I have decided to theme this month’s “That’s Sew Cool” collection for kids.
At the time of this blog post publishing we are in the midst of a world wide self-quarantine because of the coronavirus pandemic. Millions of children will now be at home throughout the day due to school and activity closures. This is a great opportunity to learn and practice new skills for both homeschooling lessons and fun indoor activities.
For Toddlers
- 1. Stories in Stitches: These board books are illustrated with images of stitched pictures. Although there isn’t physical texture the visual texture is very engaging to the eye. In addition to the Hey Diddle Diddle version, there is a second book, Itsy Bitsy Spider and Other Nursery Rhymes. Grab one of these books for story time and afterward try making your own character from scraps of fabric or paper.
- 2. Lace & Trace Set: This is a great place to start when teaching children to sew at an early age. The plastic tip of the shoe lace is a safe way to practice holding a “needle”. And if you want to get technical… two classic hand stitches can be practiced with one of these animal boards; a running stitch and whip stitch.
“Do you even sew, bro?” -The Three Year Old Seamstress
For Little Kids
- 3. Needlepoint Kit: My daughter’s first experience with a “needle” was when she tried needlepoint. It was just a blunt plastic needle, but it was very exiting for her and I didn’t have to worry about poked fingertips. This kit includes a plastic needle, plastic canvas, frame, 44 pieces of yarn, and instructions. Plastic canvas, like what is used in this kit, is great for kids to learn with because it requires less coordination than Aida cloth (cross stitch fabric).
- 4. A Pattern for Pepper: In this story, a little girl named Pepper is about to get a special custom-made dress. She looks through a variety of pattered fabric with Mr. Taylor and he tells her a little bit about each fabric until she finds the one that is perfect. This book is a recent addition to our household and we really enjoy it. I think you’ll enjoy it too. First, you’ll learn something new; like what Ikat means. Second, the illustrations are incredibly gorgeous. Third, if you’re like me, you’ll want Pepper’s mom’s dress. *It is blue and white seersucker with a classic silhouette.
For Big Kids
- 5. Fiskars 7-inch Sewing Scissors: At some point kids need to graduate to real sewing scissors, but their hand might not be big enough for full size scissors. The 7-inch scissors by Fiskars are just right. Plus, it is a right of passage to get your first orange handled scissors. This way they get their first pair earlier… so exciting!
- 6. Unicorn Sewing Kit: When my daughter got her first sewing kit she was so excited. It was like opening a treasure box. Colorful felt, trims, buttons, etc. This is when creativity really gets going. The kits conveniently offer a variety of materials without the need of creating your own (which is fun, but not always practical).
For Preteens
- 7. Rotary Set: This is something that I received as a gift when I was 16. I didn’t know what a rotary cutter was until then, and it was a revelation. I could cut fabric so quickly. That is when I began my first quilt. Moment of silence, because it ended up falling apart 5 years later. It was my first quilt and I was teaching myself. Anyway, for the young girl who loves sewing, this one is for you. Go get your quilt on! And I’ll tell you what I needed to know… Check out my 6-part quilting series.
- 8. Brother Sewing Machine: If you want to learn how to sew, skip the toy sewing machines and wait to invest in a fancy one. This machine is an example of a good starting sewing machine. This will carry you through many years of learning, practice, and growth. This is the machine that you can make a purse with in junior high… or make costumes with in high school… or take with you to college for mending your clothes.
Check out my YouTube channel, Paige Handmade, for tutorials, tips, beginner techniques, and more.
*post contains affiliate links.
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