Sewing Is Fun For All Ages!
- How to Choose the Right Sewing Machine
- My Favorite Sewing Machine for Kids
- How To Teach a Child to Sew
- Sewing Essentials
- Sewing Books for Beginners
- Super Fun Kids Sewing Projects & Books
- Sewing Projects and Patterns for Teens
- Sewing & Reconstructing Clothing Books
- Sewing For The The Littlest Hands
- Lacing Cards For Younger Sewers
- Embroidery Is Fun For All Ages
- Circle Knitting Looms Rock!
- Crochet
- Knitting
- Klutz Books & Kits Are Super Fun!
How to Choose the Right Sewing Machine
- Do not buy one of those really cheap machines that are sold in the toy department for around $20. These toy machines usually sew a chain stitch and are easily jammed. They are extremely frustrating for everyone involved because you have to re-thread the machine every time it jams and children will lose interest in sewing real fast if they run into problems every time they get started.
- Look for a machine that slows at a slower speed even when the foot pedal is pressed at it's hardest. Regular sewing machines sew pretty fast and it is really hard for a beginning sewer to learn to press the pedal softly with their foot while also concentrating on what their hands are doing. I recommend a machine that sews only up to 550 stitches per minute.
- Look for a machine that is simple to use. You don't want lots of fancy buttons that need to be adjusted when you change your stitch. Look for a machine that has pictures of the stitches right on the knob and can be changed by a simple turn of the dial. Another important thing to look at is the ease of threading the machine and bobbin compartment.
- Look for a machine that has reverse stitching with a simple button or lever on the front of the machine.
My Favorite Sewing Machine for Kids
My favorite feature of this machine (besides the it's irresistible cuteness) is that it goes at a much slower speed than regular machines. This makes a big difference when you're teaching a child to sew.
Adorable compact sewing machine-perfect for Hello Kitty fans-with 6 built-in stitches plus buttonhole. Features reverse stitch for reinforcing seams, easy lay-in threading system and 4-point feed-dog system to keep fabric feeding straight. Has a free-arm design for sewing hard-to-reach areas, a handle for simple moving from room to room and a snap-on foot system. Made of high-impact ABS resin; UL listed. 10Hx5.62Wx12.75L"The Hello Kitty three-quarter-size sewing machine is great for the beginner sewer. Take advantage of the full-size capabilities in a compact size machine, designed to be used around the house and even in sewing classes. Full size-capability in a three-quarter-size machine. Built-in 4 step bartack buttonhole. Easy push-pull bobbin-winding clutch system. Needle plate with seam guides in both inches and millimeters. Heavy-duty seamless die-cast metal frame. Denim sewing capacity. Free-arm tubular sewing capability. For all sewers ages 8 and over. Sewing speed up to 550 s.p.m.
The Same Great Machine At a Lower Price
This is the same great machine without the Hello Kitty design!
A machine that can grow with youWhether you're new to sewing or an experienced sewing enthusiast, you will appreciate the quality built into this machine. The straightforward controls will appeal to beginners, but its numerous functions make the 1117S much more than an entry-level model.The Janome quality advantageJanome has become he largest manufacturer of sewing machines in the world and-due to uncompromising attention to detail-Janome is also the quality leader. You can expect smooth, dependable operation and precise stitches. Sew with confidence on delicate lightweight fabrics, heavier denims-or anything in between. Free arm for hems, cuffs, sleeves. Push-pull bobbin winder release. Seam allowance marks on both sides of needle plate. Extra-high presser foot lifter accommodates bulky fabric like fleece, terry cloth and quilting.
Another Great Starter Machine
Brother XL2610 Free-Arm Sewing Machine with 25 Built-In Stitches and 59 Stitch Functions
Amazon Price: $114.16 (as of 07/05/2009)
* Free-arm sewing machine with 25 built-in stitches and 59 stitch functions
* Automatic buttonholer; automatic needle threader; built-in thread cutter
* Drop-in bobbin system and automatic bobbin winding system; handle for carrying
* Built-in light; power cord, foot control, sewing notions, and user manual included
* Measures 15-2/5 by 6-2/3 by 11-2/5 inches; 25-year limited warranty
How To Teach a Child to Sew
Find simple projects to help your child learn the basics.
