25 Simple Sewing Projects For Kids To Keep Them Engaged

Children have limitless imaginations and are always looking for ways to pour out their creativity, and sewing is one way to channelize their creative energy. Sewing projects for kids can encourage them to use their fingers and try out new things and also makes for a great hobby for children. It is an excellent and effective way of developing their fine motor skills, as hand-eye coordination is essential while threading the needles. Moreover, this skill can stand your child in good stead in the future. Sewing projects seldom need any preparation. Some even do not require a needle. Children can simply tie, trace, or cut fabric to feel the various textures. This way, they learn to use their hands for various purposes. For safer options, you may try the large plastic darning needles. From sewing buttons to making dolls, they will master the skill in no time with the help of either a sewing machine or their hands. If your child is always looking for new things to learn, then this post with projects of sewing for kids can be the best way to keep them engaged in something innovative.

25 Sewing Projects For Kids

1. Different-shaped garlands

It is one of the most versatile sewing projects for kids. There is no requirement for a seam or cutting in a particular shape, so it is sure to stimulate your child’s imagination.

You will need:

• Unused clothes
• Scissors
• Templates for various shapes (you can even cut them into different shapes)
• Needle and thread or sewing machine

How to make:

• Cut the unused clothes into different shapes.
• Place them adjacently, overlapping each other, and sew them together.
• You may add some extra thread at one or both the ends of the garland.
• Hang it up on a window.

2. Monster plush toy

If your child likes spooky things, you can help them make a friendly one right at home. The steps are pretty simple, and your child can make any shape for the monster.

You will need:

• Felt in different colors
• Googly eyes or buttons
• Needle and thread
• Scissors
• Cotton

How to make:

• Cut two similar shapes out of felt.
• Start sewing from one end and continue sewing until a gap of about one inch is left.
• If you are using buttons for the eyes, insert them through the gap, and sew them on. The eyes should face inside at this point.
• Turn the piece of felt inside out.
• Stuff in the cotton through the hole and stitch it up.
• If using googly eyes for the eyes, paste them on.
• You can add details, such as red dots for the cheeks, hair, or even extra eyes.

3. Love hearts

Let your child show how much they love you by gifting you this pretty little heart. This is a very simple project to exercise the little fingers, and the best part of it is that they can make it in any size they want, right from palm-sized to pillow-sized.

You will need:

• Silk cloth of any color
• Thread of any color
• Needle
• Scissors
• Cotton

How to make:

• Cut two pieces of the silk cloth in a heart shape.
• Sew them together, with the rougher side of the cloth facing outwards.
• Leave a small gap and turn the cloth inside out.
• Stuff in some cotton and sew the gap.
• You can add frills by folding tissue fabric in a wavy shape and sewing it on the heart’s outer edges. You can even embroider words or symbols on the cloth.

4. Felt mermaid doll

Children are intrigued by mermaids. They are often curious to know where mermaids are found. While finding mermaids may not be easy, making a mermaid doll is pretty simple. Your child can decorate their mermaid according to their fancy.

You will need:

• Felt for the body of the mermaid
• Any fabric for the tail
• Wool
• Cotton
• Needle and thread
• Marker
• Buttons, glitter, sequins, etc. for decoration

How to make:

• Fold a piece of felt in half and trace out the shape of the mermaid’s body.
• Cut it. Now you will have two identical pieces.
• Similarly, trace out and cut the tail from the cloth. Ensure the opening of the tail (where it joins the torso) is bigger than the lower part of the torso.
• Stitch the two pieces of the body together. Do the same for the tail. Keep the seam open since it is where the two parts will be joined.
• Stuff both the parts with cotton. Insert the torso into the tail and stitch them together. Fold the extra edges of the tail inwards to give the mermaid a finished look.
• Thread wool through the head to make hair. Take a length of wool and tie the strands together so that they do not come out easily.
• Glue the buttons to create the eyes and add other decorations of your child’s choice.

