SunshineMom Posted December 15, 2012 Share Posted December 15, 2012 Both my girls are learning to sew this holiday. Each is making a simple stocking. My dd11 is making a very simple quilt, a shower gift for a beloved teacher who is moving and expecting her first child in a few months. Neither kids have done much sewing but I am determined to have some fun with them. Any good tips to pass along? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beth S Posted December 16, 2012 Share Posted December 16, 2012 Sounds like you're doing a great job. They're starting with easier wonderful projects, with hand-sewing, for special purposes. That teacher will be thrilled with a baby quilt! They will likely have ideas of what they want to do for their next project. Our dd was never interested in sewing "regular" clothes. She would buy things from the thrift/consignment store & re-work them to what she liked. Also she loved sewing period costumes, like a Jane-Austen-style or LOTR-style dresses. Two years ago, this young woman started a blog, rehabbing a thrift store outfit each day. http://www.newdressaday.com/ It's now an easy way to teach yourself how to alter clothes so that you like them! Enjoy the creative process. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SunshineMom Posted December 16, 2012 Author Share Posted December 16, 2012 Oh, how fun for your dd! I love sewing customs as well. As we speak, I am finishing up "Little House on the Prairie" type dresses for my nieces- Christmas presents. Both of my nieces are over the moon with LHP so I believe these dresses will be a big hit. Thanks for the link to the rehabbed clothing blog, I will look it over. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted December 16, 2012 Share Posted December 16, 2012 Dd has made a tote bag (just a rectangle with a handle). We plan to do a simple skirt with a waist band next. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterPan Posted December 16, 2012 Share Posted December 16, 2012 Jewel-Sounds like you're doing great! Just keep going. :) Beth-What a fun blog and idea!!! Yes, dd made a couple LotR-style dresses, just finished them this week in fact, whew! They weren't authentic, but they were the best she could do for this time. I could see her getting more involved in the future. That refab idea is neat, because it's affordable and let's the practice on what's actually the hardest thing (to me), fitting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
celticmom Posted December 16, 2012 Share Posted December 16, 2012 Dd8 is getting the Mary Frances sewing book and a sewing kit with lots of thread and cloth for christmas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuart Posted December 16, 2012 Share Posted December 16, 2012 Anyone have any good projects for boys learning to hand sew? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reya Posted December 16, 2012 Share Posted December 16, 2012 I should! My kids think that straight pins are "tiny nails." Guess I've been a bit heavy on the remodeling.... :p Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted December 17, 2012 Share Posted December 17, 2012 Anyone have any good projects for boys learning to hand sew? This isn't strictly hand sewing but my son loved making a cross stitch of a spider from Jane Greenoff's Dinosaurs and Monsters pattern book. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beth S Posted December 17, 2012 Share Posted December 17, 2012 Anyone have any good projects for boys learning to hand sew? We have 4 boys, and generally I've nudged them toward Duct Tape projects, Lego Stop Motion movies, and Marshmallow Guns. All of which have become quite elaborate these past few years. :) But I did make pillowcases for them, using camo fabric--which would be an easy self-made project. Just about any cartoon character has licensed fabric these days--Dr. Who, Winnie the Pooh, Bob The Builder, etc. It makes for a fun, easy first project (actually for boy or girl). Also my mom made camo drawstring bags for their army men gear, another easy project. I've also had them sew military patches on their army jackets. With boys, my highest priority would be to make sure they knew how to sew on a button (using a straight pin across the button so there's a bit of slack in the thread, or else the button breaks off). I sadly waited until the day before our ds left for college to teach him! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sameera Posted December 17, 2012 Share Posted December 17, 2012 Anyone have any good projects for boys learning to hand sew? Try these: Pencil Case Hankie/Tissue Holder The image below is just an idea for cross stitch: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mango Posted December 17, 2012 Share Posted December 17, 2012 A bag of Twizzlers for munching. Good music. Encouraging words. A place they can leave their work out so they can take a break and then come back to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna Posted December 17, 2012 Share Posted December 17, 2012 My dd will be learning to sew when she gets her machine for Christmas. She already has been doing a combination of hand sewing and gluing or tying doll clothes for a couple years. I am so excited to see what she comes up with with a machine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy in NH Posted December 17, 2012 Share Posted December 17, 2012 Ours start with simple felt handsewing projects: Needle "book" (running stitch), and simple stuffed animals (blanket stitch), and Toothfairy pillow (combination). Next we do an easy pillow sham for a throw pillow, usually in a straight-line quilt pattern. My older kids do a twin-size bed quilt and then progress to clothes. DS15 modifies patterns to make his own creations. He's quite into fashion-design right now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterPan Posted December 17, 2012 Share Posted December 17, 2012 Ours start with simple felt handsewing projects: Needle "book" (running stitch), and simple stuffed animals (blanket stitch), and Toothfairy pillow (combination). Next we do an easy pillow sham for a throw pillow, usually in a straight-line quilt pattern. My older kids do a twin-size bed quilt and them progress to clothes. DS15 modifies patterns to make his own creations. He's quite into fashion-design right now. Man, who knew boys could have so much fun sewing! These are all great ideas! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuart Posted December 17, 2012 Share Posted December 17, 2012 Thanks for the great tips! Thanks OP for the great thread and letting me highjack :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sameera Posted December 17, 2012 Share Posted December 17, 2012 Sewing Machine tips Safety issues while using a sewing machine Threading the machine Winding & fitting the bobbin Changing & fitting a machine needle Correct hand positioning, Feeding the fabric through the sewing machine foot. Reverse & forward stitches. Stitch type, length & width How to secure & overlock (zig zag) Hand sewing tips Safety issues using needles, pins & scissors Keeping the workplace tidy How to thread a needle and make a simple knot Simple hand stitches Make a stitch sampler Laying the fabric, pinning, pattern drafting, cutting Iron finished work Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommee & Baba Posted December 17, 2012 Share Posted December 17, 2012 I've made it a requirment in our home that once you enter 5th grade and haven't learned to sew yet it's a "class" you have to take. My oldest dd will be in 5th next year and isn't looking forward to it! My dd8 is in the 2nd grade and is THRILLED to know that after the new year she can begin on Friday's taking her "sewing class"! :) My ds will also have to take sewing. I've got projects lined up for him to pick from. They will include bags, jammie pants, & simple popsicle cozies. The list is rather large and it suits boys or girls. I like to think that my dc will move out and know how to sew a button, hem a piece of clothing, and repurpose something if needed without fear of a sewing machine. I would like to purchase each of my kids their own sewing machine before moving out onto their own as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jayne J Posted December 17, 2012 Share Posted December 17, 2012 I've enjoyed reading this blog: sewingwithkids.blogspot.com It is fairly simple, but I tend to forget all the basic steps and jump in to something too complex. www.downeastthunderfarm This blog has really cute, free patterns for making felt birds using basic stitches and felt. I plan to have my Harry Potter loving son make the owl (Hedgwig!). Also, embroidery is a great way to practice basic stitches. My girls and I are going to work on running, blanket and back stitches while doing a basic line drawing embroidery pattern over the Christmas break. Using bright threads on contrasting fabric helps them see the stitches better. Free embroidery patterns are easy to find online, or have your child make their own simple line drawing to use. ETA: Gah! I cannot make the links work. Just google the blog names and you should find it. Sorry! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aspasia Posted December 17, 2012 Share Posted December 17, 2012 I've made it a requirment in our home that once you enter 5th grade and haven't learned to sew yet it's a "class" you have to take. My oldest dd will be in 5th next year and isn't looking forward to it! My dd8 is in the 2nd grade and is THRILLED to know that after the new year she can begin on Friday's taking her "sewing class"! :) My ds will also have to take sewing. I've got projects lined up for him to pick from. They will include bags, jammie pants, & simple popsicle cozies. The list is rather large and it suits boys or girls. I like to think that my dc will move out and know how to sew a button, hem a piece of clothing, and repurpose something if needed without fear of a sewing machine. I would like to purchase each of my kids their own sewing machine before moving out onto their own as well. What a great idea! Would you mind sharing more of your project list? I've started teaching dd to sew. She has done a little felt stuffed animal with running stitch. She also just made some stuffed felt ornaments where she sewed on buttons for decoration and used blanket stitch around the edges. She loves sewing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jayne J Posted December 17, 2012 Share Posted December 17, 2012 Mamaofblessings, I'd also love to see your project list! I am always looking for things for ds to do, and I love the idea of making sewing mandatory at a certain level. My girls are all fired up to learn, but ds is not, and a required class may be in his future! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MiniBlondes Posted December 17, 2012 Share Posted December 17, 2012 Both of my girls have recently shown an interest in sewing and Santa was going to bring a sewing machine and some supplies for hand sewing. Yesterday DD9 decided to make a replica of her cheer uniform and she did it with felt and a glue stick. Here it is... After that, I went ahead and gave her a few hand sewing materials to get started and she's been going non-stop ever since. She's already sewn up 4 pillows for her AG. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jayne J Posted December 17, 2012 Share Posted December 17, 2012 Wow! That outfit looks great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MiniBlondes Posted December 17, 2012 Share Posted December 17, 2012 I was really shocked when I woke up and saw that. All I could say was.... were you up doing that all night!? Lol! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted December 17, 2012 Share Posted December 17, 2012 www.downeastthunderfarm This blog has really cute, free patterns for making felt birds using basic stitches and felt. I plan to have my Harry Potter loving son make the owl (Hedgwig!). Thank you for sharing this blog. What wonderful bird ornaments! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommee & Baba Posted December 17, 2012 Share Posted December 17, 2012 What a great idea! Would you mind sharing more of your project list? I've started teaching dd to sew. She has done a little felt stuffed animal with running stitch. She also just made some stuffed felt ornaments where she sewed on buttons for decoration and used blanket stitch around the edges. She loves sewing! Sure I will post my project list at the bottom for you to see. Mamaofblessings, I'd also love to see your project list! I am always looking for things for ds to do, and I love the idea of making sewing mandatory at a certain level. My girls are all fired up to learn, but ds is not, and a required class may be in his future! Since I've announced that sewing will be mandatory in 5th grade my kids have all been less scared of the idea. They realize I will handle sewing as a class and they will have all year to learn the skill. Plus they like the idea that they will have items to show for their work instead of a binder of completed work. I show them hand sewing first. That part of it is rather short compared to the machine sewing part, but I find it important for kids to relate the needle wih the thread to the fabric. Sewing Project List Level 1 Pre-Beginner Sewing Projects Felt Ribbon Bookmark Felt Ornament Felt Magnet Drawstring Bag Coin Purse/Pouch Sweater Mittens Treasure Stick Bag Popsicle Pouch Ice Cream Cone Cover Level 2 Pre-Beginner Sewing Projects Machine sewing a straight stitch Cell phone holder Christmas Ornament Decorate a snowman Dishtowel Apron Felt Organizer Fleece winter hat Boo Boo Pack with Case Pillowcase iPod holder Mini Pin Cushion Pillowcase Apron Beanbag Rectangle Pillow Doll Pillow & Sleeping Bag Tie Belt Pot Holder Pen Holder Stuffed Animal Level 3 Beginner Sewing Projects Machine sewing straight lines, curves, & corners Baby Receiving Blanket Bandana Tote Bag with Lining Beach Towel Bag Bottle Bag Christmas Stocking Circle Pillow Sofa or Bed Caddy Denim Bag Denim Drawstring Bag Dinner Placemat Drawstring Bag Dress up your jeans Gathered Apron Glasses Case Goodie Bags Hair Scrunchie Simple Skirt Lap Desk Neck Pillow Painted Tote Bag Patchwork Skirt Patchwork Tote Bag Pillow with Tie Front Pillow with Trim Pocket Purse Quilted Pot Holder Snack Baggie Stuffed Ball Tablecloth Library Bag Tshirt Drawstring Bag Triangle Patchwork Pillow Felt Toothfairy Pillow Stuffed Animal Bookmark Level 4 Moderate Sewing Projects Sewing with elastic, using an iron, gathering, & sewing with patterns Applique Shirt Bath Mitt Binder Cover Christmas Cone Ornament Bread Cloth Cloth Napkins Cloth Basket Easy sew curtains Headband Simple Shorts Simple Pants Jean Skirt Pillowcase Skirt Placemat with Pocket Reversible Headband Shirt to Dress Shirt to Shorts Tshirt Skirt Wall Hanging Photo Album Cover Level 5 Intermediate Sewing Projects Learning to design, sew buttonholes, zippers, using a SNAP press, & Serger Mini Bag with Snaps Easy Box Zipper Bag How to Sew a Buttonhole Serger Skills Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy in NH Posted December 17, 2012 Share Posted December 17, 2012 With young children handsewing, I mark the felt with a pencil to show where the needle goes in and out. It helps them get the stitch length right. When they start sewing on a machine, they all begin by using paper for "fabric", with no thread in the bobbin or needle. We use some practice papers that have lines to follow - straight, wavy, zigzag, squares, and a maze. They get a "driver's license" after they have finished the pages. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SunshineMom Posted December 17, 2012 Author Share Posted December 17, 2012 Wow! Many resources and beginning sewing projects for kids have been shared here! There is enough here for someone to put together a simple ebook! Happy Sewing!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jayne J Posted December 17, 2012 Share Posted December 17, 2012 Oh! Here is a pattern for a simple skirt that can be sized to fit just about any age, and is simple enough for a newer machine sewer. Some help may be needed with the ribbon edging, but this might also be a good time for practicing your whipstitch. http://oliverands.com/free-patterns/lazy-days-skirt/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaz Posted December 19, 2012 Share Posted December 19, 2012 My dd will be learning to sew when she gets her machine for Christmas. She already has been doing a combination of hand sewing and gluing or tying doll clothes for a couple years. I am so excited to see what she comes up with with a machine. Me too! I'm so excited to give my dd(10) her new sewing machine for Christmas! She has been busy all week hand stitching felt/embroidery floss mini-stuffed animals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ohmomjacquie Posted December 19, 2012 Share Posted December 19, 2012 My oldest is 8 and was reading American Girl books this summer. one mentioned quilting and she wanted to learn! MIL got her some fabric and showed her how to outline the things on the fabric. She has a lot of trouble with gettign the thread in knots or other things that I have to help her with but she's getting better with practice! I crochet and do cross stitch so she sees me doing a lot of these things and wants to try them out too.I like some