- Practice Makes Perfect! A child who has never used a sewing machine before will appreciate some fun practice runs to get used to using the foot pedal and learn to guide the fabric as it feeds through the machine. A very simple way to do this is with an old t-shirt or scrap of fabric. Draw lines on the fabric with a marker and let your child follow along the lines as a guide. They can pretend the sewing machine foot is a car following a road. Use different colors of markers to make straight lines, curves and corners. This makes for excellent practice and also helps them learn when to stop and lift the foot, turn corners, change stitches, etc. They will be proud to show off this first sewing project!!
Tulip Mini Fashion Iron
Amazon Price: $11.36 (as of 07/05/2009)
This tiny iron is perfect for beginners and little hands!
This Mini Fashion Iron has a lower wattage than regular household irons. Can be used by children with adult supervision. Includes one 8 ft long UL approved power cord and an instruction manual.
Sewing Essentials
Supplies you'll need to get started!
- Hand sewing needles.
- Scissors that fit your child's hand comfortably. Choose scissors that especially made for sewing, not cutting paper.
- Straight pins.
- Pincushion - I love the magnetic ones for kids because they work great to clean up spills pins.
- Seam ripper.
- Extra empty bobbins for your sewing machine.
- Extra needles for your sewing machine.
- Thread in assorted colors.
- Safety pins.
- Measuring tape and a straight edge ruler.
- Sewing basket or caddy to keep supplies handy and organized.
Singer Beginners Sewing Kit
Amazon Price: $8.77 (as of 07/05/2009)
Dritz Apple Sewing Basket-7-1/4'' Round 5'' Tall
Amazon Price: $18.49 (as of 07/05/2009)
Sewing Caddy-Assorted Colors
Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 07/05/2009)
StoneCreek Passion Pink KP Mini Sewing Tool Caddy
Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 07/05/2009)
Grabbit® Sewing Tool Caddy
Amazon Price: (as of 07/05/2009)
Sewing Books for Beginners
Girls' Best Book of Knitting, Sewing, and Embroidery
Amazon Price: $14.96 (as of 07/05/2009)
Children are natural do-it-yourselfers, decorating their own rooms, experimenting with arts and crafts, expressing their personalities through all sorts of hands-on activities. Girls' Best Book of Knitting, Sewing, and Embroidery encourages that creativity while teaching kids the fundamentals of three basic handicrafts. Through colorfully illustrated, step-by-step lessons and simple, engaging projects, this charming book introduces girls to the world of knitting, sewing, and embroidery in a fun and accessible format.
All three crafts are explained in clear, easy-to-understand language, accompanied by vibrant color photographs and illustrations that demonstrate the tools and techniques of each trade. The bright, adorable projects that follow-embroidered T-shirts and patches, knitted flowers and butterflies, sewn bags and hair bands-will inspire kids to try out their new skills.
Throughout the pages are special features such as perforated embroidery cards, patterns for tracing, and-best of all-a sturdy, pop-out cardboard doll, ready to be dressed in clothes made by the young designer following instructions in the book. The perfect combination of play and learning, Girls' Best Book of Knitting, Sewing, and Embroidery is sure to make a crafter out of every creative girl.
See and Sew: A Sewing Book for Children
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 07/05/2009)
My First Machine Sewing Book: Straight Stitching (My First Sewing Book Kit series)
Amazon Price: $10.36 (as of 07/05/2009)
My First Sewing Book: Hand Sewing
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 07/05/2009)
The Best of Sewing Machine Fun for Kids
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 07/05/2009)
Sewing Fun for Kids: Patchwork, Gifts and More!
