I am so excited to launch Little Stitchers! This will be a series that updates as often as possible with lessons, tips, projects, sew alongs, and much more. This week is an introduction and supply guide, and the following weeks will provide you with lots of different ways to get your lessons started. If you have ever wanted to teach your child or grandchild or any other child to sew, now is the time!
Both of my children are going to be a part of this. Ainsley is 4 years old and has been learning for almost a year. She is well on her way to be a designer, or so she says. Ethan is 6.5 years old and he is Autistic, so this will be a challenge. He is very much into learning how to sew and even wants his own machine, but he will require patience and practice because of his poor motor skills and lack of awareness. I know he will get there because he is the smartest and most determined kid I have ever met.
I recommend starting with a child that is no younger than 3.5 years old. I didn’t just jump right into the sewing machine with 3 year old Ainsley. We worked on cutting fabric, pinning, and we talked about safety. I showed her how the machine works and where it is a no-no to touch. Don’t worry, I will talk about all of this in other lessons, but it is important to remember that you can’t rush the child. If you have a 5 year old, consider how mature they are and use your judgement. Even a 10 year old needs guidance and supervision at ALL TIMES, until you feel 100% confident in their sewing abilities. Sewing with a machine can be dangerous, but I am sure you are fully aware of that!
The Story
*******
My Mum taught me how to sew as a young child and I can’t thank her enough for that gift. She still comes over to sew next to me and it means more than just a finished product. It is time spent together. We talk, we laugh, we bicker about measurements, and we end up with an awesome product that we created together. Returning this gift to my children is a goal of mine. I want both Ethan and Ainsley to have the chance to learn, and I hope that one day, we can sew along side each other.
I have given sewing lessons to many people and it is probably one of my favorite things to do. Teaching someone a craft like sewing is rewarding and fun and, honestly just amazing. I love what I do and I love helping others. Kids are tough, don’t get me wrong, but they amaze me with how quickly they learn.
It takes patience and time… and lots and lots of patience.
If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you would likely know about Ainsley’s growing passion for sewing. For almost a year now, she has been a budding sewist and it makes my heart so incredibly happy to see her desire to learn more. She will sit down in my sewing room with me and pin and cut and decorate the walls. She might only be 4 years old, but she knows what she likes and wants more, more, more. When it is time for her sewing lessons, she just absolutely glows and looks so proud and I can’t tell you how great that feels. What an amazing craft to teach.
The Machine
***********
Ainsley has been using my regular sewing machine for months, but I thought it would be fun to get her one she could could be proud of. When she opened her Janome Mini, her eyes just about bulged out of her head and I knew she was thrilled.
There are MANY other suitable starter machines such as Brother XL200I , Brother cs6000i, and Janome 3128. Search online, ask friends, and read reviews. There are lots of options in the $60-$100 range. You do NOT want a machine that is specifically called a “kid sewing machine” or a single chain stitch machine. You know the ones I am talking about, right? The ones you find in the toy aisle are NOT going to work and will only cause frustration. Buy a reasonably priced machine (doesn’t matter if it is “mini” or not), but make sure you purchase a reputable one that will produce great results.
There are lots of different finger guards you can buy for the needles, if you are concerned about your child shoving their fingers under the needles. There are plastic guards and metal guards and they are often specific to your machine, so do a thorough search.
A Space to Sew
***********
Because kids are smaller than we are, they need a lower surface to work on, so that their feet will be able to touch the pedal comfortably. I set up a corner of my work studio with a play table and chair, and it is now considered the “Kid Sewing Place” for both Ethan and Ainsley. She even decorated it, “just like Mama”.
If you don’t have space for a designated kid sewing area, no worries! There are lots of ways to get your child’s foot to reach that pedal, even when sitting at a regular height table. Try placing the pedal on a step stool or a lower chair or even prop it up on some books. It all depends on the height and leg length of your child. The main idea is to make sure your child is sitting comfortably and is easily able to press the pedal without having to reach. Keep trying various ideas until you come up with a solution.
