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From: pretnichols
Date: 01-15-2007, 10:05 AM (1 of 28)
Okay, I'm not sure this is the correct forum, but I'll post here and move it if needed. My DD just turned 9. She really wants to learn to machine sew. Since my Singer Stylist is being cranky  (see other post), I don't want to teach her on it, yet. I learned on my Mom's Pfaff (circa 1957) which we still have, so I thought I'd pull it out and do some basics with her on it. I want to explain all the general parts of the machine, but all she wants to do is sew. As long as she's showing interest, I want to capture it. But don't want to overwhelm her. Also, are there books that would be good to get that would be beneficial to both her and I? Okay ladies & gents -- what are your thoughts?? Peggy
So little time, sew much to do........... |
User: pretnichols
Member since: 10-16-2005 Total posts: 342 |
From: MaryW
Date: 01-15-2007, 10:13 AM (2 of 28)
|
My thought is, if she is showing an interest she is probably ready. Let her stitch up some simple pillows, doll clothes, whatever she wants. Under your careful supervision, she should do just fine.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: <email address removed for privacy>
Date: 01-15-2007, 10:20 AM (3 of 28)
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I learned to sew when I was about 7 (just over 30 years ago). I had to sit on my grandmothers knees while she worked the tredle on her Singer sewing machine! That is still one of my best memories. Neither of my daughters (ages 15 and 12) show an interest in sewing so it looks like it might end with me -- none of my four siblings nor their children are interested in sewing either! P.S. I still have that Singer but it doesn't work -- I just refuse to part with it. We're not sure of the exact age of the machine but my mother said her mother had it for a good number of years before I was born so it's over 50 years old! |
User: <email address removed for privacy>
Member since: Total posts: |
From: judymo
Date: 01-15-2007, 10:36 AM (4 of 28)
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Hi, I grew up in Massachusetts and back in the 50's we were taught to sew in the 4th grade, probably somewhere around 9/10 years old. so she is ready now if she is showing interest. Judymo |
User: judymo
Member since: 03-19-2005 Total posts: 185 
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From: NDNQuilter
Date: 01-15-2007, 11:03 AM (5 of 28)
| Good morning. It's exciting to read about young ones wanting to learn sewing. My son started at 3 with hand sewing and can now whip up a skirt without a pattern in no time. Not me. I allowed him to just create and practice on our machine when he was older, probably 8 and he can now run it better than me. Of course as he has grown up he's too busy to sew but it was good for him to learn. Enjoy the time with her. Have a great day. Gena |
User: NDNQuilter
Member since: 10-04-2002 Total posts: 90 |
From: kt53sew
Date: 01-15-2007, 11:10 AM (6 of 28)
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I started by sewing by hand. Mom was worried I would sew my fingers. Both my Mom and Dad sewed they had their own machines. I started sewing doll clothes and went on to sew clothes for me. I know there are books to teach kids to sew. maybe Google find the right kind for your daughter. I know Alex Anderson has one for teaching kids to quilt. When my kids were in school they started them on paper, no thread. Draw some designs and see if she can follow them. Straight lines first squares then circles .. see how she does. then maybe a bag she can carry her books in or overnight bag to go to sleepovers let her decorate it or use that bright deco fab that is popular now, it has some good body to it and will be easy to hand for a first time project.. " no pattern" just use the shape of a paper bag and use that, to make corners sew about 2 to 3 inches from seams and fold to make flat bottom.. have fun and keep her busy, mine found boys way to early.. KT |
User: kt53sew
Member since: 02-13-2004 Total posts: 19 |
From: SewnCrazy
Date: 01-15-2007, 11:19 AM (7 of 28)
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There is a fantastic book that I believe is put out by sewing prose. Its a series that we used homeschooling our dd several years ago. It's called "Directions". You used to be able to learn online, but I think they have discontinued that feature. What I like the best is that it teaches how to read patterns and is very easy to understand. I recommend it for any age-my dd was 6 and just learned to read when we used it. I'd skip the beginning if you are able to teach her how to thread a machine and the basics yourself. Here is the link. www.kidslearntosew.com or sewingprose.com Good Luck! Blessings to all!
