4 Best Singer Kids’ Sewing Machines – Learn to Sew!
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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.
So, I researched the least expensive and more child-friendly sewing machine options and put together this list of the best Singer kids’ sewing machines to compare. I ultimately purchased the Singer 1304 sewing machine, and so far, it’s worked well as she learns.
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, and it is simple enough for a child to also use.
It will have interchangeable presser feet, a real needle, and the capability to sew more than just one straight stitch. This type of sewing machine offers 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 with MUCH less functionality but isn’t going to set you back much money. It’s also won’t 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 recommend a full-sized, basic beginner sewing machine. However, if you have a younger child not committed to the art yet, a toy sewing machine may be a better option. Then, if interest peaks, go ahead and purchase a full-sized sewing machine later on.
The Best 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.
1. SINGER Start 1304 Sewing Machine
The Singer Start 1304 sewing machine is one of the most basic Singer sewing machines you can find. This mechanical sewing machine is a great choice for both children and beginner adults, and it’s what I purchased for my 8-year-old daughter.
With no bells and whistles or fancy options, there’s not much room for confusion.
And, it’s only equipped with 6 stitches, but these will still allow your child to sew basic projects. These stitches, which come with pre-set widths and lengths include:
- Straight
- Zigzag
- Scallop
- Satin
- Blind hem
- 4-step buttonhole stitch.
The Singer 1304 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 from memory after a few tries, and 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, but the maximum sewing speed is less than some of the more advanced Singer sewing machines–a nice feature for heavy-footed children!
Despite the metal frame, the Singer Start 1304 sewing machine has several plastic parts. But, it is at least 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. (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
If you’re looking for kids who want to do 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 adjustable with dials on the machine’s body.
Instead of three presser feet like on the Singer 1304, this option has 4 presser feet, the extra being a button sewing foot to 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 will be a little more expensive.
3. Singer Simple 3232 Sewing Machine
The most feature-rich sewing machine I’ve listed here is the Singer Simple 3232 sewing machine. It is probably a little too advanced for a young child but is perfect for an older child or teenager wanting to learn to sew. (With young children, introducing too many sewing concepts in a machine that is too complicated can be overwhelming.)
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 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.
4. Singer EZ Stitch Chainstitch Sewing Machine
The Singer EZ-Stitch sewing machine is a toy sewing machine geared towards children 8 years old and up who are focused on learning only sewing basics. Its girly appearance will not appeal to young boys as much!
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.
It comes with three spools of thread, a plastic needle, a 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. (I don’t allow my daughter to change the needle herself, for example!)
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. However, it’s more prone to movement, especially at top speeds.
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 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?
In my opinion, elementary school is the perfect age to introduce sewing to kids. They’re usually eager to learn a new skill and are excited to create their own projects.
Of course, a lot of this depends on the child’s maturity level and eagerness to learn! I learned to sew by hand in second grade and the basics of machine sewing in third grade.
Just be careful not to jump in full force too soon–if you introduce the skill too early, you risk your child injuring himself or herself while sewing or becoming frustrated with the process and thus giving up.