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Arts and crafts

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Original poster

my ds really wants a sewing machine , can you please help ?

14 replies

travellingwilbury · 24/03/2013 08:22

My ds is going to turn 7 in a couple if weeks and he wants a sewing machine .

I am hopeless at sewing / knitting etc so I have no idea where to start .

Is there such a thing as a starter kit for children ?

It obviously needs to be safe for him but also not too cheap and plastic that it will break in a week .

Also any books you could recommend would be great .

Tia

OP posts:
trice · 24/03/2013 08:25

I have the John Lewis kids machine. It is easy to use, very cute and I have not managed to break it yet.

MrsMeeple · 24/03/2013 08:28

Take a look at this ne. Haven't tried it personally, but for the price it is probably worth a try.

www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/30208975/

elfycat · 24/03/2013 08:29

My local-ish craft shop does needlecraft classes for children (Suffolk if you're around here). Maybe you have similar not too far away?

I'd think about the John Lewis machine for £49 as it'scheap simple and probably a good starting place without all the gadgets. Maybe see if someone's upgrading and selling theirs on ebay or similar. link

Original poster
travellingwilbury · 24/03/2013 08:30

Thanks both , I have to go out to work but will look later , I do appreciate any help as I want to encourage him but have no idea where to start .

OP posts:
elfycat · 24/03/2013 08:43

There are patterns online, they do seem slightly biased towards girls dresses but there are toys/bag patterns too www.favecrafts.com/Sewing-for-Kids#

Or this book maybe?? www.amazon.co.uk/My-First-Sewing-Machine-Book/dp/1908707003

BeCool · 29/03/2013 23:54

A little off topic but there is a fantastic episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm where Larry buys a young boy a sewing machine. It's very funny (off beat but funny). Might have to go watch it again. Grin

SatsukiKusukabe · 29/03/2013 23:56

is a sewing machine safe for a 7year old? I'd be nervous

MercedesKing · 30/03/2013 03:17

Why not use other machines or stuffs to replace it? Guess it is not that safe for a 7 year old as SatsukiKusukabe said...

Original poster
travellingwilbury · 30/03/2013 07:06

Sorry I haven't been back , I have been looking at the machines recommended and tbh I am a bit nervous about the safety aspect . I think I am going to try and put him off this year and look at other things .

I am going to get him some hand sewing kits for now .

If I was handy with a machine I would probably not worry so much , but its not my thing .

Thank you anyway , maybe next year .

OP posts:
vanillamum · 28/04/2013 22:09

Don't give up. I let my seven year old use an old hand crank sewing machine. By turning the hand crank they are fully in control of the speed of the needle and so are less likely to sew through a finger-she hasn't managed it yet! But it gives a proper stitch which is durable and is fairly quick. I have sewn a dress and apron on it and quite like using it for small jobs. Look for singer ones on ebay-don't go for a treadle on and try and avoid a bullet shuttle one (I think 15k type) as they are a bit tricky to thread the bobbin. If you live near Southend I could talk you through it but I think it is a really good idea for him to have a go and I would not pay over £35 for one-I reckon this one should go for about £43 ish as it has a lot of stuff and the original booklets.
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-SINGER-Sewing-Machine-Attatchments-/200916884566?pt=UK_CraftsCollect_SewingMachines_RL&hash=item2ec7945c56

OhHullitsOnlyMeYoni · 28/04/2013 22:16

Hand sewing kits on Baker Ross are great www.bakerross.co.uk/show_all/1/category-Fabric-Crafts-ARTSFABR.htm
Very hard to hurt yourself on a sewing machine though, so he should be fine with a small low powered one :)

DeafLeopard · 28/04/2013 22:53

Bargainous John Lewis sewing machine

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