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 07/05/2009)
Sew Everything Workshop
Amazon Price: $19.11 (as of 07/05/2009)
Super Fun Kids Sewing Projects & Books
These projects are great for older kids who has mastered the basics!
- How to Make a Sock Monkey
- We start by making the body and legs of the monkey. First, turn one of the socks inside out and flatten it so that the heel is centered.
- Kid Friendly Learn to Sew Pajama Pattern for Beginners
- Girls and Boys Pajama Pants with new learn-to-sew instructions! Kid friendly, easy to follow pattern for beginners. You can find this pattern Simplicity 3553 at your local fabric store or purchase it at Simplicity.com
- Free Sewing Pattern to Make a Rag Doll
- This pattern can be used to make a variety of rag dolls Raggedy Ann, gingerbread dolls, or a basic rag doll.
- How to Make a Simple & Versatile Soft Doll
- Ruby is made up of basic shapes and her construction is also pretty simple. The fun lies in the embellishing and finishing of the doll. PDF from One Red Robin's Blog.
- Free Doll Pattern for Simple Rag Dolls
- Free doll pattern to download plus complete photo instructions for how to sew a simple rag doll with yarn hair and an embroidered face. An excellent project for beginning sewers.
- Sock Babies - Free Doll Pattern
- They are so easy, so cute and so huggable! You can make them with very little sewing. All you need is a pair of socks, some stuffing and you are on your way to making this cuddly little doll.
- Beach Bag
- Off to the beach, dance class, or a sleepover at a friend's - this roomy tote can fill the bill. The unique flat casing makes serging this tote fast and easy to complete for the beginner sewer.
- Pointy Kitty Pattern
- A Wee Wonderfuls free pattern for you to enjoy.
Aranzi Aronzo Cute Dolls (Let's Make Cute Stuff)
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 07/05/2009)
This successor to The Cute Book is loaded with patterns and instructions to make large, huggable versions of the Aranzi Aronzo characters. A full-color page of the finished dolls accompanies each character, along with large, easy-to-follow instructions and whimsical descriptions. Learn how to create 20 different characters in all, including favorites Sprite, Bad Guy, and Pinkie, and new additions Munky and Spritekin.
These fun books by Aranzi Aronzo are full of totally cute patterns that kids will love creating!
Aranzi Cute Stuff
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 07/05/2009)
Aranzi Aronzo Fun Dolls (Let's Make Cute Stuff)
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 07/05/2009)
The Cute Book
Amazon Price: $10.36 (as of 07/05/2009)
Baby Stuff
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 07/05/2009)
Making Fleece Crafts (Kids Can Do It)
Amazon Price: $6.95 (as of 07/05/2009)
Stray Sock Sewing: Making One of a Kind Creatures from Socks
Amazon Price: $13.59 (as of 07/05/2009)
Stupid Sock Creatures: Making Quirky, Lovable Figures from Cast-off Socks
Amazon Price: $10.15 (as of 07/05/2009)
Softies: Simple Instructions for 25 Plush Pals
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 07/05/2009)
Sock and Glove: Creating Charming Softy Friends from Cast-Off Socks and Gloves
Amazon Price: $9.97 (as of 07/05/2009)
Sewing Projects and Patterns for Teens
Sewing does'nt have to boring. Use your creativity to create your own unique wardrobe!
- Armwarmers
- Instructions on how to make cute armwarmers from a t-shirt.
- Free Sewing Patterns at Fitz
- Lots of free clothing sewing patterns, complete with instructions.
- How to Recycle Jeans into a Skirt
- You've surely seen tons of these around. They seem to go in and out of the popular style, but they always have a certain bohemian or resourceful type of charm. For this project, you need one pair of old jeans or pants, and thread that matches the topstitching on those pants.
- Wrap Fabric Headbands Free Pattern
- These two headbands are very quick and easy to make.
