering a wide variety of different machines for children—and for beginners in general.
Many sewing machines that are great for kids, in fact, are simply labeled and marketed as beginner’s sewing machines. When looking for the perfect match for a little guy or gal, here are a few things to consider:
- Functionality: Basically, you need to figure out what the beginner's or children's sewing machine is capable of doing. There are several different factors that play into this. One thing to look at is how many built-in stitch patterns a sewing machine has: straight, zigzag, back stitch, and satin stitch are examples of different patterns. You also want to check reviews for the kinds of fabrics people are able to use with a particular machine; some beginner's or children's machines may have difficulty with tougher fabrics like denim.
- Power Source: Some sewing machines for kids are electric (plug-in), some are battery-powered, and some may be used as both. If there is a particular environment your child is envisioning themselves sewing in, this could be an important factor.
- Design: Of course, many boys or girls will fixate on the appearance of their sewing machine. The look of the machine can be just as important to them as how well it works. Different manufacturers take different steps to provide a fun-looking sewing machine.
Quick comparison: Best sewing machines for kids
Sewing machines | Features we love | Rating | Buy it now |
|---|---|---|---|
Mini Sewing | - 12 built-in stitch patterns | ||
Sew Cool - Sewing Studio | - No thread needed | ||
Janome 11706 3/4 Size Hello Kitty Sewing Machine | - Heavy-duty sewing capability, but still perfect for beginners | ||
Brother Project Runway CS5055PRW Electric Sewing Machine | - 50 built-in stitches and | ||
SINGER 1234 Sewing Machine | - Comes with online | ||
Brother Easy-to-Use, Everyday Sewing Machine | - Perfect for everyday projects |
For the full scoop on all the best machines, keep reading!
Mini Sewing Machine by Nex
This kid’s sewing machine is an affordable option for a little guy or girl to learn the basics of sewing and the basic structure of a sewing machine. All they have to do is push buttons for the machine to change between its double thread, double speed, forward and reverse stitch options.
The sewing machine runs at two speeds, with the double speed button as the “fast” option and its normal speed considered “slow.” It includes a light bulb, so a dedicated young tailor or seamstress can work into the night and still see what they’re doing.
We love how it's portable and lightweight, so it can be easily moved around the house or taken on trips to keep the kids busy.
Another feature of this machine is its dual power source option: it can be battery-powered or plugged in and powered using the foot pedal. Though this is a basic mini sewing machine, its 12 built-in stitch patterns make it versatile enough to keep kids interested.
Pros
- 2 speeds
- Double thread, double speed, forward and reserve stitch buttons
- Lightweight and portable
- Lightbulb
- 12 built-in stitch patterns
- Powered by battery or foot pedal
- 2 extra needles included
- 1-year warranty (extended warranties available)
Cons
- May lack detailed instructions
Our favorite feature
This sewing machine packs an impressive punch into a small package at a great price. For such a small, affordable beginner’s sewing machine to be capable of making all sorts of clothes and accessories using a variety of functions is quite an accomplishment. In short, this is a great starter machine.
Sew Cool - Sewing Studio
This children’s sewing machine offers a unique and simplified way for kids (from 6 and up) to learn how to sew. With this product, many of the pieces normally thought of as important parts of the sewing machine are not needed. Though it may sound weird, this is a no-thread sewing machine!
Because there's no thread involved, there are also no bobbins to wind or needles required. This unit is completely battery-powered, so no foot pedal is necessary either.
It comes with pre-cut fabric and customizable decorations, along with templates that can help guide kids toward making creative decorations they can put on their backpacks, notebooks and anywhere else they want.
This starter sewing studio also includes patterns and stuffing that allow kids to create their own stuffed creations. A little unorthodox, maybe! But it's perfect for getting your little one's creative juices flowing.
Pros
- No foot pedal, bobbins or needles needed
- Designed to create plush accessories
- Includes pre-cut fabric & customizable decorations
- Battery-powered
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Attractive, deep pink design
Cons
- Cannot use your own fabric
Our favorite feature
Because this beginner’s sewing machine doesn’t require a pressed foot pedal, a wound bobbin or a threaded needle, it also doesn’t require all of the headaches—and hours spent decoding the instruction manual—that often accompany those aspects of a regular sewing machine.
The care, detail and safety necessary involved in threading are often overwhelming for a child who may otherwise be motivated to learn. If that resonates with your situation, this may be the best sewing machines for your kids. Overall, customers are amazed at how easy and simple this is to use.
Janome 11706 3/4 Size Hello Kitty Sewing Machine
This sewing machine successfully incorporates all the elements of a professional-grade sewing machine into a lightweight, portable and simple machine for children.
It includes three presser feet, an etched needle plate and a reverse lever that makes locking stitches easy. There are eleven stitch selections to choose from, as well as a tension control dial.
Of course, many kids will enjoy the Hello Kitty logo on the machine and the aqua color gives this starter sewing machine a fun, retro look.
