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.
Grown-ups helping children aged about 5 to 12 try sewing for the first time.
- 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. - 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 - Learn three hand stitches
Running stitch, whipstitch and backstitch cover nearly every first project. - 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. - Sew a button
A real-life skill they will use for ever.
Button guide - Try the machine on paper
With no thread, sew along lines drawn on paper, at the slowest speed setting, a grown-up beside them. - Sew straight lines on cotton
Usually from about 8 to 10, depending on patience and control more than age. - 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 November 1, 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.