This simple stitching project is accessible & fun for kids 4 and up. Sew and bead with burlap on hoops for a fun textile activity.
This simple stitching & beading project is one that takes major inspiration from Shannon at Hatch Studio and the tutorial she wrote over on Art Bar. I’ve done it with my firstborn, my pre-k art class and now my second child (who is now 4).
At my art class when we tried this, I had students who had never stitched before. But they still had so much fun with this simple embroidery project. The room was quiet with concentration as they practiced moving the needle up & down through the burlap.
This class in particular reminded me how capable kids are if only we give them the opportunity.
A few months later, I wanted to try another stitching project with my 4 yr old son. But this time we added a painting element (inspiration thanks to @mericherryla & @makersri ) which was fun to experiment with as well.
Personally, I could sit and make these all day! After all, they are easy to make with just a few supplies.
And I think the little hoops look amazing hung together for some new wall art. It’s definitely a project we’ll be revisiting again and I hope you try it too!
Stitiching & Sewing Projects for 4 year Olds
MATERIALS
- embroidery hoop
- burlap fabric
- watercolor paints and brushes
- plastic crochet needles
- yarn
- wooden beads or star beads or pony beads (optional)
Time needed: 30 minutes
- Thread the crochet needles with yarn.
Now thread the plastic crochet needles with yarn and double knot the ends. You may wish to have a bunch of needles prepped with multiple colors, especially if you’re doing this with multiple kids or in a class setting. (Thanks to Erin at Makers for this tip!)
- Stretch burlap across embroidery hoop.
First place the burlap into an embroidery hoop. Then make sure the burlap is snugly stretched in place. Finally, trim the excess fabric leaving an 1-2 inch border.
- Paint the burlap with watercolor paints.
Begin painting the burlap with watercolors. Then let the fabric dry completely.
- Begin Stitching
Start to stitch and practice the up and down movement. Once kids get the hang of this you might choose to add beads.
- Last, add beads as desired.
There are so many choices for beads: wooden or plastic beads–glitter, neon, star shapes. Be sure the bead hole is wide enough to easily slide over the plastic needle.
Since beads make really fun embellishments, kids can add them to the plastic needle and stitch into the burlap.
Finally, I hope you give this a try as it’s a great bonding activity and intro sewing project for 4 year olds and up!
More Textile Projects for Kids
- How to Do Glue Batik with Kids
- 5 BEST Tips to Teach Sewing for Kids
- How to Paint Lace with Kids
- How to Tie Dye Shirts
- How to Make Cardboard Looms
- How to Make a Circular Weaving for Kids
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