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User: SewnCrazy
Member since: 01-26-2005 Total posts: 8
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From: llsunday
Date: 01-15-2007, 11:23 AM (8 of 28)
| When we did kids sewing classes at the quilt shop we started at 8. But, I think it depends on the child's interest. I wish I had started learning earlier than I did (my Mom is not a sewer, she is a repair-er & not much else) |
User: llsunday
Member since: 09-26-2004 Total posts: 16 |
From: JustSewCrafty
Date: 01-15-2007, 11:34 AM (9 of 28)
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Im teaching my niece to sew and she's 6. I've got pictures and an article about it on my blog @ www.chasingthreads.blogspot.com May your bobbin always be full-
Stephanie www.chasingthreads.blogspot.com "Sewing is the new black" |
User: JustSewCrafty
Member since: 10-04-2006 Total posts: 168 |
From: paroper
Date: 01-15-2007, 11:45 AM (10 of 28)
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I was started on piano at 5 but was truly a little young. They did it because I was showing interest. At 5 even with practice I didn't advance very fast. A child about 7 or 8 does very well starting out on the piano. Much of it has to do with dexterity and attention span. I would think that machine sewing could easily start about the same age. A normal nine year old girl who is interested should certainly be able to do a little sewing...even advance to a point that they can wear some items. I was doing hand embroidery by the age of 6 and a little crochet at 5. I got a loom for making pot holders for my 8th birthday and gave everyone in the world a potholder over the next several years. The only thing I had problems with was tying them off. I've started letting my 4 yr old dgd do some "buttons". I bought her some large craft buttons and some large craft needles to sew them on with. I plan to let her sew the buttons on, cut them off and let her sew again. It is a good skill to start with at that age. I also broke my own rule and bought her a little Singer replica machine (toy). It is battery operated and I don't expect it to last long (didn't pay that much for it), but I don't let her put the batteries in it, she turns the hand wheel like my hand crank. It makes her happy and I have a little control over what she is doing at a rate I can handle. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 01-15-2007, 01:08 PM (11 of 28)
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I agree with everyone else - if she's interested she's old enough. And don't try to dominate her creativity. Let her make what she wants to make not what you think is best. If it is over her head -- tell her it is hard (never TOO hard) and give her tips but stand back. Girls get difficult soon after 9, and Mom is usually the prime target, so don't be disappointed if it doesn't work out. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: pretnichols
Date: 01-15-2007, 03:01 PM (12 of 28)
|
Thanks all, keep those suggestions coming. As an update to this morning's post, I cleaned & oiled my machine. I explained what I was doing and why....and why I had been a bad girl about not doing it more frequently. Then explained the needle path, bobbin thread winding & insertion, etc, as I put the machine back together! I figured that was enough for her first lesson. However, 5 minutes later she was back. So we cut up some scrap material, and she's off & running making straight stitches.  She wants more material to play with, so I gave her a big piece and she's been cutting it up and sewing it. Interestingly enough, she has taken her 5yo brother through the steps, and now he wants to do it too! However, since he has no attention span whatsoever, we told him he'd have to be content to watching for today. I'll teach him on a separate day. Whew! Now to find some simple things to get her really interested..... off to google.com! 
Peggy
So little time, sew much to do........... |
User: pretnichols
Member since: 10-16-2005 Total posts: 342 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 01-15-2007, 08:21 PM (13 of 28)
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Great start! Congratulations to her. While gearing up for a project she's really into, she can get started practicing some skills: On a square of fabric, she can practice straight lines at 5/8 inch, or whatever width, and at the end she can put the needle down, pivot, and continue the border. I remember going around and around the square until the whole cloth was stitched. Could also show her how to make a neat rolled hem along the 4 sides. Once she can do both of those, she'll have enough skills for a simple project to be easy for her and rewarding.
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
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From: Skye
Date: 01-15-2007, 08:25 PM (14 of 28)
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Isn't it great that when they take an interest. My DD and DS both showed and interest about that age Luckily DS had sewing lessons at school and made pillowcase, pencil case, kite, and a tote bag for his cricket bat. By the time DD reached that level at school (yr 6-7) they no longer had sewing as a option everything was computers so I bought a little old Elna lotus which she would often drag out when I was sewing and made a quilt for her Dolly ( Dolly was spoilt as she had matching outfits the same as DD). It took me some time to convince her that it is easier to sew a skirt for yourself than for dolly and big ted but we got there she is now 19 and sews alot of her clothes and has made 3 quilts so far. She also has the stash gene  It is really good that you have got a proper machine that is working well - nothing more off putting than a those toy sewing machines IMHO |
User: Skye
Member since: 09-28-2000 Total posts: 233 |
From: lizzybugsmommy
Date: 01-15-2007, 10:28 PM (15 of 28)
|
I have had my three year old threading the embroidery machine for about 6 months now. She will be four end of this month.I want to try and find her the foot that the blind use in order to keep her from sewing her fingers up. I just finished teaching an 8 yr old and 11 yr old how to make a purse. They did very well. The 8 yr old did a better job but she was more into it. Catherine
http://www.photoworks.com/share/shareSignin.jsp?shareCode=A0E42A2C202&cp=ems_shr_a lb_pml&cb=PW Husbands gone fishing..... I've gone fabric shopping |
User: lizzybugsmommy
Member since: 05-20-2006 Total posts: 207 |
From: esrun3
Date: 01-15-2007, 11:24 PM (16 of 28)
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Peggy, if she's interested now teach her now! If you put it off she may no longer be interested when you are ready. I started out learning to hand sew when I was about 5 and I think started on a sewing machine around age 7. My grandson who is 8 is learning to sew and I started all my children as young as they showed interest. Be sure she understands there are rules that go with learning-that was the hardest part for my grandson, he wanted to just sew but chafed a bit at the rules, ie: don't put your fingers under the needle, put your fabric here to sew the seam, etc. He's enjoyed what he's done on his Dad's quilt though and will eventually finish it-would be done if we had more time for that stuff when he visits.
