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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: mommydionne
Date: 09-26-2004, 10:48 AM (1 of 8)
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My 5 year old wants to learn to sew. Anyone know of any good teaching books for small children?? Bernina did have one but I can't locate it on their website. thanks 
Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838 
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From: learn2sew
Date: 09-26-2004, 08:23 PM (2 of 8)
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Hi, I know of an excellent sewing program at www.sewingprose.com. It is written for 7 yr olds and up but I'm sure you can help with the reading. I've been using it myself since 11/03. I'm currently on Level 3. I just started teaching my 11 yr old son. Tasha Learn2sew
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User: learn2sew
Member since: 05-17-2004 Total posts: 1 
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From: Melanie T
Date: 10-15-2004, 03:58 PM (3 of 8)
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I have three small boys, the oldest is 4 1/2. Sewing has always been part of their life and of course they want to do it too. I let Christoper sew when he was 3 1/2 and it was not a planned event. Here is an excerpt from my 2003 Christmas letter: Christopher is very mechanically inclined. He says he is going to fix trucks like daddy and sewing machines like Mr. John (the local sewing machine dealer where I take the sewing machines that I can’t fix myself) when he grows up. He helps me clean, oil and fix the garage sale sewing machines that I use to teach sewing lessons down our basement and for World Relief. In July, I was teaching a class of 4 little girls how to thread their machines, suddenly, I heard the fifth machine start sewing. I leaped to rescue the machine from 3½ year-old Christopher. Then I realised that he had threaded the machine correctly and was actually sewing on a scrap piece of fabric from the trash. He had been listening and watching while I was teaching the girls and the unguarded machine was his chance. He had always tried to help me when I was sewing, but of course he was too small. Ha, he showed me, he really could do it. The sewing machine that he has personally laid claim to is a ¾ size Kenmore that we bought for World Relief. At 4 years old, he threads it, cleans it, sews pillows and sleeping bags for his cousins’ dolls on it and grudgingly lets the ladies at church use it. If I don’t want him to sew I have to hide the power cord. To protect my machines, I always explain the proper way to thread and use them and enforce the ‘no sewing unless mommy is with you rule.’ I really don't use a program with him, I have roll of 3" wide fabric that he can practice on when I am working in my sewing room and I have helped him make pillowcases, drawstring bags, pillows etc. He has fun, but is not stressed out about a project. He is very careful with the machine. I have started letting my 3 year old sew sittingon my lap. We just sew back and forth on a scrap until it is covered. Now picture this: Last night I had a 3 year old in my lap, my 4 year old on the chair beside me (chair against the wall so he didn't fall off) and was using my ironing board on the other side to hold the roll of comforter. Baby was watching us in the swing and we were all wearing pj's. I wanted to finish the comforter and they wanted some attention. I managed to sew a straight seam and the comforter looks pretty good considering the skill I need to sew around two wiggly boys. It was a lot of fun that I wanted to share. Melanie
4 little sewing machine mechanics (6, 4, 2, Born June 14) Ontario Canada |
User: Melanie T
Member since: 09-21-2004 Total posts: 155 |
From: paroper
Date: 10-15-2004, 04:48 PM (4 of 8)
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Sometimes you can find out of print books on Amazon. If you can figure out the name of the book, you can also put out a search at Amazon and people will decide if they want to sell the book for what you want to pay. You might try a few used books stores in your area too.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: mommydionne
Date: 10-16-2004, 01:12 PM (5 of 8)
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hi Melanie I loved your story, I too often sew around the wiggley ones, I've finally got it to them to approach to watch from the Left side of me when I'm on the machine b/c I'm really right dominant and use my right hand for most of my guiding of the material. I think I will dig out my old Janome and get it tuned up for Joelle to use, these "little machines" they sell for $100 or less truly are junk. we have one in the yard sale pile already. my dealer says she can tune it up for $30-40 for me and it is still a little workhorse. thanks for the inspiration!! Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838
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From: Bama
Date: 10-16-2004, 11:29 PM (6 of 8)
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I don't know of a book for teaching kids to sew, but I taught my daughter by letting her sew small squares of fabric together. She learned to chain piece them and made a small quilt. At first she had a hard time controlling the speed of the foot petal, but we put a sponge under it so she couldn't push it so hard. One member here advised against that when some of us were discussing it and said it could be a fire hazard. It wasn't with my foot petal, but do be careful if you try it. I have also let her sew on paper before, with an old needle. You can draw lines on the paper for them to follow. It gives them a feel for the machine. |
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116 
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From: mommydionne
Date: 10-19-2004, 06:49 PM (7 of 8)
I wish I still had my old 4-h books around, I remember doing samples on heavy paper etc. had a little flashback with your post there! 
Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838
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From: Melanie T
Date: 10-20-2004, 02:55 PM (8 of 8)
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Nancy of Nancy's Notions wrote a nice beginner book with the National 4-H Council. I find it very helpful for use as a teaching aid. You can get it from Nancy's Notions and from the 4-H program. The Sew Young Sew Fun program that Husqvarna puts out has a nice full color book and CD with films on it, as well as .pdf files with patterns and the sew on paper designs. It would be a little difficult for a 5 year old though. I use some of the projects with my sewing students. Melanie
4 little sewing machine mechanics (6, 4, 2, Born June 14) Ontario Canada |
User: Melanie T
Member since: 09-21-2004 Total posts: 155 |
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