Teaching Kids to Sew

Last weekend I finally let 3 of my kids start learning to operate a sewing machine. I put the 5 yo on an Elna special with a slow switch option on the pedal. The 8 yo used the Singer 301a and the 11 yo used the Singer 401. The 8 yo also tried out my Bernina 530 with a knee control, but quickly decided that he preferred the Singer 301. They all love the Elna. I started them off with the "Best of Sewing Machine fun for Kids" exercises. They loved them, but they soon went off on their own making shoddy bags.

They have had a great time learning how to thread machines, wind bobbins and try not to fill the machine with horrible knots of thread. They have learned not to take my silk thread and to ask before randomly cutting fabric. Besides the shoddy bags, my 11 yo managed to make a pair of fashionable pajama bottoms that she loves and my 8 yo made a pillowslip for his bed.

--Betsy

Reply to
Betsy
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Whay hay! Go kids, go! :D

Isn't teaching them FUN! Hint: I always pack a box with fabric for them to use: they attack my stash at their peril! ;)

Reply to
Kate XXXXXX

Thanks, that is just the advice I needed. I'll have to provide them with a variety box of fabric that they can use without asking. I'm sure they will still be fighting over fabric among themselves.

--Betsy

Reply to
Betsy

That sounds like so much fun. I learnt a little at school and the rest has been trial and error - and help from this ng!

I am still trying to get my head around the number of sewing machines you have! Where do you keep them all and where do you put them when you have so many people sewing at once? I have visions of some kind of sweatshop set up :)

Reply to
Viviane

The kids had a great time and are looking forward to next weekend and more sewing.

Since we have 4 children in a 3 bedroom home, there is not as much space for sewing as I would like. My setup is far from optimal, but I manage.

The Elna is in a sewing table next to a sturdy square end table which usually holds 2 sewing machines and a Serger. I pull the square table out from the wall for sewing and move around the table from machine to machine.

My chairs stack, so they don't have to be taking up too much space all the time. When the small table is against the wall, I can only use the outward facing machine.

I keep a large cutting mat behind the bed head and pull it out and put it on the bed for cutting. I set the ironing board across a settee with high sides. It is more stable there than on its own legs and is out of the walking traffic. The iron sits on the radiator cover.

For teaching the kids, I removed the serger from the small table to give them a bit more space. One sat on each side of the end table and the third at the elna. They were pretty close together and if one was sewing fast at the end table, the vibrations kept the other from being able to thread the needle.

The poor Bernina sits under the end of the Elna's table and gets pulled out to replace the Singer 301 when it is a better choice.

I also still have the treadle machine my grandmother gave me for my 6th birthday. I learned to sew on it and still love it, but it is currently being used as a table in my oldest child's room which also happens to be the upstairs landing.

I would like to purchase a used industrial, but have not because I don't have the proper space for it. I spent a summer in college working as a sewer and was spoiled by the speed and power of the industrial machines I used. because of this, I get impatient with the slow top speed of my home machines.

--Betsy

Reply to
Betsy

congrats on sewing with the kids! like Kate, I also have a box of fabric that the kids can attack at will. My 8 year old son is fascinated with HOW the sewing machines work....wants to see the "guts go". My older daughter (now 16) made Nate's coming home from the hospital quilt for when he was born, and she'll periodically make a pair of pj bottoms. we just purchases some handbag patterns....see how that goes!

Betsey

Reply to
betsey

Sounds like so much fun. I used to sew with 3 of my grandkids when they were young and we had a great time. I also sewed with 2 of my nephew's daughters and they still talk about sewing to this day.

I bought a new sewing machine for my daughter in law for Christmas and my two grand-daughters have been learning to use it right along with their mom. They both say it's a lot of fun and I sent them a couple of sewing books last week. Simply Sewing (Kids Can Do It) by Judy Ann Sadler and My First Machine Sewing Book: Straight Stitching (My First Sewing Book Kit series) by Winky Cherry are the two that I sent them, they called to thank me and said they were looking forward to reading and using them. Do you think the "Best of Sewing Machine Fun for Kids" would be a good addition to their sewing library? Since I'm in New York and they are in California this is the closest I can come to helping them learn to sew. I've always made things for them and they love getting the things I've made and they know that I love to sew.

Judie

Reply to
Judie in Penfield NY

I looked at a couple reviews for the books you've given them. I think that you already have the basics covered. My book would probably be unnecessary duplication for them.

--Betsy

Reply to
Betsy

Thanks, good to know and I appreciate your taking the time to look at the ones I bought.

I envy you all the fun of sewing with your kids.

Judie

Reply to
Judie in Penfield NY

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