5. Plush rabbit

Every child likes a cuddly bunny. Now you can let your child make one. Let your child decide how big or small they want it to be.

You will need:

• Cotton
• Buttons for the eyes
• Felt

How to make:

• Cut out a big circle for the body, a smaller one for the face, a cloud-like shape for the tail, shapes for the arms and legs, and ovals for the ears. You must have two pieces of each shape.
• Take each pair of shapes, sew it along the edge, stuff it with cotton, and sew it closed. Leave some gaps where the shapes will come together.
• Once done, stitch every part of the body in the appropriate place. Fold the edges inwards so that the seams look perfect.
• Paste the buttons for the eyes and add a nose. Your cuddly plush rabbit is ready.

6. Glove monster

This is a very simple sewing project for kids, even for the younger ones. They can decorate their pet monster in any way they want. Put your single gloves to good use with this sewing craft. You can also use single socks for this project.

You will need:

• Glove
• Cotton, rice, beads, or old clothes for stuffing
• Buttons, felt, sequins, etc.
• Needle and thread

How to make:

• Stuff cotton or whatever stuffing you are using inside the glove. Make sure you get the stuffing into all the fingers too.
• Tuck the cuff inside and sew the opening.
• Stitch on the buttons for the eyes. Make facial expressions using felt or sequins.

7. Bookmarks

If you or your child (or anyone in your family) is a book lover, bookmarks are a great project idea. Bookmarks make great gifts too. Make cute bookmarks easily.

You will need:

• Cereal box
• Fabric
• Scissors
• Felt, paper, marker, etc. for decoration
• Sewing machine

How to make:

• Cut a cereal box into 2x7in strips.
• Cut two strips of fabric per bookmark. Each cloth strip should be 3/8in wider and longer than the box strips.
• Fold ¼in on one of the short sides and sew a hem.
• Sew the longer sides, leaving a ¼in seam allowance at the top.
• Cut the corners and turn it the right side out.
• Slide a cardboard strip into the fabric sleeve.
• You can decorate the sleeve whichever way you wish.

8. Fabric flower

This could be one of the first sewing projects for kids because it is very easy, and the result is lovely. Your child will be pleased with the colorful flowers as well. You can use any fabric you like.

You will need:

• Unused clothes
• Scissors
• Needle and thread
• A big button
• Felt

How to make:

• Cut five circles from the cloth.
• Fold each circle in half twice so that you get a quarter circle.
• Sew the circular edge of the quarter circle. Pull the thread so that the cloth crumples, and you get the shape of a petal.
• Do this for every circle using the same thread.
• By now, you should have a circle of petals with a hollow center.
• Use felt on this center to hide the stitches and provide a base for the button.
• Sew on the button. Your flower is ready.
• You can use the flower to put in a vase, on a hairband, as a brooch, or any other way your child wishes.

9. Scrunchies

Scrunchies are evergreen. They never go out of fashion and are quite useful to hold your hair together. Make fun scrunchies with your child that you can customize according to their outfits.

You will need:

• Fabric (you can use old clothes or scraps of cut cloth as well)
• Elastic band
• Toothpick
• Needle and matching thread
• Scissors

How to make:

• Cut your fabric into a long rectangle.
• Wrap the elastic band around your wrist to measure it. Leave some extra bit to tie a knot.
• Sew a hem on the shorter side of the fabric.
• Fold the fabric almost in half lengthwise, with the right sides inwards. Sew the edge leaving a ½-inch seam allowance.
• Turn the scrunchie inside out. Insert the elastic band using a toothpick till it comes out from the other end.
• Secure the elastic by tying a knot. Pull the ends of the fabric over the knot to hide it.
• Sew the ends of the cloth shut. Your scrunchie is ready.

10. Tassel scarf

This sewing project for kids can be done in under ten minutes, and the result is stunning. Children as young as 3–4 years can do this project easily.

You will need:

• Scarf
• Needle and thread
• Tassels

How to make:

• Spread the scarf on a flat surface.
• Arrange the tassels in such a way that they are equidistant from each other. You can choose to have as many tassels as you wish.
• Hand sew the tassels. The tassel scarf is ready.

