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Older Daughter recently decided that she wanted to learn how to sew. As I (Nic) am not really a crafter in any sense, this seemed like a daunting request to me. However, my sister (Cam), our mom, and my mother-in-law have solid skills in all things crafts. So, we put our heads together to come up with a great starter sewing setup. Here are the components of the perfect sewing setup for young crafters.
Perfect Sewing Setup Component #1: Kid-Sized Table & Chairs
Rather than spend hundreds of dollars on a specialty sewing table, we chose a kid-sized table and chairs that would fit well in Older Daughter’s room and would be just the right size for her right now. We purchased the Simple Living 3-Piece Kids Storage Table and Chair Set (Item #19944864) from Overstock.com. (Bonus: The chairs also hold adult-sized weight.) This set from Amazon is similar:
Perfect Sewing Setup Component #2: The Sewing Machine
We first purchased a one-trick-pony straight-stitch-only cheapo sewing machine. Needless to say, it didn’t work. Not even a skilled seamstress could get the thing to work. So, we moved on to what we should have purchased in the first place: an affordable sewing machine by sewing workhorse Singer. For a beginner, this machine can do it all. It even has a fancy scalloped stitch.
Singer 1304 Sewing Machine with 6 Built-In Stitches
Perfect Sewing Setup Component #3: Good Scissors
As a lefty, I understand the importance of a good pair of scissors…ones that are going to work no matter what, whether you’re left or right handed. When you’re looking for great scissors, including sewing scissors, Fiskars is the way to go. Fiskars makes high-quality, long-lasting products.
Perfect Sewing Setup Component #4: Beginner Sewing Supplies
This is the component that could really get out of hand, really quickly. Craft stores are full of the biggest, brightest, newest products vying for your attention. For the sewing beginner, however, we need to focus on the basics that will get them going. Once they’ve mastered their initial projects, they can determine what other supplies are necessary to move forward to the next level.
3-Drawer Rolling Caddy
It’s spacious, yet compact enough to fit almost anywhere.
Fabric
Even random fabric scraps are sufficient to begin with, to use for practicing stitches.
Large spools of thread
& case
& 
Pre-wound thread bobbins & case
Clear Plastic Sewing Caddy
This is the perfect size for keeping small sewing supplies in one place.
Sewing machine needles
This goes without saying. The Singer sewing machine that we purchased came with a few needles to start with.
Singer Beginners Sewing Kit
This kit includes a tape measure, seam ripper, pin cushion, and thimble, among other items.
Dritz Long Pearlized Pins – 1-1/2″ – 120 Ct.
The tiny stick pins that often come in basic sewing kits may not be manageable for little hands and fingers. These pins have a spherical head that is easy to grasp.
Olfa Gridded Cutting Mat 12″x18″
Perfect Sewing Setup Component #5: Colorful Beginner Sewing Books
Older Daughter loves to read, and she practically has these books memorized already. If I ask her to show me the basic skirt project, for example, she knows exactly which book it’s in and which page it’s on. After your crafter has the necessary equipment and supplies, these colorful and informative beginner sewing books will guide the way for them to create simple projects on their own.
My First Sewing Machine: Fashion School
My First Sewing Machine Book: Learn To Sew: Kids
See and Sew: A Sewing Book for Children
Creative Kids Complete Photo Guide to Sewing
Do you have a young crafter who would enjoy this perfect sewing setup? Please share in the comments below!
I agree with the good scissors recommendation. My daughter sews and her biggest frustration was the scissors.
I taught myself how to sew and I definitely agree, a good set of Fiskars is mandatory. And the Singer looks like it’ll serve your daughter well for many years!
Thanks, Maggie! I certainly hope so!
This is brilliant! My daughters would love to learn to sew and I love your set up ideas. Being a sewer myself, I agree that good scissors are a must.
Thanks for the encouragement, Jamie!
Teaching sewing is a skill that lasts a lifetime.
What a great skill to learn at a young age! In my last business I worked with a lot of sewing people and they made some decent money from their skills, making baby goods.
Such a cute setup! I love that you are teaching your child how to sew. I took a class when I was in Middle School. I never was good at it -but I learned nevertheless!
Thanks, Heidi! I’m not an accomplished sewing master, but my mom, sister (cam), and mother-in-law are, so they’re helping a lot! I think the last time I used a sewing machine was to hem a pair of pants…in college, which was a looooong time ago!
I wish I could sew. I’ve only made pillowcases. Does you daughter watch Project Runway? I love how creative they are and seeing how garments are made.
We don’t watch Project Runway, but I’m sure we could find some clips online. My sister (cam) attended FIDM, so she’s a wealth of information!
Oh my goodness! I had no idea so much was needed to get set up to sew. I know you don’t need everything at once, but boy does it add up to be a lot. My mom always had her stuff stored and had to pull everything out and put it away again. Your way seems so much better!
It can add up quickly, but you’re right, you don’t need absolutely everything at once. This was definitely a shared gift between my husband and I, my sister (cam), our mom, and my mother-in-law. And yes, this set-up fits in just one corner of her room!
I’ve always wanted to learn how to sew. I bought a sewing machine not long ago, but I haven’t had the time to teach myself how to sew. Maybe if I designate a spot in my house like this and set everything up, then I would be more apt to begin!
Sometimes it’s hard to start something new, even if we’re excited about it! If you have a Joann store near you (or something similar), check out their sewing classes for beginners. It might be a nice place to start. (Also, as today is Black Friday, they have a great deal on their classes right now!)
What a great list! My nine-year-old loves making things, and we have most of these items already…except the sewing machine. I guess that’s next!
For a well-built Singer sewing machine, this one was quite affordable: http://amzn.to/2hQzrg9
I have a sewing machine and have attempted a few things, I definitely should look into classes like you mentioned to others above! Great setup! You’ve got me thinking of what I can create!
Thanks, Melissa! Go for it! I look forward to seeing your creations!