Sewing is a fantastic hobby for young children that helps them express their creativity while turning their attention away from the TV.
Thankfully, there is a handful of sewing machines for kids that are especially designed for children (complete with needle guard / finger guard). The best rated sewing machines are typically too heavy and complex for most kids, and can prove unsafe in young hands.
If you have the time, you can teach your child the basics of the art of sewing by hand.
However, when you teach your youngster to use kid-friendly sewing machines, the whole process of crafting will become much more fun and exciting for you both.
Thankfully, there are a number of sewing machines for children on the market that are safe and easy to use. In this post we round up the best kids sewing machines to get your little one started!
Here’s a sneak peek at our top 2:
| Ages | 6+ | Older children |
| Safety Cover? | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Bobbin Winding? | Yes | Top drop-in bobbin |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs | 5 lbs |
What Makes the Best Kids Sewing Machine?
Before we get to our top sewing machines for kids, we thought it best to point out what makes a machine suitable for young fingers in the first place.
Firstly, you want a machine that matches the age of your child and their ability level to enable them to learn at their own pace. Machines for very young kids will have a plethora of safety features in place like a needle guard, for instance.
Ones for slightly older and more experienced children should allow for a little more creative leeway, but will still be decked out with easy to use features.
Look out for sewing machines with the following:
- Automatic needle threader
- Jam-resistant bobbin
- Stop/Start button
- Sliding speed control
- Automatic thread tension
While you may want your child to have plenty of creative freedom, we think it’s best to keep things simple and uncomplicated when they’re first starting out. Opt for sewing machines that have just a basic set of stitches, rather than hundreds, and make sure that there’s a good light on the workspace to ensure there’s no eye straining.
The best sewing machine for kids will also lightweight and portable — perhaps even with a handle. This means that they can take it to each other’s houses and to craft events, without having to lug a heavy machine around with them.
As they won’t be sewing multiple layers or heavy duty materials, kids don’t need workhorse machines — just ones that work, are safe and allow them to practise their skills.
We love when kid-friendly sewing machines are colorful and creative — the machine’s aesthetics can really inspire your child in their sewing creations.
Some machines will even come with their own sewing project kits to start your kid off on a creative high.
The right type of sewing machine should come with easy-to-use features, simple user manual and everything your child needs to start sewing right away. Most importantly, the machine has to be safe for your kid to use by themselves.
Children’s Sewing Machine Brands
Kids’ sewing machine brands aren’t necessarily the same household names as normal sewing machines.
Of course, Singer, Janome and Brother all offer a number of great, kid friendly sewing machines, but there are a few other brands you should keep an open mind for, as well.
Brands like Haitral, Sew Cool and Michley have the benefit of offering specialist kid sewing machines that are not only safe and easy to use, but usually come with a much lower price tag than the more famous brands.
Check them out below!
Kids’ Sewing Machines: Cost Guide
So, how much should you spend on the best sewing machine for kids?
As with many things in this life, higher cost doesn’t necessarily mean higher quality — although it may give at least some indication.
Generally, the lower priced machines won’t have quite as many features as the higher priced machines, and you should expect to see a bump in price for well known brands like Singer and Janome.
Personally, we think machines in the $30-70 range are always worth exploring (although we do have a number of cheaper ones included below).
Your best bet is to set your budget first, and then take a look at the absolute best you can buy within that budget.
Note: We also have a list of mini sewing machine options, but not all of them are specifically for kids. You’ll also want to check out our collection of the best kids sewing kits.
The Best Sewing Machines for Kids
In our reviews below, you’ll find our picks for the best sewing machines for children, and beginner products that all offer an enjoyable and satisfying sewing experience.
Sew Cool Machine
If you’re looking for a sewing machine for very young children, you’re in luck: Sew Cool is suitable for kids aged 6 and up!
This is super-easy and safe sewing at its finest — plus a funky design that kids are sure to love.
And, of course, it’s really simple to use: there’s no need to use a foot pedal, wind a bobbin or thread needles, making it suitable for complete beginners. It’s also very safe: the needle is well protected by a guard to ensure no pricked fingers!
You just switch it on to make use of the materials provided and to start creating any of the 9 included projects.
Here’s a quick look at it in action:
Pros
- Funky and appealing design
- Extremely simple to use (no skills required)
- Stop-start button
- Includes lots of project materials
- Comes with 9 projects
- Extra project kits available
- Needles are covered with a safety guard
- Lightweight: weighs less than 2 lbs
Cons
- Can only sew felt fabrics
Michley LSS-202 Lil’ Sew & Sew Mini Sewing Machine
This is another cheap mini sewing machine that will suit older kids fantastically.
It’s lightweight and easy to carry, and gives your child the choice of using a press button or foot pedal to start sewing. While most people will want to start with the stop/start button, it’s a great idea to graduate up to the foot pedal once you’ve found your feet and want to develop your skills further.
