5 tips to get your child started with sewing

Does your child like to do crafts? Are your kids always looking for another fun project to do? Why not try sewing, it's an excellent life skill that can be used for years to come. I will give you 5 easy tips to get started with your child today. Click here for a free download to help them practice their stitches on a sewing machine. 

1. It's not about being perfect it's about enjoying the process! 

Frustration can happen if they are trying to get their stitches perfect or their project to turn out a certain way. Remind them for their first few projects it's about learning and practicing, patience is the key! Another great reminder is for them to go slow when learning, they will want to press that pedal to the floor, remind them to go slow, and enjoy the process. 

2. Start when they are young.

Kids as young as 4 years old can start hand sewing and by the time they are 6 you can help them use a sewing machine, 8-year-olds can usually do their own projects if they have learned the skills of safety and how to thread their machine and basics of the machine. Ultimately you know your child best so use your judgment when starting them with a machine. I always encourage parents to get their child a "real" sewing machine, not a toy version. 

3. Make it fun! 

Turn on some music, or an audiobook while practicing their sewing. Let them choose their own projects. It is much more appealing for them to pick what they want to make, and the fabric they use. It might be helpful to pick 3 projects in their skill level and let them choose from there, then they can pick their fabrics, that's half the fun!

4. Practice practice practice!

Repetition is key to developing hand-eye coordination which is important when using a sewing machine. Encourage your child to practice frequently so they can gain muscle memory and understand the steps involved. It's difficult to retain the information if they are not practicing consistently.

5. Draw the stitch lines for the seam allowance on the project for your child so they can start to learn seam allowances and have a reference when they are first starting out. 

I have created some practice sheets for your child to use when learning to sew, all you need to do is print them out and they can use their sewing machine to stitch on the paper and practice a straight line, zig-zag, corners, and more! Click here to get your free download.

Happy Crafting!