- Recycled T-shirt Pillow
- Is your favorite shirt getting worn out? Have a tee with a cute design that just doesn't fit right? Make an easy (and super soft) cover for a throw pillow for the futon / bed / couch / chair.
- Custom Corset Pattern Generator
- Fill in the below measurements, and receive individualized instructions on creating a perfectly fitting corset pattern.
- Teen Seams - Make Your Own Bean Bag Chair
- For lounging in front of the television or curling up to read a book, use this comfortable bean-bag chair.
- Felt Computer Laptop Bag Pattern
- Complete pattern and instructions to make a cute bag for your laptop.
- Denim Organizer Pattern
- This fun organizer, made from the legs of cut-off jeans, is a great recycling project. The finished hem of the jeans creates the top of the organizer's pockets, so there is no need to bind the edges.
- Locker Pocket Organizer
- Hang this convenient organizer in your school, gym, or work locker to organize all your supplies. You can customize it by stitching different divisions in the pockets or by making it longer.
- Elegant Prom Shawl
- Make a really cute shawl with nylon tulle, beads and sequins!
- Beach Bag
- Off to the beach, dance class, or a sleepover at a friend's - this roomy tote can fill the bill. The unique flat casing makes serging this tote fast and easy to complete for the beginner sewer.
- Generation T T-Shirt Projects
- How to reconstruct your t-shirt into a new design. Free projects from the Generation book (below).
- How to Make Skinny, Pegged or Cigarette Jeans
- It seems like everywhere i go, i hear people asking how to make skinny fit pants. so here's how.
- Tube Top or Dress
- How to make a trendy tube top or dress from a t-shirt. Really cute. Photo example and complete instructions.
- Pixie Skirt
- How to make circle skirts, pixie skirts & flounce hems. Photo example and complete instructions.
- DiY Craft and Sewing Tutorials!
- WhatTheCraft has step by step sewing and craft tutorials, articles, and resources for all of your diy needs. Learn how to reconstruct a t-shirt and more!
- Amy Butler Design - Free Patterns
- Please enjoy these patterns. Just click on a link below to download the pattern of your choice.
- Upcycled Bubble Skirt
- Turn a old men's sweater into a cute bubble skirt.
- How to Make Jeans Into a Skirt
- By request here is the how to for the girly twirly skirt.
- Popcap Pincushion Tutorial
- I saw a ring version of this over at Camilla's a couple months back and I thought it would make a quick, easy stocking stuffer for a crafter. Here's a short tutorial for a wrist version.
- How to Make a Zippered Pouch
- This is a tutorial for a zipped pouch, but you can use the same method on larger projects.
- Quilted Tie Strap Bag
- This pattern is based on a bag I saw in a Japanese craft book, but I have changed the size (theirs was too small, though mine is not large) and added patchwork, plus yo-yo embellishment.
- Fabric Headband
- Free fabric headband pattern for personal use.
- Harajuku Punk Shirt
- Design your own Harajuku Japanese punk shirt tutorial.
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Recycle & Reconstruct Old Clothes Into a Fashionable Wardrobe
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Clothes go in and out of style, get damaged and worn, but it's ecologically correct to reuse and recycle everything we can. Sometimes we even want to hold on to certain items because we love the patterns and textures of the fabric. There are lots of...
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How to Dye Denim & Make Your Own Colored Jeans
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Holy '80s Flashback, Batman! Colored skinny jeans are the hottest new trend, but you might not want to fork over your hard earned cash to transform your wardrobe into a palette of dyed designer denim. With the proper supplies and instructions you can...
