Sewing with Children – Part 2

Judith Baines

A usable and attractive sewing kit consists of:

1  A packet of mixed Tapestry needles – blunt – for open-weave fabric.
2 .A packet of mixed Chenille  needles – sharp with big eyes – for closely woven fabric.
3. A pair of sharp scissors.
4. One or two embroidery rings, ideally the plastic frames with the hanger unscrewed.
5.  A variety of fabrics to choose from. Closely woven fabric such as calico or plain
    cotton is good to use in the frames. A double layer is best and any old piece of cotton
    makes good backing material.  Firm fabrics, such as hessian, canvas and pelmet Vilene
    don’t need support.
6. A variety of threads and cords. Save all the pieces of ribbon and ties from chocolate
    boxes and gifts, and collect wools and cottons and silks of  all colours and thicknesses.
7. A collection of beads, sequins, feathers, washers, shells, etc supplies lots of inspiration.
8. A box of dressmaking pins.

None of the above need cost much. We are so lucky on Arran to have ARCAS as a wonderful source of much of the above equipment.  It is possible to assemble a really good sewing kit quite cheaply.

Once children have mastered the “up/down, up/down” technique, they are away. As we saw in last month’s Voice, lovely little clusters can be made by gathering and sewing down snippets of fabrics, beads, etc. The first picture shows a nine year old boy`s cluster.

As soon as children are able to organise their stitches, they can start to use those to help form the pattern.  For instance, the simple ‘daisy’ motif can be used in many different ways. The second picture shows a six-year-old`s calendar in autumn colours and the third is a study in apricot that I did as a sample for older juniors.  Straight stitches one after the other become running stitch, used as an artist uses a drawn line. Lying side by side, they form satin stitch that is like a wash of colour. Small stitches sprinkled about can be like seeds, speckles or stamens and so on.

Small embroidered creations put into ‘aperture’ greetings cards are very satisfying and give children the confidence and desire to persevere.

Adults, too! (Ed.)