Teaching Kids the Basics

I always remember my grandpa telling us how important it was to know how to fix your own socks and sew your own buttons—especially for men. However, this generation doesn’t seem to be as handy with sewing, men or women. I was just curious how many of you are teaching your sons and daughters the basics, even if you are not that handy with sewing skills. Did you have them take a class, like home economics or through a recreation center? How do you go about teaching your kids the basics if you’re not skilled yourself?

Good question Amy! I would love to know the answer to this as well. I can sew on a button and repair a small rip in my shirt, but that’s about it. I am totally in awe of people who can sew well enough to make pillows, curtains, clothes, etc. My grandma was an awesome seamstress and I really wish I would have gotten lessons from her before her health declined.

My kids’ school offered a FREE cooking class which I thought was a great idea but my 12 year-old wasn’t interested. Sure, I can teach her to cook at home but I thought it would be a good home-ec type of thing for her, plus get her involved in a social activity, but no go.

I’m not a skilled sewer, either, but I’m thinking about signing her up for classes at a local crafts store—this may be a good summer activity, I think. Craft stores often offer classes for kids that aren’t expensive.

My mom taught me the basics of sewing and I was required to take it in high school. I am teaching my daughter the basics as well.. For younger children, start with something simple that both of you can do together. Make a no-sew fleece blanket (see below) as a first project for older kids. For younger kids, make some small pillows or bean bags. I did this with my daughter when she was 4. I got larger plastic chidlren’s sewing needles from JoAnn’s and use yarn. Use your imagination! Also check out your local craft store such as JoAnn’s or Michael’s for children’s sewing classes. Make it a mother-daughter/son day out! You will be surprised at how easy sewing really is!!

When I was a child, my Mom made me a sewing instruction kit. She took some fabric with examples of basic stiches and gave me practice material. She also had a basic sewing book in the kit for me. I remember that the fabric examples and her sitting with me and demonstrating the stiches helped me learn.

Adrienne

My son’s preschool class recently sewed pillowcases as a community project. Even though it was in the 4-5 year old class, the kids really enjoyed it and were able to help. The teacher used the sewing machine and the kids helped organize the cloth and even picked out the pins that were needed. They also took turns pushing the buttons on the machine. I think the first step in getting kids involved in something like sewing is just helping them get more comfortable with the idea and learning how it works.

Holly,

That sounds awesome!! I think it’s great that they learn a skill while performing a community service at the same time. My mom was telling me that when I was about 4 or so (before I started kindergarten), I would sew pillows or bean bags while she was sewing clothes on the machine.. I had my daughter when she was 4 sew a few pillows.. She loves hers!!

We have a field repair kit for the kiddo’s stuffed animals. She’s currently a nurse. She ties off the stitches and watches me put the stitches in. She’s learning through observation at the moment. But she can sew a button. I showed her how to do that one.

Hi Holly,
The pillow project sounds like a great teaching tool for sewing. This actually reminded me that I learned to sew a small pillow as a Brownie projects as a kid. I had forgotten all about that. I now remember that as a fun project that helped me learn some basic sewing skills.

I will have to think of a similar project for my toddler next year when she turns 4. Right now at three, she is really good at stringing beads and loves to watch me sew. I’ll bet she would like her own sewing project.

Adrienne