Easy ideas for sewing with kids

Have you tried sewing with kids?

I must confess that as I was growing up I had no time for sewing although my mother did try to teach me. It always seemed complicated and way too time-consuming.

I was young, and in the back of my mind I held an ageist belief that sewing was an old-fashioned hobby which should be reserved for grandmas along with knitting and crochet.

Sadly this was, and still is, an all too common opinion. As a society we’ve lost sight of the benefits of sewing in favour of time, convenience and cost. After all, why would you sew yourself a dress when you could go to the shop and buy a cheap one for less than the cost of the materials you’d need to make it?

There is a bigger picture to consider. I’m here today to convince you that sewing is still a great skill for kids (and adults) to learn. I’ve only recently tried sewing and I’m loving it!

The benefits of sewing for kids:

• Sewing takes time and teaches patience and perseverance
• It’s great for fine motor skills and co-ordintation
• Kids gain a sense of achievement upon finishing a project so it helps to boost their self esteem
• They learn a practical life skill (e.g. they can mend and hem their own clothes when needed)
• It helps to develop creative thinking and problem solving skills
• It’s calming and relaxing

Lets not forget that sewing is FUN, and you get to make cool stuff. Just check out some of these adorable projects which your kids will want and LOVE to make.

Sewing with kids – 23 simple crafts

All of these crafts are from bloggers in the Sew a softie day group on facebook. Join to see regular ideas for fun sewing projects for kids.

• Rhonda the softie, by Coloured Buttons
• Valentines bear, by Felt with Love
• Felt monster, by Chloe Me Just Me
• Zombie rabbit softie, by Oh Creative Day

• Fairy house pattern, by Miss Daisy Patterns
• Flower bookmark, by Schaeresteipapier
• Super adorable kid-made bear, by Mama Smiles
• XO letters, by Our Daily Craft
• Puppy Love, by Graces Favours

• Felt flowers, by The Blue Barn
• Pocket kitty, by Swoodson Says
• Zenki character softie, by Coloured Buttons
• Sock doll, by Miss Daisy Patterns

• Sheep softie, by Swoodson says
• Geometric butterflies, by The Blue Barn
• Grumpy Cat, by Make film play
• Heart treat bag, by To be a kid again
• Color-me heart , by Mama Smiles

• Juggling Chooks by Red Ted Art
• Nature Pouch, by Red Ted Art
• Pirate eye patch, by Graces Favours
• Sweetheart bookmarks, by The Craft Train
• Bunny softie, by Coloured Buttons

Hope I’m leaving you all inspired to pull out the sewing needles and thread. My eight year old loves the look of the felt flowers and wants to make them. Which one would your kids go for?

If you think sewing is not just for old ladies share this post. It’s time we got a new generation hooked!