4 Best Singer Kids’ Sewing Machines – Learn to Sew!
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If you’re looking for a Singer kids’ sewing machine, these reviews for four of the best options should narrow down your selection.
Recently, I decided to teach my older daughter the basics of sewing. My mother and grandmother taught me when I was in elementary school, and it was time for her to learn now.
As such, I did extensive research into less expensive and more child-friendly sewing machine options and curated my research in this post.
Read on to learn more!
Two Singer Kids Sewing Machines Options: Toy vs “Real”
There are two different types of Singer sewing machine options you can purchase for your child.
One is a toy machine, and the other is a “real” machine.
1. “Real” Sewing Machine
A “real” sewing machine is one that a beginner adult would purchase for themselves that is simple enough to also be used by a child.
It’s going to have interchangeable presser feet, a real needle, and the capability to sew more than just one straight stitch.
This type of sewing machine will offer a reverse stitch, straight stitch, zigzag stitch, and at least several other stitches including a buttonhole option.
As such, it will be a larger sewing machine and cost more.
2. Toy Machine
A toy machine, on the other hand, is a sewing machine that’s going to have MUCH less functionality but isn’t going to set you back much money.
It’s also not going to work as well as a basic sewing machine because, well, it’s meant to be a toy.
Sewing anything more than the most basic of projects may be frustrating as these toy sewing machines usually feature a safety needle and only one stitch option.
In general, for older kids who are serious about learning to sew, I would not hesitate to consider a full-sized, basic beginner sewing machine.
If you have a younger child who isn’t committed to the art yet, consider a toy Singer sewing machine to start with.
Then, if interest peaks, go ahead and purchase a full-sized sewing machine later on.
Singer Sewing Machines for Kids
First, I’ll start with the full-size, basic sewing machines that will appeal to older kids and then present the best toy Signer sewing machine options.
So, here are some of the best Singer kids’ sewing machines.
1. SINGER Start 1304 Sewing Machine
The Singer Start 1304 sewing machine is one of the most basic Singer sewing machines you can find. T
his mechanical sewing machine is a great choice for both children and beginner adults.
With no bells and whistles or fancy options, there’s not much room for confusion.
It’s equipped with 6 stitches that will allow your child to sew basic projects.
You’ll get a straight, zigzag, scallop, satin, blind hem, and 4-step buttonhole stitch. Each of these stitches has pre-set widths and lengths.
It also comes with three basic presser feet (zigzag, buttonhole, and zipper foot), which is adequate for most sewing projects.
With initial guidance from an experienced sewer, young kids can learn to thread the Singer Start 1304 and all the machines reviewed here.
Reminders are also printed on the side of the machine.
Bobbin winding is done automatically, which is a plus for beginners.
Stitching is started with the press of a foot pedal, which may take some practice for first-timers.
The maximum sewing speed is less than some of the more advanced Singer sewing machines. This is a nice feature for heavy-footed children!
Despite the metal frame, the Singer Start 1304 sewing machine is still portable and should be small enough for young kids to tote around.
With its ease of use and beautiful simplicity, I do think the Singer Start 1304 is the best Singer kids’ sewing machine. That’s why I bought it for my daughter to learn on! (Read my Singer Start 1304 review for more information!)
Also, it recently got a facelift and now there’s an updated version, the Singer M1500. It’s a little sleeker visually but is otherwise identical.
2. Singer Tradition 2277 Sewing Machine Review
If you’re looking for a Singer sewing machine for kids who want to do a little more than just the basics, the Singer Tradition 2277 sewing machine is another great option. (Its new, updated version is the Singer M3300.)
It still threads and sets up easily like the Singer 1304 sewing machine, but it has more features, which can be a plus or minus depending on your child.
It features 23 stitches, including one automatic 1-step buttonhole. Stitch length and width are also adjustable with dials on the body of the machine.
Instead of three presser feet like on the Singer 1304, you’ll get 4 presser feet here, the extra being a button sewing foot. This will hold the button in place while your machine zigzags it on.
The Tradition 2277 is better equipped to handle thicker fabrics and a larger variety of projects than the Singer 1304, but it’s going to be a little more expensive.
Consider how interested your child is in learning to sew before splurging on this extra functionality.
3. Singer Simple 3232 Sewing Machine
The most feature-rich Singer kids sewing machine I’ll be reviewing here is the Singer Simple 3232 sewing machine.
It’s going to be a little too advanced for a young child but is perfect for an older child or teenager wanting to learn to sew.
It contains 32 stitches (length and width are adjusted with a dial), including an automatic one-step buttonhole. A one-step buttonhole requires very little skill from the user and is a definite perk if your child wants to sew garments.
With the built-in free arm, sewing circular garments and doll clothes is also easily accomplished.
The same 4 presser feet that are included on the Singer Tradition 2277 sewing machine also come with the Singer Simple 3232.
This Singer sewing machine contains more features that will make adults drool in envy such as an automatic needle threader, which saves you from trying to fit your thread through the small needle eye by hand.
The maximum speed is 750 stitches per minute, which is impressive and also not something you want to leave your child sewing with unattended, though.
Overall, this is a great Singer sewing machine for a teenager or older kid.
However, I would consider it a bit more before purchasing it for a younger child. With young children, introducing too many sewing concepts in a machine that is too complicated can be overwhelming.
4. Singer EZ Stitch Chainstitch Sewing Machine Review
The Singer EZ-Stitch sewing machine is a toy sewing machine geared towards children 8 years and up who are focused on learning only sewing basics. With such a girly appearance, it’s not going to appeal as much to young boys.
Even though it’s a toy, it features common sewing machine characteristics such as a foot pedal, tension dial, light, handwheel, and on/off switch.
It includes a protective cover and a spool compartment and can be easily transported with the built-in handle.
You’ll receive three spools of thread, a plastic needle, needle threader, and measuring tape for completing projects. The plastic needle and protective cover will protect younger children who you may not feel comfortable working with a sharp, metal needle.
As a battery-operated and very lightweight sewing machine (around 1 lb), it’s MUCH more portable than the full-size sewing machines reviewed above.
As a lightweight, small sewing machine, it’s also much more prone to movement. You may have to fashion a holder for it on your table.
You’ll want to help your child set up the sewing machine the first time and supervise with early use to decrease beginner frustration.
Don’t expect to create any masterpieces with this sewing machine as it is a toy. And with a plastic needle, heavy-duty sewing is out of the question.
Sewing with Kids: What’s a Good Age?
Depending on who you ask, you’ll get very different answers for this.
In my opinion, elementary school age is the perfect time to introduce sewing to kids.
They’re usually eager to learn a new skill and so excited to be able to create their own projects.
A lot of this is dependent on the maturity level of the child and their eagerness to learn, of course.
I learned to sew by hand when I was in second grade. Then, learned the basics of machine sewing when I got to third grade.
Just be careful not to jump in full force too soon.
If you introduce the skill too young, you run the risk of your child injuring himself or herself while sewing or becoming frustrated with the process and thus giving up.
Final Notes
I hope you’ve learned more about sewing machines while reading these reviews and feel confident choosing a sewing machine for your child.
Sewing is such a fun and stress-relieving pastime, and sharing it with your child is a gift in itself.
In addition to opening their crafting horizons, having basic sewing skills is also a great tool for them!
Knowing how to do basic mending and alterations can make life a little easier for them down the line.