| Teaching children to sew can be a very rewarding | | | | They will have fun exploring all the different stitches |
| experience but only if you couple it with fun! | | | | that a machine can do. They will try to turn and keep |
| Whenever I begin to teach a child to sew, I always | | | | their the foot on the foot pedal all by themselves. |
| start by showing them fun fabrics, trims and ribbons. | | | | During this time, I really don't critique or correct. |
| I let them free sketch and talk to them about how | | | | Remember, sewing is fun and I want children to love |
| the sewing machine can be their best friend and help | | | | the art first and master their imperfections later. |
| them to create their own unique designs. | | | | After seeing so many students sew at our studios, I |
| This usually sparks their imagination and then they | | | | don't even notice the crooked stitches because I am |
| are ready to learn! Always start with the | | | | enjoying the smile on the childs faces! After they feel |
| basics:Safety first, how to turn on and off the | | | | comfortable, you can move on to a basic project. |
| machine, where they need to keep their fingers,the | | | | I think making an elastic ribbon headband is a great |
| different parts of the machine, the bobbin and thread | | | | first project. Now is the time to teach them correct |
| and how the machine actually works. Kids are always | | | | skills- this fun project teaches them to sew in a |
| curious about how things operate. After showing and | | | | straight line, back tack and tips on measurement. But |
| demonstrating all of these basics, it's time for a test | | | | the best part is it's quick, easy and they can wear it |
| drive- let them explore! Let them cut a piece of | | | | all in 10 minutes...Instant gratification! Sewing can be |
| fabric ( swatch) that they chose earlier and give | | | | fun but only if your ready to teach it at a child's |
| them free rein...yes I did say free rein! | | | | pace. |