How to teach sewing to a child in 10 Simple Ways – 2023

At first, you may think about how to teach sewing to a child when their mind has yet to fully mature. 

But believe me, it is easier than you think because, according to researchers, children can start learning hand sewing at 4, operate a sewing machine at 6, and become independent sewers by 8. 

In short, teaching children sewing can be easy and complicated when you and they don’t understand better. 

My Observations: it depends mainly on children's mental health; if they are stress-free, they can acquire sewing knowledge quickly. But when they are encircled with tension, then it may take more time. 

Got it? Let’s start!

How To Teach Sewing To A Child In 10 Simple Steps

1. How old Is Your kid?

When someone asks me how to teach sewing to a child, my first question is, how old is your baby? Because if I know the age, it will be easier to finalize what to do in the future. 

Let’s explain this to you… 

• So if your kid is just 4, don’t dive deep; let them practice hand sewing while telling them all the precautions. 
• But on the other hand, if your baby is 5.5 or 6 years old, then teach them a sewing machine slowly and steadily for the next two years consistently till 8.
• As they turn 8, check their expertise status; if they have learned to operate a sewing machine, let them become independent sewers while giving them the to make different designs. 

2. What do they want?

No parents can make their children able to sew without asking about their preferences. So ensure that you have a regular and timely engagement with your kid to know their skills and abilities. 

So, if they want to be sewers or want to learn sewing, you need to proceed. If not, don’t force them; otherwise, their motivation will decrease. 

3. Is your child skillful?

Learning how to sew thoroughly depends upon children’s mental health and ability. Many kids can sew after practicing for years, while some can learn within a few months.

You may think, why?

• Because they may not have the proper motivation.
• Kids may need a good diet and mental exercise. 
• They are forced to sew and not let them choose to sew independently. And more reasons… 

When they come to me, I notice them doing different tasks for a week, and then I can tell them what they can and cannot do. 

4. Does your baby have free time?

Simply putting burdens on your child’s shoulder can be a silly move. This way, they will be exhausted and cannot be productive. So, first, know your kid’s preoccupations like school, tuition, playing timings, etc. 

Well, it is 2023, and time management has become a headache for parents. But don’t worry, you have 24 hours, so I will explain how to manage these hours for your loved ones.  

For them to learn quickly, you should take some time for sewing in the mornings at 5.30 a.m., when they wake up, as their brain works more efficiently during this time. 

As kids have more time at weekends, they can sit for 3 to 4 hours, but you should teach them only a short time continuously because their brains can’t handle it. Take a 15-minute break during the learning process to refresh them. 

5. Teach Them The Know-how of sewing machines

Don’t simply give your kids a piece of fabric and order them to sew it. First, take a sewing machine you have, but the best practice is to buy a mini sewing machine with simple features, then go for the high ones after some time. 

Take your sewing machine, sit your kid beside you, and tell each part of the sewing machine, its name and its features. The best practice is to give a NOTEBOOK to your kid to note every detail. 

Note: Because of its higher-end features, this machine is not 100% suitable for beginners, but I strongly encourage them to buy it if they are passionate about sewing. However, you must first learn how to use it.

6. Enlist Precautions For Them

There are many possible injuries with sewing work, especially when dealing with sewing machine parts like needles, different presser feet, electrical wires, etc. 

My rule is to make my students aware of a sewing machine’s hazards. 

I give a NOTE of these few points so they can remember them easily.

• Keep a safe distance from the sewing machine.
• Put your hair up during sewing (especially for girls)
• Should know about the parts of needles that can cause wounds. 
• Don’t play with sewing machine parts. 
• Unplug sewing machines when not in use, and always store a sewing machine to increase its longevity. 

7. Give Your Kids The Freedom To Choose The Design

It may sound silly to give children a free hand to select any design. But it can be more practical. But before it, you need to tell them about the different types of fabrics so they can understand which one to pick. 

My experience shows that letting children select their preferred design can boost their productivity and allow them to learn sewing design easily. 

Meanwhile, I don’t force them to specific designs of my choice. You should only show them how to select stitches on the sewing machine and then let them start sewing for the first two weeks so that they get used to different types of stitches. 

Also, I recommend letting your kids sew specific designs, such as Simplicity Pattern, repeatedly for a few days to become masters. So please don’t confuse them with numerous techniques in the first few weeks.

8. Teach Them to Sew On Specific Lines

Children cannot sew straight due to their lack of sewing skills and practice. Therefore, I mostly draw straight lines initially and then let them start exactly on it. At first, they even make mistakes in straight lines, but after a few tries, they learn it. So this way, I switch them to curve lines and much more. 

9. Don’t Force Them To Be Perfect

No one in this world is perfect, then how can a child be? According to researchers, NO ONE SHOULD FORCE CHILDREN FOR PERFECTION; this can make them feel insecure about their abilities. 

At first, they will make plenty of mistakes, injure themselves, and damage some of the sewing machine’s parts. But at the end of the day, they will learn.

One of the lines I tell kids is, don't be disheartened by failures; take them as doors for success. 

Additionally, everyone makes mistakes, so I strongly advise every parent not to force them when they make mistakes. Children commit mistakes because they are innocent at this age. 

10. Boost Children’s Motivation

After completely telling you all the above steps, the next step is making them independent sewers. To do this, you need to give a SPECIFIC PROJECT and advise them to sew from the beginning till the end without interrupting them. 

Give them the cut fabric pieces and assign a specific time to sew. And as they complete their project, show them their final results. This will boost their motivation and confidence.

In addition, point out all the good and bad things about their work; if it is good, they will feel excited, and if it is bad, they will learn from it. 

If possible, reward them, give them Chocolate or any gift upon completing projects. Avoid beating or abusing. 

Conclusion

All parents, these are the 10 Tips that I always implement while teaching children how to sew. These are the best and simplest practices that you should note with yourself. 

Teaching sewing to children is easy when you follow the right direction from the beginning. 

THE END

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