I first saw this idea at Blissfully Domestic, and since I’ve been wanting to let my girls try their hand at sewing – but avoiding actually giving them NEEDLES – I couldn’t resist making some of these sewing cards last night for them to try.
To make:
1. Start with a piece of sturdy construction paper. I folded a piece in half and taped the edges to make it sturdier and easier to hold.
2. Make a “needle” out of a pipecleaner. Cut a 6″ piece of pipecleaner and then fold it in half. Starting at the loose end, begin twisting it together until you reach the folded end, where you’ll leave a small opening for the eye of the needle.
3. Cut a piece of yarn and tie one end to the needle. I just made a single tie so that it was secure enough that they wouldn’t have to rethread it constantly but easy enough to take off and replace with a different color if we wanted.
4. Start sewing!
Both of my girls LOVED this project. Pumpkin Doodle (4) went around and around the edge, being extra careful to keep her pattern consistent. Monkey Doodle (almost-3) had fun just crisscrossing any which way and seeing what the end result was.
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What a easy and fun idea! I know my four year old daughter will love this and I can’t wait to try this. You have such great projects and continue to inspire me to be crafty.
Kathy’s last blog post..My First Baby
That is just the cutest!! I love the pipe cleaner needle.
Well, on their way to sewing.
Joyce’s last blog post..Guaifenesin Progress Report
I love the needle you’ve fashioned to go with your sewing cards. Might we be able to feature your sewing card tip on a future post dedicated to fine motor practice on our educational site? If that is okay we will be sure to give you credit and link back to your site.
Please let us know if we have your permission. THANKS!
~Katie
The Katies’s last blog post..ABC and 123′s Kick Off Extravaganza
I love this and the pipecleaner needles are adorable. I will be trying this out with my youngest daughter, she wants to sew like mommy and big sister! Thanks for sharing. Your blog is great!
I can’t wait to try this!
LaDonna’s last blog post..Spring Reading Thing 2009
I found your blog on google and read a few of your other posts. I just added you to my Google News Reader. Keep up the good work. Look forward to reading more from you in the future.
We cut out old cereal boxes (and cracker boxes) for these types of crafts–they hold up well and haven’t cost us anything. You can also use shoelaces for the “string” if you don’t have any pipe cleaners. Shoe laces have sturdy tips that will poke through the holds easily. My 3-year-old loves these things!
Betsy’s last blog post..10 Things I Learned from my Mom
Was just searching online for a childrens plastic sewing needle and then found your site – what a great idea – now i don’t need to buy one – thanks so much for sharing this – love it x
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