Sewing with children

From big plastic needles and felt to a first machine-sewn scrunchie or drawstring bag, one step at a time.

Who it's for
Grown-ups helping children aged about 5 to 12 try sewing for the first time.

1. Set three safety rules
   Pins go back in the pin dish. Fingers stay flat beside the presser foot, never in front of the needle. The iron is a grown-up job.
2. Start by hand with felt
   Around 5 to 6, a large-eye blunt needle and felt work well: felt does not fray.
   Kids sewing kit
3. Learn three hand stitches
   Running stitch, whipstitch and backstitch cover nearly every first project.
4. Make something in one sitting
   A felt bookmark, finger puppet or small pouch. Keep sessions to 30 to 45 minutes for younger children and stop while it is fun.
5. Sew a button
   A real-life skill they will use for ever.
   Button guide
6. Try the machine on paper
   With no thread, sew along lines drawn on paper, at the slowest speed setting, a grown-up beside them.
7. Sew straight lines on cotton
   Usually from about 8 to 10, depending on patience and control more than age.
8. Make a scrunchie or drawstring bag
   One or two straight seams, finished the same day, and something they can wear or give.

Sources

All checked 1 November 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.

1. Ourlette: sewing with kids
2. The Funky Stitch: simple hand sewing for kids