Sewing & Reconstructing Clothing Books
Rip It!: How to Deconstruct and Reconstruct the Clothes of Your Dreams
Amazon Price: (as of 07/05/2009)
Jean Therapy: Denim Deconstruction for the Conscientious Crafter (Domestic Arts for Crafty Girls)
Amazon Price: $13.59 (as of 07/05/2009)
Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-Shirt
Amazon Price: $10.37 (as of 07/05/2009)
Sew What! Skirts: 16 Simple Styles You Can Make with Fabulous Fabrics
Amazon Price: $11.02 (as of 07/05/2009)
Sweater Surgery: How to Make New Things with Old Sweaters (Domestic Arts for Crafty Girls)
Amazon Price: $13.59 (as of 07/05/2009)
Sewing For The The Littlest Hands
Pamela Drake Inc. Sew 'n' Sew Wooden Toy
Amazon Price: (as of 07/05/2009)
These classic Sew 'n' Sew toys in great new styles are lots of fun for little hands! Children have fun threading through these colorful, cheerful toys while honing dexterity and hand-eye coordination. A great little gift, and fun for travel!
Red Apple
Amazon Price: $7.00 (as of 07/05/2009)
Sew N' Sew
Amazon Price: $6.00 (as of 07/05/2009)
Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wooden 27-Piece Lacing Beads in a Box
Amazon Price: $14.70 (as of 07/05/2009)
Bead Bazaar Lacing Kits - Alphabet Lacing Kit
Amazon Price: $30.00 (as of 07/05/2009)
Plan Toy Lacing Beads
Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 07/05/2009)
Melissa& Doug Farm, Pets and Vehicles Bead Set- 3-pk.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/05/2009)
Lacing Cards For Younger Sewers
Fairies of the Field Lacing Cards
Amazon Price: $15.00 (as of 07/05/2009)
Recommended For Ages 5 Years And Older
Features 5 Heavily Laminated Cards Measuring 9.0 x 11.0 Inches Each
Includes Faux-Silk Thread And A Laminated Gift Box
Meets or Exceeds Specifications of American (ASTM) Toy Safety Standards
Made with sturdy board. Holes are cleanly drilled and the faux silk threads won't ever unravel.
Friendly Bugs Lacing Cards
Amazon Price: $13.49 (as of 07/05/2009)
Eeboo Lacing Cards - Things That Go
Amazon Price: $13.44 (as of 07/05/2009)
MORE FRIENDLY BUGS LACING CARDS by eeBoo
Amazon Price: $12.00 (as of 07/05/2009)
Under the Sea Lacing Cards
Amazon Price: $13.02 (as of 07/05/2009)
Musical Friends Lacing Cards
Amazon Price: $12.97 (as of 07/05/2009)
Children Of The World Lacing Cards
Amazon Price: $13.99 (as of 07/05/2009)
Family Pets Lacing Cards
Amazon Price: (as of 07/05/2009)
Eric Carle Animal Lacing Cards: 10 Cards & Laces
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 07/05/2009)
Chronicle Books-Animal Lacing Cards
Amazon Price: $18.39 (as of 07/05/2009)
Color Photo Lacing Cards
Amazon Price: $12.99 (as of 07/05/2009)
Embroidery Is Fun For All Ages
Kids' Embroidery : Projects for Kids of All Ages
Amazon Price: (as of 07/05/2009)
Embroidery (Kids Can Do It)
Amazon Price: $6.95 (as of 07/05/2009)
Simple Embroidery (Klutz)
Amazon Price: $14.93 (as of 07/05/2009)
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Simple Stitches
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I decided that, to go along with my lenses about re-using cloth and clothes, it would be a good idea to make a lens showing some of the simpler hand and embroidery stitches. Many years ago when I was starting out with sewing of all kinds, I made my...
Hoop-La 5'' Embroidery Hoops
Amazon Price: $2.99 (as of 07/05/2009)
Hoop-La 7'' Embroidery Hoops
Amazon Price: $2.99 (as of 07/05/2009)
Hoop-La 10'' Embroidery Hoops
Amazon Price: $2.99 (as of 07/05/2009)
Circle Knitting Looms Rock!
Knitting looms are flying off the shelves in craft stores because loom- knitting is such an easy craft to take up-it can be learned by both children and adults alike in just a few hours. If you have fond memories of spool knitting (a round wooden spool with a central hole surrounded by four small nails) when you were a child then you know how easy it was to create yards and yards of knitted tubes. Today's loom are just as easy and fun to use!
