Sewing for Kids
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Basic Hand Embroidery Stitches: Hand Embroidery for Kids, Episode 3
Basic Hand Embroidery Stitches Hand Embroidery for Kids, Episode 3 with Laura Bray of Laura Bray Designs When learning hand embroidery, three basic stitches are essential for most embroidery patterns. Learn these three easy stitches to begin learning the wonderful world of hand embroidery! The below video is great for teaching kids in a safe, fun environment. Have your child practice these stitches on a piece of scrap fabric. They won’t be as nervous about their stitches, which will help them grow their stitching confidence. Backstitch This is one of the easiest stitches. The backstitch is a great stitch to use when outlining a pattern. For beginners, outlining a…
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Transferring Designs: Hand Embroidery for Kids, Episode 2
Transferring Designs onto Fabric for Hand Embroidery by Laura Bray, Laura Bray Designs There are a number of ways to transfer designs (PDF patterns) onto fabric. Some are simpler than others, especially when teaching children the art of hand embroidery. Lightbox or Window Method If your fabric is lightweight, you can use a lightbox or even a bright window. Kids love using a lightbox, and this one is super lightweight and easy to use. Simply print out the PDF embroidery pattern, place it on the light source and then place your fabric over the pattern. Use chalk or water-soluble pencil to trace the image onto the fabric. Transfer Pens Print the…
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Hand Embroidery for Kids – New Video Series, Episode 1
Hand Embroidery for Kids: a New Sulky Video Series Episode 1: SUPPLIES Yes, hand embroidery for kids! In this video series, Laura Bray of Laura Bray designs takes us through the steps to teach children the wonderful art of hand embroidery. Hand embroidery is a gateway craft for kids, as it’s easy to learn and understand how stitches are formed, the supplies are inexpensive, and it’s fun to pick out thread and fabric colors (not to mention designs!) From Laura Hand Embroidery is a wonderful skill to teach your child. It’s a creative and quiet activity for both you and your child. I began teaching my daughter how to embroider…
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Knit Pajamas – Patterns to Make & Give + Hemming Tips & Tricks
Knit Pajamas for All! Knit pajamas make great holiday gifts, whether you make them to match for holiday greeting cards or make them different to suit each recipient’s interests. My children have come to expect new pajamas each Christmas and I like to change them up a bit year after year. They’ll get footie pajamas here or a cozy onesie there. Whether I change the fabric type or the style, they’re all a bit different. This year I’m making knit pajamas for the kiddos. I’m even making myself a pair, using a FREE leggings pattern! In the past I’ve made flannel PJs, nightshirts for my girls and fleece PJ pants…
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DIY School Supplies: 5 Projects to Make for Students
Back to School supplies are hitting the shelves already, which means it’s time to delve into our fabric stashes and make some DIY school supplies rather than buying the standard stuff at the store. I love a pencil case as much as anyone. They’re so useful and can house so many things (not just pencils, of course). However, in my kids’ school, the pencil case from the mandatory supply list must be a hard-sided container. So, I thought I’d bring you some other types of DIY school supplies you can make, and even get the kids involved, too. 1. Personalized Lunch Bag You can make your own insulated lunch bag…
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July 4 Machine Embroidery Designs & Projects to Make
Celebrate Flag Day and Independence Day with July 4 machine embroidery! These projects are easy to make–all that’s needed are some cute designs to add to your collection. Pick up the Sulky Patriotic Machine Embroidery Palette, including 10 spools of coordinating rayon thread in red, blue, white and metallics, to make things super simple. 1. July 4 Machine Embroidery Placemat This project is completely free! The pattern and Fun Fireworks designs are all available for download in the format of your choice. They work perfectly in Sulky metallics, too. Just be sure to install an Organ metallic needle to account for the friction produced by metallic thread. 2. Reflective July…
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Father’s Day Gift to Sew & Give: Free-Motion Hand Print Tie
Need a quick Father’s Day gift? Jazz up the standard tie gift with free-motion stitching using your child’s hand print. This up-cycling project starts with a standard tie straight from the closet or thrift store and makes it a keepsake that dad can wear to work on the daily. Trace the child’s hand on the tie and refashion it by free-motion stitching around the hand print. Use Sulky Tear-Easy stabilizer to keep the tie from stretching out as you sew. The full instructions come from Heather at heatherhandmade.com. From Heather I love sewing, up-cycling, and refashion, and I share that love when I teach others how to sew with sewing…
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Embroidered Swim Coverup for Kids & Adults
An embroidered swim coverup is great for beach or swim days. This one has dual uses–it’s your towel and your coverup all in one. Using terry cloth and a cute embroidery design, this project is easily achievable in two hours or less (depending on how large the chosen design is). My daughter is always tripping on her towel after swimming so I thought this was a great solution for her. This project is also suitable for adults–even as a bath towel! Choose a design based on the recipient’s interests. The placement of the design is also your choice. Move the design to the curved lower edge on the front of…
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5 Father’s Day Gifts to Sew & Embroider
Here are five Father’s Day gifts to sew, some of which are even easy enough for kids to sew themselves. Dad String Art Pick up a canvas and outline letters using a lightbox. Poke holes along the letter outlines and then thread a needle with two to three strands of Sulky 12 wt. Cotton Petites thread (choose a Blendables™ thread for a neat look). Instruct the kids to sew back and forth through the holes until the desired look is achieved. Dad can hang this in the office, garage or work space and keep it forever! This project by the blog teachbesideme is great for kids of all ages as…
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5 Summer Break Sewing Projects for Kids
Now that the kids are out of school for the summer, it’s time to keep them busy with some summer break sewing projects. These easy projects for kids to sew require just a bit of fabric and beginner hand-sewing skills. As the summer goes on, move on to more advanced sewing techniques, like machine embroidery. They will love watching the machine do its magic and picking out all the thread colors for the design. 1. Glove Monster This cute project by Craftaholics Anonymous repurposes all those single gloves you have left from winter. Add a bit of felt scraps and choose a few colors of Sulky Cotton Petites™ threads and…
