5 Surefire Tips for Sewing with Children

My two youngest granddaughters have been begging to sew with me. The girls are 5 years old, the same age that I was when my grandmother introduced me to sewing.  She taught me to thread a needle, sew on a button, and gave me small pieces of fabric to make doll clothes.  I didn’t graduate to sewing on the machine by myself until I was eight.  Classic experience!  But I am taking a more modern approach with my granddaughters. 

I haven’t showed them how to thread a needle or sew on a button but they do rewind my bobbins for me on my Simplicity Sidewinder.  They help pin patterns and take the pins out as I sew a seam.  They push the reverse button on the machine when I backstitch.  They go to the fabric store to help pick out fabrics and notions.  They help stuff toys and turn corners with the chopsticks.  They are learning to roll an edge for a nice crops seam.  We use real sewing jargon.  I talk about the parts of the machine and safety rules.  I talk about the tools and how to correctly use them.  They guide the fabric along through the machine while sitting on my lap or standing in front of me.  All this is sewing.

Mia pinning the pattern for the dice pouch to the fabric

I have taught my daughters to sew and two older granddaughters to sew.  I have taught adults.  Here are my best tips for those of you who have children or grandchildren (no, it is not just a girl thing) who want to learn to sew.

Tip One Make sure you are well rested.  Teaching children to sew requires patience and if you are already stressed or overtired you will have a terrible time.  The first key to sharing a skill you enjoy is have a good time doing it.

Tip Two Explain the safety rules and keep explaining the safety rules.  Once is not enough.  A sewing machine, scissors and pins and needles should all be explained as to the correct way to use them.  Children should be taught a healthy respect for them.  Children are impulsive, they get excited, and they forget.  Tell them the rules and keep telling them the rules.

Tip Three Take you time.  Nothing should have to be done immediately.  Sometimes we sew for only 5 minutes before my granddaughter is off to watch Sofia the First on the Disney Channel or go outside and play hopscotch. 

Tip Four Nothing has to be perfect!  Sometimes you have to forgive the imperfect seam, the snarled threads and the loose button.  The quickest way to kill creativity is to demand perfection.  With time you can gently point out ways to improve. 

Tip Five Plan projects for the ability and interests of the child.   I have two granddaughter three months apart in age.  The girls are very different.  One is impulsive, the other meticulous.  One will sew for 5 minutes, the other for 20 minutes.  One has definite ideas about what she wants for colors, buttons, or what to sew.  The other is just happy with whatever G-Ma suggests. 

Threading the ribbon through the casing.  Mia came back to the project after a short break.

It’s funny but these tips also work when teaching adults.  Please share any tips you have on teaching children or adults to sew.   It’s funny but these tips also work when teaching adults.  Please share any tips you have on teaching children or adults to sew.