Another tip: Make sure the work area is close to an outlet, so that there are no tripping hazards.
Supplies to Start
***********
There are minimal supplies needed to start your child on this sewing journey. Aside from the machine and the equipment that comes with every machine (bobbins and needles), you simply need some scrap fabric, a small pair of fabric scissors, and thread. It is always fun to buy a cute supply box to store their equipment. Next week, I will be providing you with some printables, so that you can add those to your supply box!
When Ainsley discovered her drawer, she immediately filled it with buttons. I love that girl!
I am so excited to start this process with all of you and I hope you will join and share with friends. This week was just an introduction… but there will be lessons and fun from here on out! Grab my button below for your blog and stay tuned for lots of lessons and printables and help along the way. I promise that this will be fun and rewarding!
Hayley
Hayley Crouse is a wife, mother and multifaceted designer. Her love of sewing, crafting, cooking and interior design infuses her daily life and naturally spills over into her online presence. She pushes the envelope of her creativity and hopes that others will be inspired to do the same. She currently authors the Welcome to the Mouse House Blog, is the pattern designer behind Mouse House Creations and is a collaborative designer with Willow & Co. Patterns.
Latest posts by Hayley (see all)
- Music Room: Home Tour - January 11, 2019
- The Ace Cardigan - July 30, 2018
- Susie Halter Top and Shorts: Project Run and Play - July 18, 2018
Oooh…I love, love, love this! I will definitely be joining in and having my two kiddos sew along. And a little structure with your lessons will help me! I’m putting the button on my sidebar now 🙂
Hayley, your timing is perfect!!! I’ve been thinking our oldest son (also 6.5) is ready to learn, but I wondered where to start. Thank you for the guidance and motivation to sit down with him and teach the love of sewing!!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this! I had been anticipating this endeavor of yours when I read you would be doing this with your children! I will be sharing and sharing your Kids Can Sew “Workshop”!
Where did you get a finger guard for your Janome Mini? I have searched the internet and cannot find one. Apparently there are none available for the Mini or for the Janome Hello Kitty machines??
Love the idea. I will be tuning in for sure. Even though my Granddaughter lives 200 + miles away it will be a great blog to follow. Love the pink machine. So girly.
genius once again.. i keep thinking mine are too young but they are 7 and 5! i did have my boy sew a pillow last winter.. he wants to do stuffed animals!
So so cute. I will follow this series for sure! You are amazing!
Super excited for this! Anne turns 4 next week and I know she would just love to try 🙂
This is fantastic my mini me is desperate to learn to sew, she is six and had bought her the same machine a while ago but struggling for projects, thanks for this one
I am sooooo joining in with you! Can’t wait!
I just posted pictures earlier this evening of my 12 year-old daughter pressing some quilt blocks she is working on! She loves to sew! She has a hard time focusing in concentrating in school but when it comes to sewing she gets totally engulfed and her eyes light up!
My ten year old just learned to sew so I am interested in this series, to see what you do. I have a 6 year old, also, but I Am not ready to teach her!
Love this – what a sweet idea. You should check out this german site that I discovered some weeks ago. It’s all about sewing projects for kids: http://kinderleichtundschoen.blogspot.de/
My five year old niece has been asking me to teach her since she was three! I was thinking of maybe starting her the way I learned– with doll clothes. She learns how to read a pattern, cut things out, sew and finish a seam… all the basics that I learned, too but sewing in miniature.
Love this idea hailey! My girl is still a bit too young, but I’m sure I’ll stow away loads of ideas for when she’s ready 🙂
LOVE!!! thank you so much.
Great series… Looking forward to it!
wow, going to be a great series!! So exciting!! Emily
What scissors did you get your daughter? I have been looking online (haven’t had time to stop at a store), but can’t really find any kid sewing scissors. The other issue, is that my daughter is left handed. Thanks!
I purchased her some basic snippers from the fabric store… I bet they sell left handed ones
Good luck and have fun
She is very cute and talented . Great Work