of the ideas here though! They might be easier for her with just starting out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sameera Posted December 19, 2012 Share Posted December 19, 2012 Sharing nice sewing ideas is the best way to keep motivated to have great fun on projects. If you don't have spare fabric, then using scrap cards are good for beginners who are learning to sew, Your child can learn to hand stitch or machine stitch. Learn to operate the speed of the machine pedal and have fun trying different stitches for machine embroidery. Try applique designs of your choice, using different stitch lengths & widths. Make collage cards using various household scraps (ribbons, beads, strings, tapes etc). This card (below) is simple - just cut out a heart shape and sew zigzag stitch around the heart on to another card. Tip: Glue the heart shape card on to the background card to stop it from slipping. Try stitching a collage with hand made paper! Click on the rest of the images to see the patterns Free Bead Pattern Free String Art: Free Collage Card Patterns Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sameera Posted December 19, 2012 Share Posted December 19, 2012 This is my DD's first attempt at sewing a doll's dress using scrap material from my old dress: It's an Indian Anar Kali 'churidar' dress with legging style trousers. This inspired me to help my DD's to sew a simple (halter) doll's dresses. This was my rough attempt: I showed this to my children who got very excited and wanted to make one for their dolls. At first, I bought them some fabric. Next, we measured how long the dress would be and drafted a pattern: (Single sheet of fabric) For the width, we took the full hip measurement, and doubled it as we wanted the waist to be shirred. The length was taken from under the arms to the feet, leaving some fabric for hemming. The lace was sewn on first. The children shirred 0.5 cm below the lace at the chest. Then shirred 4 rows at the waist. (However, I think the result would have been better if we continued shirring from the chest to the waist). Finally the two side lengths were stitched and the halter neck lace was hand sewn on. The children have learnt a few skills whilst using the sewing machine. They did a small competition on who can thread the machine the fastest, which helped speed things up ;). Each got prizes e.g trimmings & lace for their dolls'dresses. They have learnt how to: Take body (doll) measurements. Draft a pattern on paper. Lay out, pin, draw using a chalk & cut fabric using a pattern Thread a sewing machine within 3 minutes! Wind a bobbin. Wind an elastic thread on bobbin Shirring technique Tighten & loosen top tension and bobbin case tension. Use stitch width & lengths Use different needle positions Make a shirred, summer dress. Use machine stitches, zigzag & straight & reverse stitching Hand stitches, straight, basting/tacking stitch Stitch lace on fabric Open stitches using a seam ripper Work as a team & solve problems Use a digital camera, take photos. The end result: Finally, the write up. :) I hope they can put this all together in a folder /lap book, so they don't forget! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dollie* Posted December 20, 2012 Share Posted December 20, 2012 Great work! I, unfortunately, do not know how to sew, but my 8- and 10-year old are taking sewing classes from a neighbor and they absolutely love it!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenn121 Posted December 20, 2012 Share Posted December 20, 2012 M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeslieAnneLevine Posted December 21, 2012 Share Posted December 21, 2012 Somewhat teaching it. My son can thread a needle and do simple stitching. He sewed a stocking together last week. I am trying to find him a kit for sewing a stuffed animal similar to the ones I had when I was his age, but so far I keep coming across no-sew kits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sameera Posted December 25, 2012 Share Posted December 25, 2012 I am trying to find him a kit for sewing a stuffed animal similar to the ones I had when I was his age, but so far I keep coming across no-sew kits. Try Minicraft in Amazon, or you could buy a soft toy sewing book and get the supplies from any craft shop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swellmomma Posted December 26, 2012 Share Posted December 26, 2012 DD13 took sewing lessons several times when we lived in the city. She hasn't sewn in years though, I am sure she has forgotten all she had once known. THis thread was a good reminder to get back on teaching her(or finding someone more knowledgable than me to do so). We will have to go back to basics with handsewing before moving back onto the machine. Actually I made her a pillowcase for xmas, I should get her to make another one herself, very easy even handsewing it(which is what I did) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kesmom Posted December 26, 2012 Share Posted December 26, 2012 We have really enjoyed this book - http://www.amazon.com/Sewing-School-Projects-Kids-Will/dp/1603425780/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356539011&sr=8-1&keywords=sewing+school I found it at the library first and we ended up buying it. I think that basic sewing kit that Amazon suggests to buy with it is a great deal too. (I bought stuff seperately at Joanns and spent almost double) The authors also have a second book coming out soon with machine sewing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChicoryChick Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 My girls are doing sewing in 4H. Last year dd1 made pajama bottoms and dd2 made a draw string backpack. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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