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: sheryl85338
Date: 01-16-2007, 09:59 AM (17 of 28)
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I think I started sewing about 8 or 9 when a group was formed for 4H. We started with easy straight stitching - I remember doing an apron, a bean bag, a baby blanket. The following years, we did clothes. You need to teach her hand sewing also. Sheryl |
User: sheryl85338
Member since: 03-11-2006 Total posts: 1 |
From: cowqueenie
Date: 01-16-2007, 03:02 PM (18 of 28)
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My niece has been sewing with my mom for about a year and a half. She is 7. Before that she helped my mom with picking out material and patterns, helping with buttons and threading the machine. My mom bought her a Janome machine ( I think it is a mini) and she has been creating ever since. She finished her first "quilt" right before CHristmas and gave it to her parents. They were Flabergasted!!!! She is really quite good. SO...go with what everyone else is saying that if she is interested go for it! Just be there to supervise and help with questions and guidance!
"A trip to the fabric store is my therapy"
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User: cowqueenie
Member since: 10-30-2006 Total posts: 125 
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From: diayag
Date: 01-16-2007, 06:30 PM (19 of 28)
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When my granddaughter started showing an interest in sewing, I got lots of stuff. Her interest did not last, sadly. But I have the first two Directions booklets, 11A and 11B (making a baby blanket and making a drawstring tote) and their Teach Your Child to Sew book. There's another booklet, making a drawstring top that I didn't find immediately but it's probably around and I'll look for it. We used these with success. Husqvarna Viking also puts out a Sew Young Sew Fun introduction to sewing you are welcome to - a 3-ring binder with instructions and patterms included. I'm be delighted to send them to somewhere they'd be used, so if you or any here would like them, just send me your address. I learned to sew at the age of 10-11. My great grandmother used to make us fabulous clothing, but my mother only sewed out of necessity and didn't enjoy it. I nagged her to teach me and finally at that age she told me to go ahead, handed me a pattern and an old sheet for fabric but I was really on my own, she was just there for basic reference when needed. 40-plus years later, I'm still sewing. |
User: diayag
Member since: 01-10-2003 Total posts: 10 |
From: blackie
Date: 01-16-2007, 08:08 PM (20 of 28)
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I first started sewing around age 8, I think. My mom and I mostly bickered over projects, although I was always happy with how they turned out. I didn't sew for many years as an older teen and twentysomething, but then after having my first baby it all came back to me. The important thing is that you are there for her, you are patient, you let HER pick the details (even if a color combination etc. seem ugly), and don't worry too much if you guys have trouble working together now and then (probably much more of an issue for a tween or teen than your still-sweet girl). If you give her the basics, and if she sees YOU enjoying the craft, I'll bet anything she has fond memories and goes back to sewing as an adult - even if she takes a hiatus for a while.
see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 01-17-2007, 08:16 AM (21 of 28)
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Isn't there a teen sewing site that she could check out for projects? Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: pjbobbins
Date: 01-17-2007, 11:55 AM (22 of 28)
| Nancy Zieman wrote a great book for 4-H several years ago called "Let's Sew". I used it to help a young neighbor learn to sew. It has clear directions and pictures for sewing machine and serger operation, pressing, using commercial patterns-very basic and easy to understand. I think it would be great for adults learning (or re-learning!) because it doesn't talk down or assume you know what different tools are. I know it's still available on the "Nancy's Notions" website. |
User: pjbobbins
Member since: 08-15-2006 Total posts: 12 |
From: pretnichols
Date: 01-17-2007, 02:03 PM (23 of 28)
|
Thanks -- you ladies are awesome! She is still very excited and "works" every day after school. All we are doing is practicing straight stitching, and reversing. She is also learning how to thread the machine and does a great job of threading the needle by herself. I just double-check. Diayag -- I sent you a PM regarding your wonderful offer. Please read it & get back to me! I think we are going to do a pillow case and then mabye some type of bag. She wants to sew for her dolls, but I've explained that we need to practice some things first then move on to those. Thanks again for all of your input. It has been truly helpful and makes me feel that she is ready to learn. She is having so much fun. I'm relearning all the things you take for granted after you've sewn for so many years! 
