I have started to volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters and my little sis saw my quilting room and said "i want to learn how to sew" So I took her to the quilt shop yesterday and she picked out one yard of fabric to make a pillow case. Pink flannel teddy bears, she couldn't get over how soft the flannel was.

So my question - what are some other kid friendly projects? She has a cat so I thought we could make some cat toys - little pillows with cat nip and a bell. I can't remember what I did in 4-H at that age. I know lots of you sew with granddaughters. Please let me know your great ideas!!!!!!!!

This is a good question. My grandkids are showing interest in my quilting but I don't know of anything for little hands to do. It needs to be simple and can be done with very big stitches! :)

Have her make a small quilt for her doll. She can do it all by hand or use big pieces on the machine. Yoyo's are another good one. She can make a bunch out of scraps the sew them together for a bag, or an old fashioned yoyo doll.

I was trying to remember what 4-H and/or home-ec projects we did while in elementary school. I remember making a toss pillow, very simple circle, and I seems to me that we did a basic applique application on one side, I think mine was a smiley face, I also remember my daughters doing pencil cases, but I don't remember whether they did zippers or some other method of closing it. I am sure that there are web sites with plenty of ideas too

small simple purses might be good. I know my 10yr old DD loves the thought of picking out her own fabric to make her own addition to an outfit.

Drawstring pajama bottoms, easy to sew and she will love them in flannel!!! Even an easy pullover top. Look for patterns like medical outfits, they are usually loose and easy to sew.

My grand daughter (11 yr.) really enjoyed the pillowcase and an apron--simple pattern that I made using an old apron. Next we are going to do a binder cover for one of her notebooks. I think it is wonderful when the young ones want to learn to sew. Good luck!

How old is she? Depending on age and personality, other good projects could be dress up clothes (most little children love superhero capes, and it is an easy project), or a simple japanese knot bag or lunch bag to carry.

Can cusies are fun to make. So are pot holders and hair scrunchies. I googled sewing patterns for kids and got bunches of ideas. I, too, have granddaughters who want to learn to sew. MaryB119

My daughter made a zillion flannel pants and matching hair scrunchies the year she was in 5th grade. She also did a few elastic waist skirts.

My Girl Scout troops made pillows using iron on crayons to decorated, sit upons for day camp, tote bags and pot holders.

I googled sewing with kids and quite a few titles came up. Kids Can press usually has good books. You will be amazed at how well young children can do when it is something they want to do. I taught primary school for many years and almost every year we did some kind of a sewing project. The children loved it. It was a bit of a challenge helping anywhere from 18 to 22 kids complete a project but the joy on their faces was well worth it!

Simple tote bags are one of the first things 4-H kids do here. PJ bottoms are pretty easy, aslo. How old is your little sister?

My 4yo is learning to hand sew a quilt. I did the cutting and mark the lines for her to sew on. She's doing a simple 4 patch. pj bottoms would be a good project and a simple purse would probably be loved!

Would love to see some of the kids finished projects!

Karen

A ninepatch block made into a pillow would be easy and fun... my then 10 year old son loved making one...he chose the colors and the order they were to be in and still, at 13 has the pillow on a chair in his room!

A fusible appliqued wall hanging... you could do the pillow case method of finishing it..teaching her to hand sew the opening closed. Finishing with some machine quilting on it.

AND thank you for giving your self and your time to such a worthy cause!!! :D:D:D

Pot holder, apron, pillow that you sew around and stuff, bookmark, Panels are good too.

Margie

My 8 yr old dd has had a lot of fun making pillow cases and pj pants. She has also done some simple quilts in the 4-patch genre lol. She wants to try a skirt next. I make most of her dresses and skirts, so the patterns are already around

a doll quilt would be great.

Thank you everyone for your ideas. PJ pants - duh. I make them for myself when I find great fabric and they are easy.

I also remember making a purse from a towel. I know I never threw that project out - but where is it?

She is coming over tonight and we are gonna eat spaghetti - her request and then get her started practicing at the machine. My mom's advice - don't let her sew her finger :P

Have fun and take pictures!!!

:lol: Makes sense to me!