Spoilers, there really aren't kid specific models of sewing machines. The ones that are marketed at kids tend to be "play" sets that are cheap, break, and tend to be more dangerous than just a good machine.
Instead what you can do is look for a few features that are helpful for kids or beginners learning to sew.
I'd also recommend reading our article on how to start sewing for free or cheap. If your kid is interested in sewing and wants to try it out before buying a machine!
Note that online a lot of sewists recommend vintage machines. Which can be good for kids, but typically offer less features, and have a higher learning curve. Similar to the mechanical features here. If you prefer a mechanical machine looking online for vintage machines could be right for you
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Features on your sewing machine that are good for kids:
- Top entry bobbin - These are easier for kids to understand and load into the machine. Although the side and bottom bobbin loaders tend to have less tension issues in my opinion. I doubt most kids are that particular about tension. And its likely better that they start with a machine they can thread on their own.
- Speed control - this sets how FAST the machine stitches. You can slow it down so it caps the speed. This is a really great feature for beginners b/c the foot pedal can be very particular. And for kids can be helpful for safety so your capping how fast the machine will stitch.
- Needle threading - having a "auto" needle threader on the machine helps a lot too. Its usually a pull down leaver that you loop the thread through and then release and it threads the needle.
Number of Stitches
Don't get caught up in how many stitches the machine has (unless your kid is specifically getting into embroidery). For the most part you only REALLY need 3 stitches
- Straight stitch - you will use this 90% of the time
- Zigzag Stitch - you use this with Knits and to finish the edge of your garment
- Button Hole Stitch - makes buttonholes, either a 1 step, or 3 step version.
Additional kid friendly sewing machine features:
Most listing for machines will mention a few additional bits of information. Buttonholes and Computerized. It'll be good for you the parent to know what these mean and decide what route is best for you.
1 step buttonhole VS 3- step buttonhole
1 step button hole: Let's you put the button in the pressure foot, then hit start and the machine does the stitches for you. Its nice, but when the machine messes up (usually it has trouble with the first or last button hole on a shirt due to the fabric not going under the foot enough.) they are painful to take out.
3-step button hole. Requires more effort. You draw a button hole on the shirt (usually just a straight line that’s 1/4" bigger than your button) and sew one side, then change your stitch, sew the bottom. Change your stitch, sew the other side, change again and then the top to finish it. It sounds hard but isn't. And is much easier to take out if you mess up. But MOST people like the 1 step better.
Either are great options, and it mostly a preference thing.
Computerized Versus Mechanical =
Computerized machines have more electrical parts. And on lower end models in my opinion tend to not last as long. On higher end models your dealing with better electronic parts and they should last a long time, and are easier to get serviced.
Mechanical machines really only need power for the Foot, light and motor. They rely on the machine manually changing the stitch type. They last forever basically, but typically have less features.
I prefer mechanical for beginners, because they are more affordable and reliable. BUT for kids, they do not usually offer speed control. So a younger kid I'd definitely stick with computerized, if your child is older or in their teens you could go with a mechanical.
Almost all vintage machines will be mechanical.
Brands to look for in sewing machines.
- Juki
- Bernette / Bernina
- Baby Lock
- Phaff
- Brother - VARIES by machine.
- Janome - VARIES by machine.
- Singer - VARIES by machine.
There are sewing stores around you can go into and test drive some machines. If your in a city check for local stores that sell machines and drop in to see if you can try them out.
Online purchasable sewing machines that are good for kids:
Prices & Models are marked as of July 2024.
Good All Around Sewing Machine for Kids | JUKI HZL-70HW | $400
And bonus points for having a cute flower design on it. My top machine is under $500 and has all the safety features I wanted in a machine. Its pricey, but if your kid is serious about sewing already it might be worth the investment for the hobby. If you want a more affordable version check out our Brother Machine listed below.
This should last them well past college age or longer. Get it serviced if it starts acting up. Oil it on occasion. You need to read the manual.
The Juki HZL-LB5020 Sewing Machine is another comparable model to this. The Juki HZL-LB5100 is also good, it’s a step above this model. The Juki HZl-HT710 is also similar.
Good Mechanical Machine for Older Kids & Teens | Bernette 35 | $300
This is a great beginner mechanical machine, the version tier below it, Bernette 33, is also great but has less stitches and features, and is $50 less. You will likely need to assist any younger children with threading the bobbin and teach them to start with a slow press on the speed foot.