This sewing machine can also be electric or battery operated. Ideal for small craft projects, this product is great for kids new to the world of sewing and anyone who wants to learn the basics.
It’s the perfect size for small fingers and it comes with an operation manual, different color threaded spools, extra needles, tools and electric scissors.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Can be operated by battery or electric
- Great for small jobs and beginners
- Extra threaded spools, needles and tools included
- Can use stop-start button or foot pedal
- Two different speeds for ultimate stitch control
- Cheap
Cons
- Does not have a needle guard
- Only suitable for older kids
Singer ZigZag Chainstitch Toy Sewing Machine
This Singer ZigZag machine is probably the most popular sewing machine for kids on the market — although it’s truthfully more like an advanced sewing toy rather than a particularly utilitarian machine.
It’s great for younger kids, however.
All good sewing machines for kids should have a safety guard over the needle, and you’ll be pleased to learn that this one does.
But that’s not all. It also comes with a carrying handle, foot pedal and lots of fun project materials. Furthermore, this machine has a pretty pink design, as well as a neat storage compartment for your child to keep their tools close to hand.
If you’re looking for a machine that children can truly make things with, as oppose to simply practise their skills, you may be a little disappointed.
Pros
- Lightweight with a carrying handle
- Comes with a safety guard over the needle
- Brightly colored
- Comes with operation manual and project materials
- Includes instruction for a bookmark project
- Small storage compartment
- Kids can practice foot control with the pedal
Cons
- Only sews paper crafts and light fabrics
- Tricky to change the needle
Janome Fastlane Fuschia Basic
Woah, Nelly… that is one pink sewing machine!
Never fear: if your child isn’t a pink freak, there are 10 other color schemes to choose from instead.
At only five pounds, this compact sewing machine from Janome is lightweight and suitable for kids aged 7 and above.
Not only is it portable but it has an impressive range of stitches for such a basic machine: from zigzag and crescent to scallop and more, it comes with 10 built-in stitch options.
The presser foot with a finger guard is a nice touch, as is the top loading bobbin system and two needle positions. There are enough features and options for your kid to learn and grow with the machine.
Whether your child wants to learn paper crafting or simple sewing tasks, this sewing machine is great for any young sewing enthusiast — it’s one of the best quality children’s sewing machines on the market.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- 10 built-in stitches
- Two needle position
- Accessory storage
- Free arm and easy reverse
- Foot press with finger guard
- Threading diagrams and top loading bobbin
- Fabulous range of machine colors
- Finger guard protects fingers from the needle
Cons
- Comparatively expensive
NEX Portable Mini Sewing Machine for Kids
Another great, low cost, kids sewing machine here from NEX.
The main draw here is how simple it is to operate: there is built-in bobbin winding and a thread cutter that can do all of the hard work for you.
There is also two speed control, so you can adjust the machine to your child’s ability and confidence level.
A safety cover over the needle makes sure that little fingers don’t get pricked, while the foot pedal and push button (depending on which you choose to use) only require a little push to get started.
It’s also incredibly lightweight — only 2.2 pounds! Perfect for crafting sleepovers.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Safety cover over needle
- Built-in light makes for a bright workspace
- Built-in bobbin winding facility
- Thread cutter
- Dual speed control
- Cute pink and white design
- Can be powered either by batteries or AC power
- Lightweight and portable
- Cheap
Cons
- So lightweight that it’s not great for handling any other than light fabrics
Singer Start 1304 Sewing Machine
The Singer Start 1304 is technically more of a beginners’ sewing machine rather than one specifically for kids, but we think it’s a great fit for older children and responsible teenagers.
It’s incredibly easy to use and designed to take you from sewing novice to experienced sewist quickly.
It sports plenty more features that the other children’s sewing machines on this list, including 6 built-in stitches and a free arm facility.
But the Singer Start 1304 is also incredibly easy to use, thanks to the automatic bobbin winding, pre-set stitch widths and lengths, and the dial with which to choose your stitches.
It’s also lightweight at only 7 lbs and comes with three different types of presser foot.
Pros
- A sewing machine that will grow with you as you become more experienced
- Easy to use
- Automatic, safe bobbin winding
- Includes pre-programmed stitches (and a 4-step buttonhole)
- Free arm for hemming
- Adjustable tension settings
- Lightweight
- Speed of 750 stitches per minute
- Heavy duty, metal frame means you can take on a variety of fabrics
- Durable
Cons
- Comparatively expensive
- Not especially for kids
Now those are all of our picks for the best kids’ sewing machines! You can find more inspiration in our guide to the best sewing gear.
Which kid’s sewing machine is your favorite?
Personally my kids found the Singer ZigZag to be more of a toy than an actual sewing machine. Switched them to the Janome Fastlane and found it much better – particularly for those over 10. I know they won’t grow out of it for a while and gives them a chance to learn on a real machine
Can’t decide between the Haitral and Michley?? Advice please!!
They are actually pretty similar. The Michley is a little cheaper, but we think the Haitral is the better machine in terms of durability and features.