Here is the secret to teaching kids how to sew!  Have FUN and make many projects. Begin with small items first and as the child’s knowledge increases add more projects with step by step instructions and slowly and steadily build their interest and their foundation of sewing experiences.  This will build self-esteem and a life-long joy of sewing.

One of the first steps that a kid learns is what type of sewing supplies are needed in order to make the sewing experience fun and safe. Here’s a great list to start with:

• Sewing Machine – in excellent working order.  Zede’s Sewing Studio has wonderful starter sewing machines that are very user friendly and safe for a beginner sewer.
• Thread – quality thread is important for a successful sewing experience.
• Empty bobbins – to wind thread on to match fabric
• A seam ripper – to unsew the boo boos that will happen while learning to sew
• Straight pins – quilting pins are nice for smaller hands to use
• Pin cushion – a nice place to keep the pins from ending up on the floor
• Sewing machine needles – definitely needed for each sewing machine used in class or at home
• Straight edge ruler-approximately 6” long with a metric side as well
• Seam Gauge-absolute necessity
• Tape measurer
• Sewing scissors (for fabric only)-this is very important for the student to learn to only use sewing scissors on fabric
• Paper scissors – nice to have so the student isn’t tempted to use the fabric scissors
• White marker pencil – to mark on dark fabric
• Sliver marker pencil – to mark on lighter fabrics
• Few safety pins small and large
• Comfortable sewing workplace
• Hand sewing needles

Now put all these sewing supplies together into a simple basket, plastic container, or sewing basket and the student will be ready to get started learning to sew. Now for the shameless plug You can find these sewing supplies at Zede’s Sewing Studio.

My next post will be about various classes and events perfect for a budding student. Stay tuned!