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It is quite a common fact around the world that most elderly people love sewing as a hobby. As grandchildren, we often have mixed feelings when we are opening a can of Butter Cookies that our grandparents loved to keep. Is it filled with sewing tools? Is it filled with actual cookies? We will never know until we open them.
Thanks to this generation’s numerous technological advancements, elderly people can now do amazing needlework without exerting too much effort. Modern sewing machines are built to cater to their specific sewing needs, so instead of working tirelessly with their hands, they can loosen things up even for just a little bit.
If you are planning to buy these awesome tools as gifts (or maybe for yourself), then the search is finally over! In this article, you will find the best sewing machines for the elderly, all of which are neatly tucked inside a detailed list.
Table Of Contents
Best Sewing Machine for the Elderly of 2024
Janome Jem Gold Lightweight Sewing Machine
For the first item in this list, we will be looking into the Janome Jem Gold Lightweight Sewing Machine. With simple aesthetics alone, this machine is the typical sewist’s choice. It has a plain white design that is not intimidating at all, and the Janome brand colors striking out on the head portion of the device. You will also see the different stitch options displayed, making it easier for the user to control the device.
Overall, this sewing machine has 8 different stitches you can choose from. It is also lightweight and compact, which makes it perfect for elderly people or first time sewists. You also do not have to worry with needle threading, because the built-in threader will do that for you. Finally, the package comes with extra accessories such as a free arm, bobbins, screwdriver, extra needles, overedge foot, seam ripper, and more.
Pros:
- 8 built-in stitches
- Compact design
- Automatic threader
- Extra accessories
Cons:
- Problems with running automatically
- Too light for some people
SINGER Simple Sewing Machine
Just by looking at it firsthand, you will know that the SINGER Simple Sewing Machine is your typical device for the elderly. It has a cute design, mostly influenced by its soothing white and purple colors.
The controls are easy to spot because the dials are clearly displayed, one for the stitches and another for the sewing speed. The device’s top portion has your typical thread holder, and of course, the needle threader itself.
This machine is compact and portable, which means it is easy on the hands. Much like other modern sewing machines, this one has an automatic threader to assist those who always have a hard time with this process. Aside from that, this machine has a feature that could make it the best sewing machine for elderly people, and that is its speed adjustment setting.
That means if those elderly hands are having a hard time catching up, you can adjust the speed until it suits your preferences.
Pros:
- Compact and portable
- Automatic threader
- Adjustable sewing speed
- Automatic reverse function
Cons:
- Instruction complications
- Possible defects
Brother Laura Ashley Limited Edition Sewing Quilting Machine
Now, after the two previous products, let’s jump to the more modernized items in this list. To start this off, we have the Brother Laura Ashley Limited Edition Sewing Quilting Machine. This item is more fit to the elderly women because of its design. It has a plain white color, with additional pink flowery details that completes its look.
The most noticeable thing with this machine is that it has an LED display. The settings are easier to manipulate with a few button clicks. It has a total of 100 built-in stitches, and the threading system is quite remarkable because of the automated feature. Finally, the package has all the extra accessories you’ll need, making it perfect for all-day needleworking.
Pros:
- Limited edition item
- 100 built-in stitch ideas
- LED display
- Additional accessories
Cons:
- Unusually loud noises
- Dim LCD light
Brother CS6000i Sewing and Quilting Machine
The Brother CS6000i Sewing and Quilting Machine is another modern sewing machine you can consider. Unlike the previous item, it has a bigger table fit for larger fabrics. The LED display is much smaller, but it is easier to control because of the fewer buttons. The overall look consists of a white and blue color, with the different stitch options displayed at the machine’s body.
This sewing machine has 60 built-in stitch options for you to choose from. It also has an automatic threader and a drop-in bobbin for an easier pre-sewing process. Unlike the previous items, this machine comes with the best accessories (hard case for protection, wide table, needle set, 10 sewing feet, and more).
Finally, the LED screen makes it easier for you to adjust the settings, and you can clearly see the stitch options you are using.
Pros:
- LED display
- 60 built-in stitch options
- Automatic threader
- Amazing accessories
Cons:
- Annoying E6 error
- Possible hardware complications
SINGER Computerized Easy Sewing Machine
The SINGER Computerized Easy Sewing Machine is by far the cutest modern sewing machine you will ever see. It is quite smaller than the previous items in this list, and it has an adorable design that is composed of white and cyan colors. The LED display is accompanied with a few buttons for easier controls, and the stitch options are perfectly laid out under it for the user to see.
The best thing about this machine is its push button selection for the stitches, allowing you to pick out your preferred stitch option without any hassle. Its compact design and amazing build can effectively assist those elderly hands with ease. The package comes with complete accessories, which means you do not have to deal with finding them separately anymore.
Finally, thanks to the automatic threader, you can just sit down, grab the machine, and sew on and on until you have had enough for the day.
Pros:
- Computerized
- Simple design
- Compact size
- Complete accessories
Cons:
- Possible hardware malfunctions
- Annoying C4 code
What To Look In The Best Sewing Machines?
Easy Maneuverability
As much as we hate to admit it, elderly people have more fragile hands than us. Most of them cannot handle heavy tools well, and they certainly cannot hold them for a long time. This is why if you are planning to buy a sewing machine, you have to make sure that it is easy to manipulate.
Inspect everything that has to do with the machine’s functions, and if you see something peculiar, try looking out for other options until you find the right one.
Obviously, you cannot check out a sewing machine’s maneuverability just by looking at its picture. For you to move further along your research, try searching for popular videos instead. A particular item is usually specified as the best sewing machine for the elderly before a video starts. If you find one of these, that means you are making excellent progress.
Durable Build
Do not be fooled by a sewing machine’s astounding appearance! Sometimes, even the design fails, which means the whole item’s integrity is compromised. To make sure that the product will last for a really long time, double-check its durability rating. Search for specific sewing machines that you prefer, and do your research on each one of them.
Make sure to double check every crucial detail that makes up your sewing machine. Scan everything from the smaller accessories to the main portions of the device. If you are ordering online, searching for the products could also be effective for you. You can look for online reviews and videos about a certain sewing machine, and then study that until you are convinced with its remarkable specifications.
Clear Controls
Most elderly people do not do well with technology. That means if you are handing them something, make sure that you will instruct them how to use it. Of course, you are not going to be around all of the time to guide them. That is why clear controls are essential for the modern sewing machine they will use.
Finding a machine with clear controls is not that hard of a task. You can usually see instructions and graphics printed on a large portion of the device. Just make sure that it is readable and understandable when you buy the item. When you checked this feature out, you will know if that specific sewing machine would be good enough for the user.
Simple Design
Of course, one of the key features you should look for in an exceptional sewing machine is its design. You do not need something that will intimidate people with their build. Go for the item that is simple to look at, yet it is quite efficient and helpful when you are using it.
By simply focusing on this feature, you will be able to find the right machine that would suit those elderly hands.
Conclusion
The truth is, elderly people have different requirements when it comes to sewing machines. It does not matter how advanced or more modern it is, if it cannot help them, it is a waste of money. Remember to thoroughly check the list above for the best sewing machine for the elderly.
Eventually, you will find the one that will perfectly suit their (or your) needs, and you will be able to create fantastic artworks using your threads and needles.