Skip to main content

Sewing Projects for Kids

With summer here and the kids out of school, you might already be hearing the dreaded words, “I’m bored!” Turn that around by giving them the chance to learn a new skill – sewing! Sewing can be taught to most any age, but the project type will vary depending the age and skill level of the child. We’ve rounded up a few great projects and ideas that can help jumpstart your child’s interest in sewing!

A Good Place to Start with the Youngest: Hand Sewing

As a parent of a 5-year-old, my son has really enjoyed sewing little felt stuffed toys that have pre-cut holes around the edges of the shapes. Michaels Craft Store carries a nice selection of different kits for various interests. What I like about these is that it is an easy way to start learning the hand sewing motion. The kits also come with sticker embellishments to finish off the project.




Once they get the idea of hand sewing, let them create their own felt projects. The blog, Meraki Lane has a great list of 16 Felt Sewing Projects to help you get started. (Just scroll down a little bit till you see the heading for 16 Felt Sewing Projects)  


Kids love silly things. Why not make some silly felt monsters? I searched “kids felt monster sewing project” on Pinterest and came up with LOTS of ideas. From free tutorials to PDF patterns, there is really something for every skill level.  If you’re looking for templates, I really like the Lovely Monster Felt Pattern from walpatterns on Etsy



Machine Sewing:

Let’s talk about some things that kids can do on a sewing machine. Ages 6+ are usually ready to starting sewing on a machine, but of course you know your child best, so depending on their skill level, you decide what age that begins! I used my first sewing machine at age 7 or 8. I sewed a pair of shorts, which I still own to this day! (Of course they don't fit, but it’s one of those sentimental items that I cannot part with!) That might be a little ambitious, but not impossible!


I would suggest starting with a pillow. You can do a basic square pillow, or I found this fun Tooth Fairy Pillow from the blog, Color the Moon. You could take it further and hand sew the felt tooth onto the square of fabric! 




Drawstring bags are a great project for a wide range of age groups. The blog Alice & Lois has a great tutorial on how to sew a drawstring backpack. If you’re looking for some fabric for the bag, check out our cotton fabric category




Tote bags are another great project. Use it for the beach or to carry your library books. Purl Soho has a 40-minute Tote bag tutorial for a simple, lined bag.




Headbands and scrunchies are popular accessories and easy to make! The blog, Alice & Lois, has a tutorial for a fabric headband. Use cotton fabric and fold over elastic to make the headband. Scrunchies are another easy-to-make accessory. We have a video tutorial on how to make a fabric scrunchie. Both accessories can be coordinated with outfits (handmade or not) and they will be excited to show them off to their friends! 





The Apple Green Cottage blog has a unique sewing project that will keep hands busy even after it is sewn. Have the kids make a Fabric Marble Maze! It’s like a fidget toy that will keep their hands busy. I think this project would be best for a child that has already worked with a sewing machine, but it’s also great to practice pivoting on the machine. 



Sewing Classes in Your Community 

Don’t have the patience to teach a child to sew? Some communities have awesome kids sewing classes! Butcher’s Sew Shop in Philadelphia, offers year-round kids sewing classes for ages 5-15. (They also offer adult sewing classes, too!) I came across them on Instagram and am loving the creations the kids make! Check out your local art centers, community groups and fabric stores to see if they are offering any kids sewing classes. 


A Full 'Learn to Sew' System

And if you're looking for a sewing series that takes a child through the steps of sewing, try the Winky Cherry System of Teaching Sewing to Children from Palmer Pletsch. You will start with hand sewing and hand embroidery, then make a doll using both of those skills. From there the child will learn how to use a sewing machine and then make a patchwork pillow and quilt.




Need more kids sewing project inspiration? We have a Pinterest board for that! Check out our Pinterest board for more kids sewing project ideas whether they are the ones sewing or if you are sewing for them. 



Whether you’re teaching a 5-year-old how to hand sew or a 12-year-old how to use a sewing machine, you know the skill level of the child best. Choose the project you feel appropriate for their skills and interest. Encourage them along the way and be patient. They are learning a new skill and having your encouragement is the most important even if it doesn't turn out exactly how you think it should!


I hope you found this round-up helpful as you try to make it to the end of summer AND I hope it inspires kids to learn to sew! 


Comments

Popular Posts You Might Like

Made By A Fabricista: Sewing Summery ITY

Hi sewing friends! I’m dropping in to share a few makes sewn with ITY fabrics and inspire you to try out this slinky, cool-to-the-touch fabric for hot weather if you haven’t yet, or to recommend some patterns that work fabulously if you already love it. This is by far my favorite knit to wear in summer. Since it moves easily there’s lots of airflow, and it just skims the body. More often than not, it has a four-way stretch that doesn’t grow when worn, so it works great for loads of styles.  ITY stands for Interlock Twist Yarn and the knit gives it some wonderful drape and stretch. There are lots of different weights and even some differing textures. Because it’s so fluid, the fabric really resists most wrinkling. I’ve sewn three different weights and prints here to show off just what ITY can do!  This white floral is a lighter weight and features a slightly crepe-textured finish, and I think that combined with the large and spread-out floral makes it quite elegant and eye-cat...

Made By A Fabricista: Effortless ITY

Clothing made from  ITY  (Interlock Twist Yarn) fabric is effortless, almost like wearing secret pajamas. It is silky and cool to the touch, with a beautiful drape and amazing stretch. ITY fabric is incredibly versatile, and some of the best dresses, skirts, and athletic wear I’ve owned are made from it. Thanks to Fabric Mart’s recent influx of unique ITY fabrics, I was inspired to add some additional ITY items to my wardrobe.  I found two beautiful ITY fabrics on the Fabric Mart site that stopped me in my tracks. The first fabric I loved was a funky off-white and multi-color flora and fauna print from a New York Designer. I ordered two yards of this print with a top in mind. Next, I saw a beautiful  ITY fabric panel  featuring off-white and blue floral print. I’m usually hesitant to buy fabric panels without a plan of how to use them, but I threw caution to the wind this time. I ordered 5 panels, hoping that would give me more than enough fabric to showcase the...

Made By A Fabricista: Matching Sets Are Always a Win for Me

I think I might have a problem.  I’m obsessed with a good matching set. Matching Sets can be considered as a coordinated chic look. A perfectly paired top and bottom that creates a seamless, stylish look with minimal effort. I think that’s exactly what I did.  Usually when I’m looking for fabric, I try to have something in mind of what I’m going to make with it. Well, I’m here to report that I totally forgot what pattern I was going to use for this beautiful fabric. I believe I had a dress in mind, but I couldn’t remember the pattern for the life of me.  The fabric I chose is called Indian red dandelion soft lavender flower poplin shirting .  I’ve used poplin from Fabric Mart several times and it’s always a win for me. I went through several different patterns for the top, until I landed on the Sara Top from Fibre Mood. I’ve had this top in my stash for so many years, and I thought it would be great for this fabric. This pattern is basically 2 rectangles with a chann...