Peggy
So little time, sew much to do........... |
User: pretnichols
Member since: 10-16-2005 Total posts: 342 |
From: Imakwilter
Date: 01-17-2007, 09:04 PM (24 of 28)
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I started "helping" my grandmother at the treadle machine before I can remember. I do remember that at 4 years old I was hand sewing little pillows. The summer I turned 8 I was very bored because my mother went to work and I wanted to sew and use the sewing machine. So, she wisely set it up in my room and off I went. No instructions except what I remembered Mom and Grandma do. I made some mistakes and learned from them. That summer I had the best dressed dolls ever. I made dozens of doll clothes, some little pillows, a doll quilt, an apron, and maybe more. I never looked back and was making all my own clothes by junior high. When I finally had sewing in home-ec the teacher made me class assistant and tutor and I won the school fashion show with a floor length dress of large check lavendar ginghum with all stripes matching, (it was 1969 and I was 13). I was so nervous I tripped and almost fell off the gym stage. BTW: Last week I explained how to match plaids and stripes to one of my sewing classes, and they asked me why anyone would ever want to do that. I guess that is a lost method. Nothing matches anymore. Everything is casual or downright torn up. I whole heartedly agree with the other ladies who said to let your daughter sew whatever she wants. Nobody ever told me anything was too hard, and so I've tried everything. Best of luck to you and your daughter. Linda M PS- To the lady whose girls don't want to learn to sew. My daughter never did either, but she has always wanted me to sew everything for her and do all her mending. About 5 years ago I gave her a good machine and told her she will not always have me to do this for her. And now, finally, at age 31, she is in one of my classes and is a very quick study from all the years of watching me. Don't ever give up. |
User: Imakwilter
Member since: 02-10-2005 Total posts: 3 |
From: grandma C
Date: 01-24-2007, 01:58 AM (25 of 28)
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Just wanted to say that my 9 year old grandson made a fleece shirt type hoodie last fall. I cut out the Kwik Sew Pattern but he did all the rest with my supervision. Fleece is so nice to begin on because you don't have to do so much to finish the seams. His sister started out last fall making a fake fur purse with satin lining. She enjoyed it so much that she made two or 3 more as gifts. I started her out last summer making a skirt from that pre gathered fabric with elastic already in the top. She says she just "zipped it up". One seam and it was ready. It was such a bonding experience . I did have to use my reserve of patience when Matthew hit the foot pedle of the machine while I had my fingers right at the needle. Good luck, grandma C |
User: grandma C
Member since: 01-15-2007 Total posts: 263 |
From: temom
Date: 01-24-2007, 08:49 AM (26 of 28)
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My 6 year old has been sitting on my lap helping me sew almost the whole time I've been sewing (newbie with 11 months under her belt). She helps with the bobbin, backstitching seams, changing stitches, and anything else I will let her do. Sewing together is something she loves, and I'm trying to foster that creative spirit that she has. Besides, she thinks I'm the world's best seamstress who can make anything. Who wouldn't want a cheerleader like that hanging around the machine with them?
Theresa
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User: temom
Member since: 01-19-2007 Total posts: 410 
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From: VenusElaine
Date: 01-24-2007, 02:46 PM (27 of 28)
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I began hand sewing at five. I told my mother my doll baby was naked, she handed me an old sheet, blunt scissors, needle and thread and said. "Make her un-naked!" When I was in second grade she bought an old Singer treadle (which I still have) at an auction for $5.00 and I was in heaven! Other than safety rules, let her go, go, go! She is at an age where her imagination and creativity allows her the freedom to do things we would never even think about. VenusElaine "Always put as much effort into your marriage as you do into your wedding."
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User: VenusElaine
Member since: 10-22-2005 Total posts: 126 |
From: Ozll
Date: 01-27-2007, 06:31 PM (28 of 28)
| I think the earlyer the better. Good Luck! |
User: Ozll
Member since: 01-25-2007 Total posts: 32 |
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