When searching for a sewing machine for their children, many parents may come across toy machines that are readily available in department stores or online at a low cost. While these machines may seem like the perfect fit with their cute appearance and apparent ease of use, they could potentially discourage a child’s interest in sewing. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider a child’s needs and skill level when selecting a sewing machine.
These toy machines are not only inexpensive, they are cheap, finicky, poorly built and are very tricky to use. I’ve taught sewing classes where children were crying because they couldn’t even get the machine threaded properly. Please don’t do this to your child. For just a bit more you can get a machine that will leave them excited, happy and confident as they take on more and more projects and nurture their love for sewing.
What To Look For In a Kids Sewing Machine
- A machine that doesn’t look intimidating
- You want a machine that is easy to thread
- A simple to use foot pedal
- Only the necessary stitch options (too many is confusing for a child)
- Strong, solid body
- Simple to load and wind bobbin slot
- Reverse stitch
Typically the range you will be looking at is about $80 to $200. You don’t need to spend more than this to get a great sewing machine that will work well for your child. The upper range of machine will be sturdier and will last longer, but even those in the $85 to $120 range have great reviews. The following two sewing machines are the most popular choices for those looking for a good quality sewing machine for their child.
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Best Sewing Machine For Kids
Brother LS2125i Easy-to-Use Sewing Machine
The LS2125i is an inexpensive and popular sewing machine for beginners. It comes with 10 stitches and also includes a 4 step auto buttonhole. It is light and portable so very easy for most children to handle.
We found it to be very simple to use and loved the super easy bobbin winding system and had an easy time threading it when following the diagram printed right on the machine. Most children will find this machine really easy to use and still provides enough features and functionality to grow into.
The performance of this machine is also well above average and perfect for anyone starting out. The reviews are also very good for this machine; especially when you consider you can find it for under $70.
Click here to see more information or pricing and availability of this machine on Amazon.
Janome 2206Â Sewing Machine
The Janome 2206 is an excellent place for a child to start their sewing journey. Janome builds sturdy, high quality machines that last. The 2206 comes with 6 built-in stitches, a four step buttonhole, stitch width selection, snap-on presser feet and a thread-cutter.
This machine is very easy to use and has just the right amount of features that will keep your child interested, but not overwhelm them with choices. It is quiet and performs very well. Stitches are straight, reverse works flawlessly and overall user satisfaction is outstanding.
The Janome 2206 runs quiet and smooth for such an inexpensive machine. It performed very well on all of the beginner projects we tried on it with impressive results. Janome makes solid, easy to use, reliable sewing machines and this one is no exception.
If you want to see more information about this sewing machine you can see it here on Amazon.
Janome Fast Lane Fuchsia Portable Sewing Machine
If you are looking for a super cute and easy to use sewing machine then the Janome Fast Lane sewing machine is a perfect fit. It is smaller and lighter than the 2206 so it is perfect for smaller children that are just starting out.
There are 10 built-in stitch options that include all of the most popular stitch patterns. It only weighs 5 pounds so it is easy to transport to a sewing class or to grandma’s house.
It’s performance is very good for such a small machine. There is also a built-in finger guard to keep your child’s fingers safe. I found this machine did everything well and is able to handle all beginner projects that your child will likely want to take on.
This machine is actually available in many different colors. Your color options are: Turbo Teal, Orange Blaze, Purple Thunder, Buzzin Blue and Pink Lightening. Be sure to check out all of the color styles when viewing on Amazon as one or more is often on sale and much cheaper than the others.
If you want to see more information about this sewing machine you can see it here on Amazon.
Brother XL2610 Free-Arm Sewing Machine
The Brother XL2610 sewing machine is another popular sewing machine for beginners. It is simple to use, cute and inexpensive. It comes with 25 different stitches, auto button-holer, automatic needle threader, drop-in bobbin system and built-in thread cutter.
This machine is nice to use. Threading, bobbin winding, stitch selection, are all simple and easy for beginners to get used to. It is also does a nice consistent job with all of it stitches. Everything stitch I tried was tight and clean looking. Overall this is a nice machine that is great for anyone starting out or for those looking for a simple, mechanical sewing machine.
Final Thoughts – Which One Is Right For You?
Both Janome sewing machines are really good choices for any child who is just starting out. The Brother LS2521i is no slouch either. However, you may find that one may suit your needs more than the other.
If your child is a bit younger you may want to start them off on something a bit smaller and fun like the Janome Fast Lane (on sale at Amazon). It is a solid machine with a simple set of features that will have them sewing with confidence in no time. This is a personal favorite when purchasing for a 6 or 7 year old.
If your child is a bit older and can handle a bigger machine, then the Janome 2206 (on sale at Amazon) or LS2125i might be a more suitable option. Both are very solid choices that your child will be able to grow into over the years. They have enough features to keep them interested and both are very easy to use. As they get older they will be able to pass it down or on to a friend when your child has outgrown it.
I hope this article has helped with your decision. Choosing a sewing machine for a child can be difficult so if you have any questions about either machine or anything else feel free to ask them in the comments section below.

Hi, there! I am Hannah Nelson, your host on this website. I started this blog to teach my lovely readers how to master the art of sewing effortlessly and how to turn this hobby into an income generating business.