Sewing Machine Safety: Sewing with Kids

1. The MOST IMPORTANT in my opinion is to turn off the machine any time it's not being actively used. Anytime you walk away from the machine even just to iron or use the bathroom, turn it off. The other MOST IMPORTANT is to unplug the machine power cord from the wall. Even if it seems repetitive or annoying, turn it off and unplug it. Little brothers and sisters are famous for playing with machines and you should always remember that a sewing machine is a very powerful machine. Also, to avoid accidents it is very important to unplug the machine anytime you are performing maintenance.

2. Pay attention to what you're doing AT ALL TIMES. I don't know about you but my kids get distracted very easily. Sometimes, sewing lines or seams can be long and repetitive and it is very easy to look away from the sewing needle. If you have long hair pull it up and out of your face to avoid distraction.

3. Keep your hands and fingers off to the side of the machine. Get in the habit of guiding the fabric with your hands off to the side of the needle and guide plate. NEVER feed your hands and fingers directly into the machine....

4. Practice slow and consistent sewing speed. Lightly press on the pedal and hold it at a steady speed. Just like driving a go cart imagine the fabric you're guiding is the steering wheel, you don't want to floor the pedal because it makes it hard to control what you're doing and you cant steer accurately when you're driving too fast.

5. For more experienced sewers I might tell you differently, but for my kids recommendation I think its best to advise not sewing over pins. You can use clips or pull the pins before you sew over the spot its holding.

6. Last but not least, keep track of your tools. Leaving pins or sharp scissors out can be very dangerous with brothers and sisters around. You must be responsible for all of your tools and equipment while you are sewing and remember to put everything away when you are done sewing. If you need help remembering, make a list of all the things you use while sewing and find each item when you clean up.

After you have all of your safety tips managed remember to HAVE FUN. Sewing can be challenging but also very fun. Take your time and enjoy learning to get better each time you sew.

HI! Im Jacquline Terry. I have been sewing for 20 years and I believe sewing is a skill we have to pass on. Even if your experience is just basic sewing, it matters and taking the time to learn is important work.

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