Sewing Projects for Kids

Is Sewing Adults-Only? See These Jaw-Dropping Sewing Projects for Kids

Why do we even come up with the idea to research sewing projects for kids? 

At least one answer to it: a bored kid is the worst that can happen to you. Not to mention, it heralds an imminent catastrophe.

And since you’re so much into sewing, you will be glad to share this passion with your little ones. We know that you’re not so sure about it yet. But give it a try! 

No one said that the road wouldn’t be bumpy. Yet, we’re here to help, so hold on to this guide. (And don’t forget to take your kid with you!). 

Sewing for kids
Image source: Keren Fedida on Unsplash

Where to start?

Kids love to be creative. Imaginativeness is something that many of us have lost over time, only to regain it in adulthood. 

And you know what? 

We can turn the time. Now, we can let our kids experience and develop their imagination flows. It’s all about giving them the right tools in their hands. Their vivid minds deserve it. Not to mention, we’ll get to have a practical outcome after the whole adventure ends―a new dress or bow. Isn’t it a win-win?

When your kid makes a new garment or design item, let him or her go bananas with these custom woven labels, hang tags, and care labels. Their creation will look so much more professional! 

Imagine your little one running to show grandpa a new fluffy pillow, the one decorated with different kind of woven labels

“—Have mommy buy it for you, sweety? [and the question is real]

—No, I made it all by myself!” [proud!]

Superlabel color picking

These labels are not only for kids. Superlabelstore.com works with audiences that customize their:

    • clothing, 
    • textile, 
    • towels, 
    • sheets, and 
    • other accessories;

These are:

    1. DIY/clothing crafters at home (like you, for example, when you are upcycling clothes and your kiddos when they learn to sew)
    2. Clothing brands (also small and startups)
    3. Textile/sewing fanatics
    4. Fashion designers
    5. Hotels, bars, and hospitality businesses 

Sewing projects for kids
Image source: Taylor Heery on Unsplash

How to keep your kid animated without causing too much hyperactivity? Introduce your cute little boy or girl to sewing. Then look at how they grow in serious competencies with time.  

Kids learn very fast. Going from a sewing hobby to successful sewing business may not be the case right now. Yet, who knows what the future brings. One day they can ask you to show them 35 intermediate sewing projects

Fun sewing projects for kids
Image source: Robert Collins on Unsplash

For starters, have a look at this YouTube video “Great Projects to Begin Sewing with Kids”. It’s a bit of an introduction to the brilliant idea of sewing hand in hand with your kiddo. 

What pops up from this video is how important it is to follow safety rules while sewing with your children. 

This chapter for parents and caregivers should go first. 

Sewing for children―safety rules

The first theme to crack when it comes to sewing with small, unconscious creatures is safety. 

We must rise to the challenge of providing a sewing environment that is safe and sure. 

See this set of basic sewing machine rules for children to follow (thanks, MamaSmiles):

    1. Kids can only use the machine with permission, and only after mom or dad shows them how to use it. 
    2. Only one child can touch the machine at a time.
    3. Children always have to keep their finger away from the needle in the sewing machine.
    4. Children always have to take their foot off the pedal before pulling up the presser foot.
    5. After using the machine, every child has to turn it off and remove the plug from the machine.

Sewing projects for children
Image source: CraftIndustryAlliance

Sewing is usually reserved for adults. That’s why kids are so excited to learn to sew; they love to imitate their parents. The potential for eagerness is enormous here. Keep their enthusiasm in check, and don’t let them hurt themselves.

Before we get to the enjoyable sewing projects for kids, let’s see other safety tips. Parents and sewing tutors need to consider them (created with the help of CraftIndustryAlliance):

Safety rules Description

The ratio of kids to sewing machines

Experts advise a 2 to 1 ratio of kids to sewing machines. It cuts down all the risks in half. While one kid is working, the second one learns how to sew by watching. You’ll be able to keep a better track of what’s going on in the sewing room.   

Speed control on a sewing machine

Use only sewing machines where you can adjust the speed. Kids start their lessons in slow mode (also known as “turtle” speed).

Red painters tape on sewing machines

Tiny fingers fit under the presser foot. Needles can go through fingers above the presser foot. Use red painters tape in the shape of a box around the throat plate and bobbin case (a no-finger zone). 

Threading the sewing machine only when a machine is off

Children usually have excellent eyesight. Elders will switch on the sewing machine light when they thread the needle, but not kids. It’s smarter to keep a sewing machine off most of the time. Fewer accidents guaranteed.

Handling scissors

There are a few fundamental scissor rules. We’ve listed them below (also read sewing hacks). Apart from that, follow one wise rule. Use different levels of fabric scissors. Hang them in their respective sections, with availability based on age and skill level. 

Pins and pincushions

The more pincushions you have (and teach kids how to use them), the fewer random pins on the tables, floor and in kids. 

What about the standard scissor easy sewing for kids rules mentioned above?

    1. Always walk with the blade in your hand, 
    2. No air cutting,
    3. No cutting paper with fabric scissors, 
    4. When handing someone a pair, the handle goes first; 

Have a look at GoldStarTool for another couple of safety tips. 

