4Real Forums: Teaching little ones to sew?

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Topic: Teaching little ones to sew?

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JSchaaf
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Joined: Feb 22 2005
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Posted: Dec 20 2005 at 5:20pm \| IP Logged

My SIL just sent a big box full of fabric squares-the girls are busy matching them up and making "paths" with them. My 5 yo told me "we can tape them together and make doll blankets!". I do own a sewing machine that made it through the storm (because it was securely packed away in the attic, in the same box it came in

). Can I, with no real sewing knowledge, armed with only a instruction manual, teach a 5 yo to sew four squares together without personal injury (to me or the small child)?
Jennifer

Mary G
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Joined: Feb 07 2005
Location: Virginia
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Posted: Dec 20 2005 at 8:11pm \| IP Logged

If I may suggest -- buy a copy of CHC's Sewing with St. Anne -- it's a treasure of a book for teaching sewing with lots of fun facts woven throughout the book. Starting with the proper way to thread a needle llthe way through to making cool projects...you or your kids will get lots out of this book (and I love that it's spiral bound so it lies flat!)

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MaryG
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ALmom
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Joined: May 18 2005
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Posted: Dec 22 2005 at 4:05am \| IP Logged

I "taught" mine with nothing but a sewing machine and fabric easily available. I forget what age - probably a little older than 5 - maybe 9 so wasn't worried about safety as much.

I just provided lots of scrap fabric, the machine was set up in the living/family room for easy use and gave lots of positive comments on their projects. Later as they got more elaborate, I did hire a sewing teacher for $25 for half a day. They sewed till they got to a stumped point and then saved all these up and when we had 1/2 days worth, we called the sewing teacher - or if we wanted more instant gratification, we found a pattern for their dolls along with the stumped project and called her right away.

Sewing with St Anne wasn't available then. I don't sew at all but bought the machine when first married figuring I would have to do some mending - just never did learn much except did finally learn to make jumpers. The girls are great though!

Janet

MEBarrett
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Joined: Feb 15 2005
Location: New York
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Posted: Dec 22 2005 at 7:05am \| IP Logged

If you are nervous about using the machine with little people why not teach them a running stitch to sew the squares togther. If you have any gingham it's even easier to learn to make straight even stitches using the squares in the fabric. You couls also use gingham and an embroidery hoop to teach them simple cross stitch. All of this will get them familiar with sewing and keep them busy but not put anyone's fingers in danger.

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Mary Ellen
Mom to seven beautiful kids
Tales from the Bonny Blue House
O Night Divine

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