11. Tooth fairy pillow

If your child is waiting for the tooth fairy, this is an awesome craft for them to work on. They can hide their tooth under the pillow.

You will need:

• Card stock
• White felt
• Scissors
• Water-soluble marker
• Needle and thread
• Fabric for the pillow
• Pins
• Cotton

How to make:

• Trace the shape of a tooth on card stock and cut it out.
• Using this cut-out, trace the shape on felt with the marker and cut it out.
• Decorate the tooth as you wish.
• Cut the fabric for the pillow into two 9x9in squares.
• Sew the tooth on to one of the square pieces. Keep the top of the tooth slightly open so that it makes a pocket.
• Place the two fabric pieces right side in and stitch around the edges with a ¼in seam allowance. Leave a three-inch space for stuffing cotton.
• Stuff with cotton, and sew the gap closed.

12. Face masks

Who knew wearing face masks would be the new norm? But they might be here to stay for a while. So why not make some amazing face masks for your children in the colors of their choice with this simple sewing project?

You will need:

• ¼ yard of fabrics in coordinating or contrasting colors
• Elastic
• Needle and thread

How to make:

• Get a face mask pattern from the Internet and trace it on the fabric. The fabric should be folded, and you should cut two pieces from each of your fabric so that you have four pieces. Each fabric should have two identical pieces.
• Sew the edges of the long sides of each pair.
• Sew on the elastic at both ends of the mask.
• Stitch around the edges, leaving a ¼in seam allowance. Keep a gap for turning it inside out.
• Turn it and close the gap.

13. Children’s belts

Make trendy and colorful belts for your children with this sewing project. This is super easy and fun to make.

You will need:

• Strip of fabric
• D rings (1 ½in)
• Measuring tape
• Needle and thread

How to make:

• Measure the waist of your child. Add six inches to the length. For example, if the waist measurement is 20in, your final measurement should be 26in.
• Cut a strip of this length and three inches wide.
• Fold the fabric lengthwise so that the right sides are together and sew the long side.
• Press it flat.
• On one end, fold the fabric for ½ inch and fold it again for ½ inch. Sew it.
• Flip the belt over. Slip the fabric through two D rings and fold the fabric over them. Sew the fabric in place. Your belt is ready.

14. Felt ornaments

Children love making ornaments for the Christmas tree. Try these felt ornaments that double up as keyrings as well. They are easy to make, and your child can make any shape they wish to.

You will need:

• Felt in different colors
• Embroidery threads
• Ribbon
• Needle
• Scissors
• Batting

How to make:

• Cut out a shape from one piece of felt. Cut the same shape twice, one in the same size and one in a smaller size. You can use cookie cutters for this. The felt can be of the same or different colors.
• Place one of the equally sized shapes on top of the other and sew them together.
• Attach the ribbon to the top piece. Sew it on.
• Sew the smaller shape on top of the two pieces using a simple running stitch.
• Your felt ornament is done. You can attach a key ring to it to make a pretty key chain.

15. Fabric links

This is a great decorative sewing project for kids. If you are looking to go plastic-free but don’t know what to use for decoration, these fabric links are a great way to decorate your home in an eco-friendly way. The best part is that you can mix and match these links, so you get new patterns every time.

You will need:

• Fabrics in various colors
• Velcro
• Cereal box

How to make:

• Cut one piece of fabric into two strips of 1.5x10in.
• Cut the cereal box into strips of 1x9in, one strip for two strips of fabric.
• Place the cereal box strip between the fabric strips and sew along all sides, leaving a 1/8in seam allowance.
• Cut a small square of Velcro (around 1x1in).
• Attach the Velcro to one end of the strip.
• Repeat the same process for the other strips. Join the Velcro pieces together to make a long chain.

16. Easy skirt

This skirt is so easy to make that you will be making more skirts for your daughters before you know it. Children are so eager to wear something that they have made, don’t they? Try this easy project with them.

