Sewing is a fun activity for both parents and children alike. There’s still so much you can create. On top of the fun aspect, sewing with kids is a great life skill! Teaching your kids how to do it will be fun, and it can benefit them in the future. The idea is to have a good time as you and your kids sew together.
Fun Projects to Enjoy Sewing with Kids
To get you started, here are some fun projects to consider and essential safety tips to follow along the way.
Safety First!
Before you hand over the needle and thread, it’s essential to go over a few safety tips with your kids. The first step is to know your sewing machine inside and out and ensure that it has different speed settings so your kids can work at their own safe pace. It’s also essential to teach your kids where they should and should not place their fingers. Kids have small hands that can fit under the presser foot and other tight areas, and it can be a painful mistake. Mark those areas off with tape so the kids know to stay away.
Caution is absolutely necessary when sewing with kids which requires working with dangerous accessories like scissors. Teach the kids how to use them properly and to always hold them carefully while walking by keeping the blades closed and pointed away from them.
You may also use hot glue guns that can be extremely dangerous if used improperly. It’s essential to be proactive and know how to identify and treat different types of burns. Touching the wrong part of the gun can lead to first-degree burns, which can be red, painful, and blistery. To treat them, you can run water over the burn to provide relief and then apply aloe vera gel to soothe the area. Second- and third-degree burns are typically deeper injuries that can become infected and more painful, requiring attention from a medical professional.
It’s also wise to start slow and try hand-sewing first so your kids can get used to the fundamental principles and learn the motions. They can sew over patterns you’ve drawn to get used to the feel and the process.
Fun Projects
There are many neat projects that you can do with the kids. Some are just for fun, while others are creative and practical. Use bright fabric to create stylish scrunchies or beautiful designer hair bows. Then, make a matching tote bag with simple straps. Your kids can use totes to carry their toys or school supplies for the new year. Personalize it with their name, favorite color, or a cartoon character they adore.
There are also fun projects to create that are great for organizing school supplies. For example, make a pencil and notebook case to keep all their markers and writing utensils in place. They can carry it inside their tote bag. You’ll likely have some scraps of fabric left over, and you can use those to make a cute bookmark. Finally, sew some felt tissue holders in case the kids get the sniffles at school. While you’re at it, make a matching chapstick cozy.
The sky’s the limit to the types of creative projects that your kids can try to improve their skills while making practical items for different occasions. For instance, you can sew a little pocket onto a pillow and turn it into a “tooth fairy pillow” for when they lose their teeth. To complete the dental care motif, make an easy toothpaste and toothbrush travel case so they can always keep their teeth in tip-top shape.
When Halloween comes around, your kids can sew designs onto a cape or a mask and let their imagination run wild. Then, make fun and colorful hearts out of leftover fabric for Valentine’s Day.
Make It A Bonding Experience
There are also neat ways to make your shared sewing hobby a bonding experience you can celebrate yearly. Each Halloween, you can design new costumes. During the holiday season, make decorative fabric bows to adorn the presents. Make a new bag for every new school year to show off your fashion sense. These are activities that parents and kids can look forward to together.
Even going to the store to select the fabric and supplies you will use when sewing with kids can be a bonding experience. You and the kids will have a blast comparing different options and imagining all the items you could sew together at home. Allow your kids to have a say in the fabric you choose, and just try to not take the designing too seriously. Remember that it’s all for fun.
While you want to have fun, it’s also important to stay safe, so even if you’re taking a quick trip to the store, this is just a reminder to dress yourself and the kids for the season. During winter, the kids should always wear a jacket, even on milder days, so they don’t catch a chill. On the coldest nights, mittens or gloves are critical to avoid frostbite. You can even incorporate sewing into your winter apparel by sewing your own gloves in your favorite colors. During the fall, when the temperatures are starting to dip, consider a long-sleeved shirt and pants.
There’s so much you and your kids can do once you combine the world of creativity and sewing. You’re only limited by your imagination, so have fun and create memories that will last a lifetime when sewing with kids.
About the Writer: Miles is an independent writer with a background in business and a passion for tech, psychology, news, and simply helping people live happy and fulfilled lives. He has lived and traveled all over the United States and continues to expand his awareness and experiences. When he is not writing, he is most likely mountain biking or kicking back with a cup of tea.
