Embroidery Projects for Your Child
Is your child looking for a new hobby? The schools in Polk County highly recommend your child pick up embroidery! It’s a fun, no-mess hobby that gives you some quiet downtime while he focuses on his craft. He will develop his coordination skills, improve focus and concentration, and have the opportunity to be creative and expressive. Skip the TV time and introduce your child to embroidery with these easy, kid-friendly, and entry-level projects!
What You’ll Need
Because this is something new for your child, start slowly. Take him to the craft store for materials. You’ll need fabric, like white cotton, and your child’s choice of yarn color. Use floss or pearl cotton threads, as thicker threads are easier for your child to use. For the needle, you’ll want to consider your child’s grip and control, as this part can be challenging. Tapestry needles are blunt with a large eye, making it easier for your child to use. The thicker the needle is, the easier it is to hold. Another part of the embroidery kit is a hoop that holds the material for your child to work. You’ll need child-friendly scissors, like blunt-end scissors. Once you’ve got your kit prepared, it’s time to get to work!
How to Get Started
Now that you have what you need, it’s time to get going. We recommend holding the needle to start and show him a stitch. Then, he will copy you and do the same. Starter stitches include backstitch, chain stitch, and running stitch. You’ll want to base lesson lengths on his attention span. You don’t want him to lose interest. These are good places to start your child off and he can work from there. Once the practice stitches are complete, then he can start a project!
Mini Project
Now that your child has some practice stitches done, it’s time for him to work on his first piece! A bookmark personalized with his name is a great way to start. Using painter’s tape, create a guide on the piece of fabric. With a fine-tipped marker, he will write his name in block letters on the fabric. Using the embroidery floss, he will then tie a knot and use a backstitch to outline each letter. Satin stitch will be done to fill in each letter. For letters like “E” and “L” that have right angles, stitch diagonally. For curved or slanted letters, like “A,” “B,” and “X,” he will stitch each letter horizontally. Cut the cotton fabric about a quarter of an inch longer than the taped border. Then, using mod podge, coat one side of the fabric. Remove the tape, let the piece dry, then trim. Once he completes his creation, watch the way his confidence shines!
At the schools in Polk County, we foster an atmosphere of care and an environment of high expectations and effective discipline. To learn more about what makes us different, contact the Office of Catholic Schools at the Diocese of Orlando by dialing 407-246-4800.