Also, take a minute to watch that animated YouTube video with your children:

“Do not engage in horseplay”?―how could we forget this one. 

Easy sewing for kids
Image source: CraftIndustryAlliance

Sewing activities: Why should children learn to sew?

You know these 10 reasons to start sewing clothes, right? Well, with children, it’s similar but not the same. They are at the beginning of their road and have so much more to win.  

Working on easy sewing projects for kids can introduce them to the life-lasting passion. This hobby will have a positive impact on:

    • their character development, 
    • their educational, physical, and mental growth;

Sewing safety tips for kids
Image source: GoldStarTool

Children will learn fast, for example: 

    • how to sew on a button, 
    • how to fix their toys, or 
    • make an original gift for someone; 

We’ve discovered these five reasons children should learn to sew (with the support of Info.ThinkFun). Have a look to understand the importance of introducing sewing crafts for kids into their lives. Also, when they grow up, they are going to be grateful for the skill you taught them.  

    1. They will develop fine motor skills.

Precise handwork isn’t easy. Naturally, children have problems with it. Yet, this issue shouldn’t be left untreated. Rough hand coordination is not a good thing. It will lead to problems with:

      • writing, 
      • playing, or 
      • using some tools;

Children that practice sewing learn how to:

      • use their fingers properly, 
      • move their hands with precision, 
      • hold and use small items;

      2. Sewing helps them build self-confidence and confidence in their skills.

Making the first sewing projects for children will give them confirmation of their skills. Encourage them to start by watching. Take them on the ride with these easy beginner sewing projects. Watching how mum or dad sews will make the whole case seem more approachable. In a few years, they may show you a few advanced sewing techniques

Learning a new skill and mastering it does wonders for a person’s self-confidence. That’s the same in kids and adults. Yet, children are more influenced by external factors shaping their personalities in general. They love the praise, and sewing can provide them with it. The sense of accomplishment builds one’s sense of self-confidence.

      3. They’ll learn how to be patient.

Let’s deal with it: being patient is not a typical characteristic of most children. 

When kids want something, they want it right away. Explaining doesn’t work so well. They will learn it with time and the right action. 

When children learn empirically (with simple sewing projects for kids), they understand what waiting is all about. Sewing can teach them to be patient. It doesn’t work if you keep repeating it. Yet, it does wonders with sewing; it’s subtle, effective, happens in stages. 

What do we mean by that? 

To give you an example: 

      • you can’t sew before threading the needle, 
      • you can’t cut fabric before marking it, 
      • you can’t take shortcuts while stitches two pieces of fabric together;

You get it, right?

Easy sewing projects for kids
Image source: HairLoomCreations

      4. Sewing will help them to practice communicating and follow instructions.

Children are not big fans of following instructions meticulously. Yet, while learning to sew, they will need a guide. 

At first, they will ignore your words and try to do it their way. The thing is, their way won’t work for 100%. They will have to listen to your training. The good news is that kids will most probably listen to you outside sewing practice as soon as they get used to it. It will also improve their communication skills. Expressing their thoughts with ease and precision will become smooth.

      5. Sewing will make them use their imagination and creativity.

Kids’ imagination and creativity are powerful tools to take on the trip called life. The thing is that they have to use them in the right way. 

Fascinating ideas that children have may be far more impressive than those of adults. School-related and other obligations bring the sad, uncreative pressure in. Sewing saves children from losing their creative talents.  

If your kids are big enough and prefer to learn sewing from books, show them these found by PinCutSewStudio. You can also share these best sewing tips and tricks with them when they get to the higher levels of advancement.  

Sewing projects for kids

So here we are with our kids, impatient to learn to sew. Let’s have a look at a couple of beginner sewing projects for kids. 

We bet your children will jump for joy as soon as one of these ideas sees the daylight. 

Robot zipper pouch tutorial
Image source: SwoodsonSays

Don’t forget to encourage yourself to follow your kids and think outside the box. 

Allow kids to follow their flow of creativity:

    • add buttons, 
    • trims, or 
    • fabric paint 

even if you don’t feel like they are necessary for a particular project. 

Your kid knows best how to conjure up something perfect for themselves. 

DIY Plush Toy

Sewing for 4-year-olds? Let’s begin with a simple plush toy that your kid will love to create first and cuddle afterward! On SwoodsonSays, you can follow the whole process step by step with the video’s help. 

Among all the sewing ideas for kids, this one:

    1. is super easy, 
    2. has loads of options to turn into more complicated as kids grow their sewing competencies: 
      • adding 3-D ears, 
      • tails, 
      • embroidery, or 
      • textures; 
    1. works on every occasion,
    2. is cheap, 
    3. has an abundance of possible outcomes: 
      • a dragon, 
      • a kitty ballerina, 
      • a monster, and
      • whatever you can imagine;
    1. all kids love it;

If you don’t use a sewing machine with the minor kids, you can make it by hand. It will take a little longer, but no doubt it is doable. 

