Best for Beginners: KPCB Sewing Machine

Small, lighter and less complicated—those are the basic rules when it comes to the best sewing machines for kids.

We asked the crafty parents among our readers (yes, our parenting books have over 2 million copies in print) for their advice as they got their kids started with sewing.

Yes, regular sewing machines can run hundreds of dollars—but if you want your child to try out sewing, we’d recommend something simpler and more affordable: KPCB’s Sewing Machine. After surveying our readers and comparing a dozen sewing machines aimed at kids, we think this one is best for beginners.

Why? The attention to safety is a big reason—note the detachable safety guard to protect little fingers. 

Here’s more:

What We Liked

• Easy to use. We liked the simple controls.

• Safety needle guard.

• Includes fabric and thread to make one project.

• Built-in cutter.

• Lower speed mode = great for beginners.

• Affordable.

What Needs Work

• No reverse.

• Will require adult assistance to get going.

Best for Youngest Sewers: Cool Maker, Sew Cool Sewing Machine

Yes, kids as young as three can learn how to sew. And while this kit is aimed at children age 6 and up, it is a great place to start for sewing-curious kiddos. 

Why? We liked the safety: you can’t touch the needle. And it sews without thread (it uses only felted fabric). 

Here’s more:

What We Liked

• Includes 5 projects: keychain, stuffed rose, marker holder, pouch, stuffed kitty.

• Can’t touch the needle = safety built-in.

• Learn the basics like following direction and maneuvering fabric.

• Runs on 4 AAA batteries.

• No thread, foot pedals, bobbins or needles.

What Needs Work

• More toy than a real sewing machine. That’s a feature, not a bug, in our opinion. Sure, it would be more accurate to call this a felting machine rather than a sewing machine . . . but the goal is to teach basic skills with safety in mind. And this machine does a good job.

Best Kids Sewing Machine Splurge: Sewing Machine for Beginners

If your kids tried out those beginner machines and fell in love with sewing, this machine is what we’d recommend next: a mini sewing machine.

It is simple to use, with many stitch options. Plus it is lightweight (5.48 lbs), which is important for kid sewers. Best for kids age 10 and older. Here’s more:

What We Liked

• Portable and lightweight. Yes, you can run this machine on 4 AA batteries or plug it in.

• Easy to use.

• 12 built-in stitches.

• Reverse! Many kid sewing machines lack this feature.

• Cuff slot.

• Backstitch button.

• Thread tension dial.

• Foot pedal.

• Smooth stitching.

What Needs Work

• A bit pricey.

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do extensive researching, evaluating products with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability.

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