Easy Knitting Round Loom Set-Neon Colors
Amazon Price: $16.92 (as of 07/05/2009)
Set includes four neon bright round looms (pink
-9-1/2 diameter 41 pegs orange
-8-1/2 diameter 36 pegs lime
-6-1/2 diameter 31 pegs blue
-4-1/2 diameter 24 pegs) one yarn needle one loom pick and easy-to-follow instructions. Packaged in a clear zip locking plastic bag with handles for easy storage.
Loom Knitting Primer: A Beginner's Guide to Knitting on a Loom, with over 30 Fun Projects
Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 07/05/2009)
Learn to Knit on Circle Looms 1405
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 07/05/2009)
Fashion Angels Leg Warminators
Amazon Price: $15.93 (as of 07/05/2009)
Alex Hip Hoop Circle Knitting Kit
Amazon Price: $20.69 (as of 07/05/2009)
Crochet
Granny Squares Crochet Kit-
Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 07/05/2009)
ALEX TOYS-Learn to crochet colorful squares and put them together to create a scarf hat and other cool accessories. The suitcase holds all of supplies needed and includes 250 yards of yarn in 6 bright colors-orange blue pink red yellow and aqua crochet hook plastic needle and easy instructions. For ages 8 and up.
Kids Crochet: Projects for Kids of All Ages
Amazon Price: $15.96 (as of 07/05/2009)
Way to Crochet!: 20 Cool, Easy Projects for Kids of All Ages
Amazon Price: $10.36 (as of 07/05/2009)
Kids' Crafts: Crochet: Fantastic Jewelry, Hats, Purses, Pillows & More (Lark Kids' Crafts)
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 07/05/2009)
Get Hooked: Simple Steps to Crochet Cool Stuff
Amazon Price: $10.16 (as of 07/05/2009)
Get Hooked Again: Simple Steps to Crochet More Cool Stuff
Amazon Price: $10.16 (as of 07/05/2009)
Knitting
Alex Yarn Craft Kit in Carry Basket
Amazon Price: $21.99 (as of 07/05/2009)
Learn to knit and crochet a chic scarf and bag. Decorate with fashionable flowers and tassels to dress up your creations. This charming wicker basket contains everything a beginner needs to learn the simple stitches in these easy projects. Kit includes six brightly colored skeins of yarn (50 yards each), wooden knitting needles, plastic crochet hook and easy-to-follow instructions with line drawings to clearly illustrate the step-by-step directions.
Kids Knitting: Projects for Kids of all Ages
Amazon Price: $10.15 (as of 07/05/2009)
The Kids' Knitting Notebook
Amazon Price: $11.01 (as of 07/05/2009)
Kids Knit!: Simple Steps to Nifty Projects
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 07/05/2009)
Kids Can Knit: Fun and Easy Projects for Small Knitters
Amazon Price: (as of 07/05/2009)
The Art of Knitting 4 Kids (Leisure Arts #4406)
Amazon Price: $17.99 (as of 07/05/2009)
Klutz Books & Kits Are Super Fun!
Simple Sewing (Klutz)
Amazon Price: (as of 07/05/2009)
Quilting Kit
Amazon Price: $21.95 (as of 07/05/2009)
Crochet: Learn to Crochet Six Great Projects (Klutz)
Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 07/05/2009)
Knitting: Learn To Knit Six Great Projects (Klutz)
Amazon Price: (as of 07/05/2009)
Spool Knit Jewelry (Klutz)
Amazon Price: $14.93 (as of 07/05/2009)
poutine wrote...
Very helpful lens for young kids wanting to learn a few hobbies.
Posted February 27, 2009
SewingSally wrote...
5 stars! Kids can do great with a good sewing machine. They might like the Bernina Record 730 too.
Posted January 11, 2009
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