Love to sew? Let your little ones join in. Sewing with young kids is a challenge, but there are plenty of tasks for the youngest of helpers to do.
Tips for Sewing with Young Kids
I love to sew! Forget Naptime crafts…sewing, baking, and gardening are all a close tie for my all time favorite activities to do with kids.
They learn SO much by measuring, pinning, and choosing fabrics with me. We have LOTS of friends having babies this and next month, so we are busy making gifties like these! I like to combine some home-made with some store-bought to round out our gifts!
My projects may not be the cutest or the most perfect, but they are definitely made with love!
My 5 year old is now sewing her own creations and only needs me to help thread and tie her needle and thread. She will not only help me, but is at the stage to work alongside me on her own projects.
My one year old on the other hand, has just started to “help. Here are some things that the kids can do.
Sewing with young kids: a 1 year old
- Help to choose the fabrics and lay them flat before cutting.
- Help pin the pieces together. Most often they end up perpendicular, but will get better with practice
- Sit on my lap and help me guide the fabric as I sew.
- Take the pins out after I am done sewing
- Fluff, stuff, or shake depending on the project.
Sewing with young kids: For a 5 year old
All of the above and…
- Select their own projects to make
- Assist in reading the directions prior to beginning
- Cut out the pattern (this paper is tough, but if you go slow it is not too hard)
- Cut the fabric after the pattern has been pinned on.
- Cut the ribbon to a specific length.
- Place embellishments on in the correct place
- Turn projects inside-out if needed
- Sew on buttons
I have figured out that sewing with kids takes an extra amount of time and patience, so I try to limit myself to cute, fun, and simple projects.
The 10 ” taggie is a favorite of mine to make and my 5 year old can do over 75% of the tasks needed to make it. I usually choose a cotton for one side and a texture fabric for the other. All my ribbon taggies have been stitched over a minimum of 3 times.
We have also adapted the new Simplicity Gator Bib pattern to be more baby-friendly (who designs bibs for babies with buttons???) and think they are a great addition!
Sewing Project Ideas with kids
You may also enjoy these Sewing Activities with your child…
- Mouse Headband
- Make an Alligator Purse
- Bunny Costume Headband
- Duckling Costume Headband
- Owl Costume Headband
- Gruffalo Costume Apron
- Pete the Cat Costume
- Gruffalo Finger Puppets
- Polar Bear Headband
- Gingerbread Man Ornament
- Kid Made No Sew Tutu
- Teaching Kids to Sew with Books
- Owl Apron for Dress Up
How to Get Started Sewing with Your Child
Sewing with a young child can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it also requires some planning and patience. Here are some tips to make the process smoother:
- Create a Safe Space: Keep sharp tools out of reach and set up a child-friendly area.
- Start Simple: Choose easy projects like pillows or tote bags.
- Involve Them in Fun Tasks: Let them pick fabrics or press the foot pedal if safe.
- Keep Sessions Short: Limit time to match their attention span.
- Prepare Ahead: Cut fabric and set up the machine before starting.
- Celebrate Achievements: Praise their efforts and completed projects.
By making the experience enjoyable and safe, you’ll help foster a love for sewing and creativity in your child.
You may also enjoy these activities with your child…
Such cute gifts – and how wonderful to have your children help make them!
That's so wonderful that you are teaching your daughter these skills! She will thank you for it one day.
Also, I just replied to a comment from you and I think I referred to your 5 year old as a "he"- oops! Sorry about that! Don't know why I thought that.