This will last them forever, or until they want to upgrade. Get it serviced if it starts acting up. Oil it on occasion. You need to read the manual.
This machine is comparable to the Baby Lock Mechanical version below (and its sub listed cheaper models). Its also similar to the Singer Heavy Duty which is a online favorite with beginners, but has some hit or miss reviews, mostly due to quality control issues or cheap parts.
Good Budget Sewing Machine for Kids | Brother CS7000X | $240
It will likely work for a good amount of time, 3-5 years, then you'll probably have to replace it. Oil it on occasion. It'll cost more to get serviced than the machine it worth. You need to read the manual. Is very highly reviewed on Amazon.
Has all the safety features I'd want for a kid using this sewing machine. And it doesn't break the bank.
Similar to Singer's beginner machines, this machine is a favorite to recommend for beginners, but can have hit or miss issues with its manufacturing. I recommend purchasing from a place with a warranty or an good return policy.
Good Upgrade Sewing Machine for Kids | Bernette B37 | $500
This should last them well past college. Get it serviced if it starts acting up. Oil it on occasion. You need to read the manual. It's an computerized version of the Bernette 35 and has more features and stitches than the 35.
If I wanted to spend $500, I would probably start looking back at the Juki HZL models (The Juki HZL-LB5100 is very similar in price and features and my top upgrade pick below is only $75 more) listed at the top and bottom, as they are more popular and easier to find.
Good Mechanical Sewing Machine for Older Kids & Teens | Babylock Zeal | $350
This is a great beginner mechanical machine for a teen, the version tier below it, Babylock Zest, ($160-200) is also great but has less stitches and features, and is a bottom bobbin loader.. Same with the Baby Lock Joy ($250), it’s in between the Zest and Zeal, and is a little cheaper than this model.
- I own the Baby lock Zest. Its my secondary machine. Its very reliable, but basic. And doesn't have some features like a threader and a thread cutter, or feed dogs that lower (used in quilting)
This model is very comparable to Singers Heavy Duty lines, it might also be similar to some Janome models (The Mod Line seems similar to the Joy) as Baby lock shares some of its manufacturing plants with Janome. Being made in the same factory does not ensure the quality of the parts used is the same, or the quality assurance is the same.
This will last them forever, or until they want to upgrade. Get it serviced if it starts acting up. Oil it on occasion. You need to read the manual.
Great Upgrade Sewing Machine for Serious Kids | Juki HZL-F300 | $575
This should last your kid well past college, if not longer. Get it serviced if it starts acting up. Oil it on occasion. You need to read the manual.
Its fancy, its more than your teen or child will likely ever need, but it sews beautifully. I almost bought this as my primary machine. (But instead purchased a straight stitch machine, which I wouldn't recommend for a beginner machine)
If you want a higher end machine your price range will start jumping between $600-900. These higher end machines can be really great and for the most part any of the good brands listed above will work in this tier range. I highly recommend if you want to spend over $600 to go into a local store and test drive their machines before purchasing to make sure you like how it works. I personally love Juki machines, but any of the top listed brands are great to try out and see what you like.
Bare Bones Mechanical Sewing Machine for Older Kids & Teens | Babylock Zest | $170
This is a great machine and is our most affordable, but you feel that in the lack of features. It's as bare bones as it comes, but its reliable and trustworthy. Most likely you'll need to assist your child when they thread the bobbin.
- I own the Baby lock Zest. Its my secondary machine. Its very reliable, but basic. And doesn't have some features like a threader and a thread cutter, or feed dogs that lower (used in quilting). However I've had almost no tension issues, and it runs very smoothly.
- Since its a manual crank you'll need to make sure you turn the needle all the way up when your done so that the thread doesn't unwind when you start sewing each time.
This model is very comparable to Singers Heavy Duty lines, it might also be similar to some Janome models (see below) as Baby lock shares some of its manufacturing plants with Janome.
This will last them forever, or until they want to upgrade. Get it serviced if it starts acting up. Oil it on occasion. You need to read the manual.
Like this option but want a fun color?
Janome easy to Use Sewing Machine line (~$120-130) is likely made in the same factory as this baby lock, but comes in pop colors such as blue, green, purple and pink! It has the same features and specifications as the Baby Lock Zest.