Kids Can Sew! 13 Easy Sewing Projects Just for Them

Got kids who want to sew?

Let them at it! There are tons of easy, fun sewing projects that kids can do almost completely independently, projects that will result in cute, useful, genuinely satisfying results.

And while your kids are happily sewing, they’re teaching themselves some very useful life skills, not the least of which is how to privilege the DIY mindset over mindless consumerism. And if they keep it up, in a few more years they’ll be able to sew ANYTHING!

felt and embroidery floss free sewing: Give your kids some colorful felt, embroidery floss, stuffing, and a few beads and bobbles, and set them free. You’ll be amazed at what they come up with!

ipod cover: A kid who owns an ipod, tablet, or DS is a kid who needs to sew a cover for it! This is a great next step for kids who’ve spent some time free sewing with felt and embroidery floss, since this project uses those same materials. For a kid-friendly closure, try a button and ribbon or elastic loop, or some sew-on Velcro.

felt bead necklace: This project is as easy as stringing beads–it’s a good one for a kid who perhaps isn’t ready for a complicated project, but still just wants to MAKE something!

softie: Kids can design their own softies, then sew them up themselves.

stitched wooden pendant: If your kid is interested in embroidery or cross stitch, check out this way of pre-drilling holes for stitching that guarantees a neat and beautiful result. The unusual choice of materials is another bonus here.

travel tic-tac-toe: When your kids are comfortable with embroidery, put them to work making this fun travel game, perhaps as a birthday present for a friend.

felt food: Part sewing project and part toy, this one is a must-do for every kid.

cloud brooch: The dangling button raindrops on this brooch will be REALLY fun for a kid to choose and sew on. Have your kid think about making this project in any size–a giant wall hanging would be awesome!

printable sewing practice sheets: Like worksheets for the sewing machine, these printable practice sheets will teach your kids valuable machine sewing techniques.

mittens: After your kids can handle the sewing machine, let them make themselves some mittens.

Mason jar cozy: I’m pretty sure those kids should make something for YOU, too!

crown: Some of your kids’ favorite things to create for themselves will probably be dress-up clothes. Let them start with this crown.

sundress: You should only attempt this one if you can machine sew some yourself, and have time to help your kiddo, but if you’ve got an older kid who wants to sew something for herself, this simple sundress is a great place to start learning how to sew from a pattern.