Dukes and Duchesses

Dallas Fort Worth Creative Lifestyle Blogger

sewing · Written by Randi Dukes

5 Tips for Teaching a Child to Sew

Sewing is a skill that makes life simpler.  Being able to sew simple garments, hem your pants, or stitch up some drapes makes life easier, more affordable, and, to me, just a bit more fun.  I want all of my kids, especially my girls, to have basic sewing skills and I thought I’d share a few tips for teaching a child to sew.

5 tips for teaching a child to sew
1. Set up a child-friendly sewing spot.

teaching a child to sew
I bought a $5 side table at a garage sale, made a few simple repairs, and slapped a coat of homemade chalk-finish paint on it in order to set up a child-friendly sewing spot.  We’re lucky enough to have an extra sewing machine so Lila {my current little seamstress} has a machine that she can use any time.  I wanted to provide a spot that entices her to sit down and sew but I also wanted to make sure the space “fit” her.  The biggest thing to remember: your child needs to be able to easily reach the foot pedal.

2. Teach simple sewing skills and provide basic safety lessons.

teaching a child to sew
Lila has had a sewing lesson from her grandma as well as a couple of simple sewing lessons from me.  She knows the basics {straight stitch, back stitching, and decorative stitching} and knows how to work her machine.  She also knows basic safety, like keeping her fingers away from the moving needle.

3.  Use teaching resources found online.

teaching a child to sew
There are great {free} resources found online for beginners.  Skip to My Lou has printable mazes and dot to dots that are excellent for teaching kids to sew straight lines and pivot at corners.  There are also numerous beginner sewing projects that you can find with a simple google search.

4.  Provide fabric and other supplies.

teaching a child to sew :: provide fabric and supplies
I’ve given Lila a basket of scrap fabric, some scissors, various colors of thread, and a few other basic sewing supplies along with the freedom to use those supplies any way she wants.  Providing simple supplies is often all a child needs to sit down and sew.

5. Encourage creativity and self expression.

teaching a child to sew :: encourage self expression
Rather than starting Lila on a pattern and making sewing complicated, I’ve chosen to let her experiment, providing sewing tips and techniques at various times along the way.  I want to allow her to use her imagination and talent to create things she envisions.  She’s sewn travel pillows, lizard-catching belts, heart-shaped pillows, and this adorable mixed-media {paper and fabric} Lalaloopsy pillow for a friend of Tate’s.  I love seeing her creativity and the pride she takes in her projects.

teaching a child to sew :: a Lalaloopsy pillow

Do your kids sew?  What tips do you have for teaching a child to sew?

About Randi Dukes

I’m Randi, a Dallas-based mom of five kids, ranging from third grade to college and including a set of twins. I love strong coffee, craft and DIY projects, my planner, and my big ol’ family. When I’m not creating something for my blog, I can be found in the car, running kids from one place to another. I’m the one knitting at the red light. Connect with me on google+ | twitter | facebook

Comments

  1. barb says

    I love this. I have been wanting to teach Anastasia how to sew but not sure where to begin. I have shown her a few hand stitches but she wants to be able to make something and complete it in only a few sittings.
    Looking forward to getting out our sewing machine and letting her create!

    Reply

  3. Dee Bree says

    Awwww..I love it..my daughter is 8 and I also let her get behind the sewing machine..she loves it…it’s great. .to pass on these amazing interests to our kids…..♥♥♥♥u are one awesome MOM…

    Reply

  4. Dee Bree says

    Awwww..I love it..my daughter is 8 and I also let her get behind the sewing machine..she loves it…it’s great. .to pass on these amazing interests to our kids…..♥♥♥♥u are one awesome MOM…

    Reply

  5. Dee Bree says

    Awwww..I love it..my daughter is 8 and I also let her get behind the sewing machine..she loves it…it’s great. .to pass on these amazing interests to our kids…..♥♥♥♥u are one awesome MOM…

    Reply

  7. Jennifer Carroll says

    Sew cute (ha, ha! I couldn’t resist!) But seriously, this is adorable! I can’t wait until my little one is a bit older and I can teach her to sew too!!

    Reply

  8. Jane says

    Nice post, nice blog – I’ve just found you. I’ve been teaching my 9y-o daughter Imogen to sew just as my mum taught me at about the same age. The sewing machine sews too fast for Mog to keep up and keep her fingers clear. So I raided my Mum’s loft and found the old Singer sewing machine she bought me for my 10th birthday, a pre-war hand cranked one, and I paid £40 to have it serviced. Its now running beautifully and looks beautiful too. I’ll be giving it to her for her 10th birthday in a few weeks time, with a bunch of materials etc. I can’t wait, I know she’ll love it as much as I did, and it will set her free to sew whenever she wants. That said, as part of her “gift” I am including her on a 1:1 sewing “training course” for 2 hrs each Saturday morning until Christmas. The “course” is actually her & I, with me clearing my schedule and committing the time to her to sit & teach her properly and produce projects. Time is so hard to come by its too easy to be too busy with other things. So part of my gift is my commitment.

    Reply

  9. Jackie millican says

    In the picture I noticed a pin cushion. I loved it!!!! Where can I get the directions. I pretty much can sew a straight line but do want to learn more. Thank you so much.
    Jackie Millican
    Kingsland Texas

    Reply

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