Sew New to This!

[MaryMarg]

Want to teach DD who is 4 1/2 how to do some basic sewing--sewing cloth together, stitching, cross-stitch, but I only sew buttons on! Did cross-stitch as a child. Where do I begin with DD? Someone suggested those large plastic sewing needles? Is there a certain type of thread to buy? I am uncertain about what projects to undertake and where to find materials... Thanks for any basic ideas!

[sewchris2642]

I started my kids off sewing buttons onto felt held in an embroidery hoop using thread (or crochet thread http://www.coatsandclark.com/Product...ic+Crochet.htm) in a tapestry needle. The needle is blunt but small enough to go through the hole in the button. Not only is it a great way to introduce sewing but it's a great eye-hand coordination and a pre-reading skill. They also made button necklaces by threading the buttons onto carpet/home dec thread (heavier than regular thread http://www.coatsandclark.com/cgi-bin...+heavy+thread+) to make a necklace or bracelet. Sewing on Styrofoam vegetable and fruit trays is also good. They can just randomly sew on the trays or you can draw a picture for them to follow. Sort of like sewing cards.

For more advanced projects, she can sew squares and rectangles into tote bags, pillows, and sachet bags. Use graph paper to make cross stitch patterns and then trace them onto fabric. Or get simple cross stitch iron on transfers from your local fabric/craft store. For more involved projects, you will probably want to learn to sew so you can teach her. 6 is a good age to start learning the sewing machine and using patterns. But you will have to know how to do that or both of you take classes together from an instructor.

[MaryMarg]

Thanks for the great ideas!