piccupstix

Ordered a White Sew E-Z mini sewing machine for my granddaughter. Want to teach her to sew. Any ideas about the machine or pattern ideas that wouldn't be too difficult?

b.zang

I started mine using a needle without thread following a line on paper until they were used to the machine and could "steer". They started with straight lines, then wavy. After that, it was a fairly simple matter to teach about thread and seam allowances. Quilts are fabulous learn-to-sew projects because of all the straight seams!

piccupstix

Thank you. That's a great idea!

hopetoquilt

start with a table topper or mug rug or wall hanging or even a quilted pillow. smaller is better so sense of accomlishment is immediate. Rail fence is the easiest one I know of and you just need 3 fabrics. Pardon my inability to recall the name but you can make a quilt like a brick wall with rectangles or squares. This way, she doesn't have to match up the seams perfectly.

Once she gets going, if you see her regularly, you could do a sampler quilt. She could do just one block each time she sees you. No pressure for them all to look exactly alike. You can use scraps. Have fun.

ckcowl

a table- just her size is a big help too- when my granddaugters learned to sew everything was set up to fit them...made it much easier- and i did not critisize at all- if they were happy with it- i was happy with it- the first projects certainly were a bit rough (in my mind) but they were very happy and proud with their accomplishments and years later still have and proudly show off their very first sewing projects (the youngest made her daddy a quilt when she was 4- she layed it out did every stitch of sewing- cut with little safety scissors---some of those seams are 2" wide! didn't matter- it all went together---and went to iraq---so her daddy wouldn't forget her while he was gone)the only thing i ever do for the girls is---they are not allowed to use the rotory cutters---or the iron- so most of the time they cut with scissors once in a while one of them will ask me to cut something with the cutter- and if they want anything pressed they ask me---beyond that they do it all themselves- the oldest 2 have really become quite proficient- design purses for all their friends- and make all kinds of stuff- the youngest- she likes to play in fabric and buttons---and what ever.
all 3 girls learned to sew on a brother machine with speed control- sitting at a kids table so they could reach every thing easily.

piccupstix

I have 4 days to see her. Only see her every 3 months. We live about 1500 miles apart.
I like you idea though.

piccupstix

What a sweet story, it made me tearful. How wonderful you are there encouraging them. How old were the oldest when they started to sew?
I'd love to get her a full size machine but I don't want to shop when I get there. I also know if I leave it there (which I will this little one) it will probably not be in working order when I return again.

cmagee84

I was taught how to sew when I was 10, by my step mom when I was visiting one weekend. I went home and taught my own mother. She will do just fine!

marscrafter

I just started working with my son who is about that age, we did a mini quilt that was really simple to start. I agree with the others, something small that can be finished quickly helps build confidence. Just being able to pick out their pattern and fabric really helps keep their interest too.

piccupstix

Thanks for the encouragement!