Of course, teaching your child to sew can also be a frustrating experience… for both of you.  I’ve taught kids from 5 years and up how to sew, and have a few suggestions that may make things a little easier and a whole lot more fun!

• First of all, does your child want to sew?  If they don’t, it’s going to be more challenging, so put the needle and thread away for now and wait until they show an interest.
• Start off with age-appropriate projects.  I highly recommend the “Kids Can Sew” books – they’ve got some excellent instructions and project ideas for kids sewing lessons.
• Choose the project and fabric with your child.  Kids love to feel like they have choices, so bring them along to the fabric store or even “go shopping” in your stash.  Guide them towards easy fabrics and simple patterns – you want them to succeed with their project.
• I personally recommend not using a speed limiting setting on your sewing machine.  I find that kids who don’t learn how to control speed on their own have a much harder time learning to control the machine properly.
• Emphasize safety from the beginning!  Sewing machines have powerful engines, capable of sewing through fingers!  They’re not toys and must be treated with respect at all times.  That goes for pins, needles and scissors too.
• Remember that kids just don’t have the same attention span as adults.  If your child can only sit still for 10 minutes, give them a break.  It’s much better than you both getting frustrated.
• Have fun!  You want to share your love of sewing, right?  Keep it interesting and you’ll both be so much happier

image: Stock.xchg

Post from: Blisstree

Tips & Tricks for Sewing With Kids

There are a few resources that can really help in your quest to learn to sew:

• First of all, libraries!  Most libraries do have a craft/sewing/home dec section.  Some libraries even have multi-library lending systems, which means you can borrow books from different locations, even cities.
• Check out a local fabric store.  Some stores run classes, and most staff can offer advice on choosing a pattern, fabric & notions.  Ask nicely and avoid going in during big sales
• Do you have cable tv?  PBS & HGTV both run fantastic sewing shows – definitely worthwhile!
• Nancy’s Notions, of tv’s “Sewing with Nancy” has a great website, with how-tos & easy beginner projects.
• Sewing.org is the website of the Home Sewing Association & they have an excellent free tutorial on learning how to sew.    They also have an in-depth guideline to sewing, with everything from how to choose your tools to different types of seams.
• Crafts & Fabrics Links is running an ongoing free learn-to-sew lesson online, by Christina Sherrod.  There are 10 lessons already posted with tons of quick links to other how-tos.

There you go, lots of resources & help for the new sewer!  It’s a fantastic skill to have and is useful to learn, not matter what your age

Post from: Blisstree

online help for learning to sew