Pros
- 11 stitch selections
- 3 presser feet
- Tension control dial
- Lightweight & portable
- Heavy duty sewing capability
- Storage container for accessories
- Hello Kitty brand
- Pretty aqua color
Cons
- Potential bobbin issues
Our favorite feature
The sewing capability of this machine is its most impressive feature. Users of this machine who are initially deceived by its lightweight and fun design will be quickly shocked and impressed at this sewing machine’s ability to create a full range of sewn clothing and accessories. The tension control dial helps beginners understand the relationship between fabric and thread tension and allows them to achieve consistent stitches no matter the fabric.
The nature of the bobbin and bobbin holder in this product is different than many other machines and thus may be a little tricky at first, but those who master it will consider this one of the best sewing machines for kids.
Brother Project Runway CS5055PRW Electric Sewing Machine
This electronic sewing machine has all of bells and whistles of a higher-end sewing machine on a machine that's meant to be perfect for beginners.
It features 50-built in stitch selections that include utility, decorate, heirloom and quilting stitches, meaning that a wide variety of sewing skills and can be learned and practiced on this model. A wide variety of fabrics may also be used with this machine, including stretchy fabrics that are often difficult for sewing machines—especially of the beginner variety.
This sewing machine also includes an electronic LCD display screen that makes it easy to track the stitch you’re working with, as well as the length and width of the stitch. The LED-lit work area will let your kid keep sewing after the lights are turned out and everyone else is asleep.
Pros
- 50 built-in stitch selections
- Sews stretchy fabrics
- Utility, decorative, heirloom, and quilting stitches
- LCD display screen
- 5 one-step, custom-sized buttonhole styles
- LED-lit work area
- 25-year limited warranty
- Vertical spool spin
Cons
- Doesn't work as well with heavier fabrics
Our favorite feature
The amount of features on this relatively simple sewing machine is impressive. Among the features not described above is the vertical spool pin, which is normally included only with more expensive machines and allows for more consistent feeding. The 5 one-step, custom-sized buttonholes is also a significant feature that can be custom-sized to fit your specific buttons. Talk about bells and whistles!
SINGER 1234 Sewing Machine
This sewing machine includes a few uncommon bonus features that enhance both its form and function.
To create a look unique to the user, this sewing machine is available in 2 different color styles and comes with decals that allow users to customize the appearance.
It also comes with a free online owner’s class to help beginners use the machine properly.
The lightweight and portable sewing machine includes 6 built-in stitch patterns, an automatic 4-step buttonhole and a free arm.
Pros
- Online sewing machine owner’s class included
- Tote bag and decals included
- Threading instructions printed on machine
- 6 built-in stitches
- Free arm
- Lightweight & portable
- Automatic 4-step buttonhole
Cons
- May experience issues with bobbin
Our favorite feature
The online owner’s class is a unique feature that provides increased guidance and peace of mind for parents, kids and anyone just beginning their sewing journey. In the class, a teacher shows you how to use the new machine and is available to answer any questions that come up about how to use the machine correctly.
Beyond the class, this machine prints the threading instructions right on the sewing machine; this helps you avoid having to keep track of and rely on the small, confusing print in an instruction manual. The tote bag and decals that are included with this also help make it one of the best sewing machines for kids who will inevitably want to carry around their custom-designed machine everywhere they go.
Brother Easy-to-Use, Everyday Sewing Machine
This lightweight, portable beginner’s sewing machine, available individually or in a 2-pack, includes all the essentials needed to get started sewing as soon as you take it out of the box.
The 10-built in stitches and 4-step buttonhole included ensure that this simple machine can handle all kinds of sewing jobs.
Other features include 3 presser feet that are easily changeable and a full range of sewing accessories—presser feet, screwdriver, needle pack, bobbins, etc.—included with the machine.
Pros
- 2-pack available
- Lightweight & portable
- 10 built-in stitches
- Automatic 4-step buttonhole
- Free arm or flat bed usage
- Carrying handle, built-in storage
- Free phone support
- 25-year limited warranty
Cons
- May experience threading issues
Our favorite feature
The range of sewing tasks that can be accomplished on this simple, beginner’s sewing machine is impressive. Users can switch from a regular flat bed sewing style to the built-in free arm. The 10 built-in stitches include elastic, straight, blind hem and zigzag stitching. Additionally, this product takes an important measure to make sure that kids can get started sewing right away: all the necessary accessories are included. For parents, free phone support and a 25-year limited warranty provide much-needed peace of mind.
Ultimately, the best children’s sewing machine depends a lot on your individual situation. There are a variety of different beginner’s machines that have received largely excellent reviews and are easy to use, lightweight and portable—the benchmark factors that such a sewing machine should have.
Kids, of course, may already have an idea in their head of what they should (or would like to) be able to do with a sewing machine.
If there is a specific fabric or stitch pattern that a sewing machine needs to be able to work with in order to satisfy your child's sewing dreams, it may be wise to invest in a more capable, higher-end beginner’s machine.
On the other hand, if a child simply wants to mimic or get a feel for the motions involved in operating a sewing machine while still getting the rewarding feeling of actually creating something, there are several lower-cost options that are a great value.