You will need:

• Fabric
• Thick elastic
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Marking chalk
• Needle and thread
• Pins

How to make:

• Measure your child’s waist with the elastic so that it is a bit snug. Cut and sew the ends of the elastic band together.
• Measure the length of the skirt and cut, leaving a two-inch allowance for the seam.
• Stretch the stitched elastic band to its maximum length and measure the fabric against it. This will be the width of the skirt.
  Cut the fabric.
• Turn the fabric so that the right sides are facing inside and sew the edges together with a ½in seam.
• Lay the seam flat and use a zigzag stitch to make the fabric that will fold over the elastic.
• Fold the lower edge by ½in and sew a hem.
• Place the elastic around the waist, stretch it, and pin it.
• Fold the upper edge of the fabric over the elastic and sew it, keeping the elastic stretched at all times. The thread should not go over the elastic.
• Snip off any stray threads. The skirt is ready.

17. Tissue holders

You always require tissues, especially when you step out of the house. However, you often forget to take them with you, and you watch helplessly when your child wipes their nose against their sleeve. These cute tissue holders will make sure your child remembers to pick them up every time they step out.

You will need:

• Felt
• Embroidery thread
• Scissors
• Needle
• Pins
• Buttons

How to make:

• Cut the felt into a 6x7in rectangle.
• Fold the short ends to the middle and pin them.
• Sew the shorter sides using a running stitch.
• Turn it inside out. Your tissue holder is done.
• You can sew on a button or sequins to decorate it.

18. Sunglass Case

If you tend to lose your sunglasses often, this sewing project might be the right one for you. Use bright fabrics so that it catches your eye and you never lose it.

You will need:

• Scraps of fabric in matching colors
• Fusible fleece
• Scissors
• Needle and thread

How to make:

• Cut the fabric into 7½x4 ½in rectangles. You need four pieces of fabric, two from each fabric.
• Place the fleece on the wrong side of the outer fabric and iron it.
• Cut around ½in off the length of the fabric so that it is shorter than the inner fabric.
• Fold and sew the outer edges, with the fleece facing outwards. Leave one short edge open.
• Turn it the right side out, and your sunglass case is ready.

19. Felt monster

This is another pet monster project for children who love spooky creatures. You can get different easy monster templates on the Internet or make them yourself. Your child can decorate the monster as per their fancy.

You will need:

• Felt in different colors
• Batting
• Paper
• Needle and thread
• Buttons, sequins, straws, construction paper, etc. for decoration
• Glue
• Marker

How to make:

• Get a template of a monster from the Internet or let your child draw a monster on paper.
• Trace it on the felt and cut two pieces of the shape.
• Start sewing the pieces along the edges, leaving a gap.
• Turn the pieces inside out through the gap.
• Stuff the batting and sew up the gap.
• Decorate the monster as you wish. If you are using felt for decoration, sew it on over a cut piece first.

20. Lip balm holder

If your child is looking to give a cute handmade return gift to their friends, a lip balm holder might be the answer. This is cute and small and can be made within five minutes, even if you are an amateur at sewing.

You will need:

• Scraps of thick fabric of 2x9in each
• D ring of a two-inch size
• Needle and thread

How to make:

• Place the right sides of two strips together and sew along three sides of the pieces. Leave a ¼in seam allowance.
• Cut the corners and turn it inside out.
• Tuck the unsewn end by ¼in.
• Fold up the closed-end to about 2½in and stitch it with a 1/8inch seam allowance.
• Fold the open end by an inch and insert a D ring.
• Sew along the open edge. The lip balm holder is ready.

21. Pencil and notebook case

Everyone wants a functional case to hold their papers and stationery. This simple sewing project for kids makes a great gift idea for Christmas or Teacher’s Day.