You can incorporate some math. Give your kids a ruler and let them measure things out before they draw and sew.

Kid sewn stuffed animals
Image source: SwoodsonSays

Fairy Pillow

What about a pinch of magic? On the blog MadeForMermaids, you’ll learn how to prepare this wonderful DIY home accessory. It requires more precision, so we put it among sewing projects for 7 year olds.

We’re sharing a short supplies’ list below:

    1. Fabric: 1/2 yd woven for the mainquilting cotton and flannel (makes a pillow super soft), scraps for the doors and windows
    2. Embellishmentsbuttons, trim (3/4 yd for along the roofline, scraps for the remainder), flowers, etc
    3. Poly Fill

Talking about scraps, take a look at these upcycling fashion ideas. Maybe you and your kiddo will start sewing together and make a revolution in your wardrobes. 

Sewing crafts for kids
Image source: MadeForMermaids

Free Fox Purse

Little girls rarely have their own purses. They can only wear those that their mums do. In stores, there are hardly any ones that would fit your kid perfectly. 

Yet, we’ve got an idea!

Follow these instructions presented by IHeartCraftyThings. Create a fantastic project of a fox purse together with your kid. 

Mind that this idea doesn’t need you to use a sewing machine. You can turn it into the first sewing project for child and sew it together with your little helper. 

After finishing, load your child’s new bag with threads. He or she will get used to them and treat them as toys (while you’re reading about sewing threads types and tips).

Also, keep in mind that a fox is an option. You can make a cat or alligator as well! Check, for example, this exciting Owl bag with a pocket. 

Diy felt fox purse
Image source: IHeartCraftyThings

Sewing for children―several more ideas

Are you looking for more sewing projects for 4-year-olds? Or maybe you wish to impress your growing-too-fast teen daughter?

In the table below, we’re gathered a few more projects to test out with your minor―from toddler to teenager:

Name of the project Description

Freezy cosy

These little hands freeze and hurt very fast. If your youngster needs to hold something cold, let them do it with ease with this cute freezie cosy. This project takes five minutes to make!

Road busy book pages

Mysterious as it seems, it’s a couple of cardboards with felt on them. This construction then makes for a playing board. Go to TheCountryChicCottage to know more. 

Softies

Take a look at this “super scary” and colourful spider at SumOfTheirStories. Having a huge fluffy artificial spider nearby helps to recover from family traumas like mom screaming after seeing the real one! 

Scrunchie

The Scrunchie project is not for fun; it’s a big deal! This practical sewing project can become a hallmark of your long-haired youngster at school. Learn how to conjure one up from HappiestCamper

Hair bows

The same as above, friends at school will love it and make your kid proud! Check what supplies you need and how to make hair bows at home

To sum up, what’s the best choice when you’re introducing your offspring to sewing? Anything with easy straight stitches!

    1. pillow, 
    2. small pouches, 
    3. no-sew scarf, 
    4. basic stuffed animals kits, 
    5. and so on (kids mind are limitless so go with the flow);

Simple sewing projects for kids
Image source: Zach Vessels on Unsplash

We’ve mentioned only several examples, but you can look for much more. See WonderfulDIY, ActivityVillage, and WhymsyRoo for stunning sewing crafts for kids.

If you love sewing projects old jeans and upcycling clothes in general, you’ll be glad to see this YouTube video. Check out these five sewing projects with recycled materials from around the house. 

You not only keep your kid interested and creative but also involved in house cleaning and environmentally friendly! 

Find a few more examples of sewing ideas for children at SewMeYourStitches and Craftsy

Sewing activities
Image source: Leo Rivas on Unsplash

Sewing ideas for kids―seven rules to have in mind when you sew with kids

Safety rules are one thing. But there are several golden rules (borrowed from SewASoftie) that are good to keep for later:

    1. Copying in sewing is a good thing! It’s not like at school where you have to do your own thing all the time. If your kid wants to sew the same that their brother or sister does, let them; that’s how you naturally learn. It’s not a competitive game. 
    2. Let the kids decide. When they ask you how to make a decoration on their softie, direct this decision to them. The best thing about it is that there are no wrong answers. 
    3. Every softie needs a baby. There is this thing with kids: every fluffy bear or bird will need a friend or a baby. That’s how the world looks in their eyes. 
    4. Sewing isn’t a race. It’s not about who finishes first. Be sure to let kids know about it all the time. You can be slow and very precise or fast and efficient. It’s an individual thing, and no one should be left feeling like they’re not making it on time. 
    5. More is better. Kids are not so much into minimalism. 
    6. All stitches are ok. Big or messy stitches look like they beg you to be undone? That’s not the case with children. Leave them like this. The new one will be at least a little better than the last one, and this is how it rolls. Show them how to get smaller, neater stitches. Explain why you need them to sew this way but don’t destroy their work, or they will get demotivated. 
    7. Sweets are a great way to end a sewing session. It has to be exciting and fun; otherwise, you’ll lose their enthusiasm. As a result, the world won’t meet incredibly talented sewers.

Beginner sewing projects for kids
Image source: Sigmund on Unsplash