You will need:

• ½ yard fabric for the inner and outer case
• ½ yard fabric for the pockets
• 18x10in craft fusible interfacing
• ½in wide ribbons
• Needle and thread
• A4 size paper

How to make:

• Cut the inner/outer fabric into two 18x10in rectangles.
• Cut one 18x11in rectangle from the pocket fabric.
• Cut an 18x10in rectangle from the interfacing.
• Iron the interfacing to the wrong side of the inner rectangle.
• Fold the pocket fabric in half, lengthwise.
• Press and stitch along the folded edge.
• Place the pocket on the bottom edge of the inner fabric with the right side up.
• On a paper, make a diagram of how many compartments you want and their size.
• Place the paper corresponding to the fabric and stitch the lines.
• Cut the ribbons into 10in pieces and sew one on each side where the pocket fabric meets the inner fabric.
• Your pencil and notebook case is done. You can fold it and use a ribbon to tie it up.

22. Scented packets

These tiny scented packets are not only great at teaching your children how to sew, but also serve the purpose of making your clothes smell good. You can use moth-repellent herbs as well to keep moths away instead of using mothballs that have an unpleasant smell and are toxic to animals and babies.

You will need:

• Organza fabric
• Needle and thread
• Lavender, tansy, etc.

How to make:

• Cut the organza into 5x5in squares.
• Sew two squares together. Leave a small opening.
• Fill with your chosen herbs and finish sewing the hole.
• Place the packets in your cupboards or under your pillow for a sweet smell.

23. Pleated headband

Little girls love hairbands. They can never have enough. Let them make a cute one for themselves and flaunt it with pride. It can also make for a thoughtful Christmas gift.

You will need:

• Scraps of fabric
• Interfacing
• Elastic headband
• Buttons, pearls, sequins, beads, etc., for decorating
• Matching felt
• Glue
• Scissors

How to make:

• Cut a scrap of fabric into a rectangle of about 3x12in. Cut the interfacing to the same size.
• Iron the interfacing on the fabric.
• Sew the shorter sides of the fabric and interfacing together.
• Fold it lengthwise with the right sides together and sew the edges together.
• Turn the right side out and pleat in one direction. Sew them.
• Glue the pleated cloth on the headband. Cut a strip of felt and glue it on the underside of the fabric.
• Decorate it in any way you wish.

24. Crazy cat

Does your child want a new pet? If you think they are not ready for one yet, let them make their own pet cat with scraps. This cat will be the perfect pet your child can have.

You will need:

• Scraps of fabric in as many colors as you want
• Buttons
• Embroidery thread
• Felt
• Batting

How to make:

• Cut out shapes for the hands, legs, body, head, ears, and tail from the scraps of fabric. Cut two identical pieces for each part.
• Place the corresponding pieces together, with the right sides facing each other, and sew. Keep the side that attaches to the body open. Turn them inside out.
• Stuff the body first. Then stuff each part and attach it with the body.
• Sew on the buttons for the eyes, and felt for the nose and mouth.
• Your cat is ready. Decorate it whichever way you want.

25. Pillowcase

This is a classic sewing project for kids that is both useful and easy. Your child can make funky pillowcases for themselves and for gifting them to others too.

You will need:

• 1-yard fabric for the pillowcase body
• ½ yard matching fabric for the pillowcase band
• Ribbon
• Seam tape
• Needle and thread
• Scissors
• Fabric marker
• Pins

How to make:

• Cut the pillowcase body fabric into a 28x40in rectangle.
• Cut the pillowcase band fabric into a 11x40in rectangle.
• Cut a one-inch-wide ribbon into a 40-inch-long strip.
• Fold the pillowcase band in half lengthwise.
• Pin the 40in side of the pillowcase band to the 40in side of the pillowcase body and stitch them together.
• Stitch a ribbon over the edge to make it secure.
• Fold the pillowcase in half and sew all the sides. The pillowcase is ready.

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Katherine PaxtonApplied Psychology Program

 

Katherine Paxton is an internationally-known award winning author of the book “Counselling people on the autism spectrum; A practical manual”. She graduated from a tri-university Applied Psychology Program of Campus Alberta (University of Alberta, Athabaska University, and University of Lethbridge).

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