Not content with brainwashing my own children into loving sewing, this Christmas I’ve decided reach out to my nieces, aged 7 and 9, as well. For their gift, I’ve put together a complete sewing kit. In my mind, this will make me the coolest auntie ever. I hope the girls (and their mom) agree. We shall see. 
The cornerstone of the gift is the book Sewing School: 21 Sewing Projects Kids Will Love to Make*
My goal was to make it as easy as possible for the girls to start doing projects from the book. We live far apart so I can’t sit down and help them. I figure if their mom doesn’t have to hunt down the supplies, they will be more likely to actually do it. Based on the books recommendations, I put together a set of sewing tools.
- size 22 chenille needle – fat needles with large eyes, good for little hands
- needle threader – The authors recommended the LoRan threader and I concur. It has worked great for my kids.
- craft thread – This is a little different from embroidery floss because it doesn’t separate.
- measuring tape
- bodkin – for threading ribbon and elastic
- scissors – brand new and sharp. I was tempted to write “FABRIC ONLY” all over them like I do mine. hehe.
- pins (not pictured)
- poly-fill
- ribbon
- elastic
- and( most importantly) BUTTONS, what sewist doesn’t enjoy a pretty button?
- Sewing with Kids Series on Whipstitch – Series of lessons, designed for kids ages 3-8, that teach sewing skills and good character traits.
- Teaching Kids to Sew by ikatbag – Advice from one of the most knowledgeable and respected seamstress mama on the internet.
- Sewing School Blog – By the authors of the book, even more sewing activities to do with kids.
What an amazing idea. I hope this leads to a life of sewing for them.
Very nice idea!!
The only addition I can think of would be an air- or water-soluble marker. I would have loved this kit as a kid! I had one for machine sewing, but I needed help with it, so I never completed a single project from it.
Brilliant, what a great idea. This reminded me of one of my favourite childhood gifts from an aunt, my plastic sewing box, hand sewing needles, tape measure etc. I was 12, already sewed, but so so impressed to have all my own “real” sewing things – not kiddy things or raiding my Mum’s. I still use the same ones today (I’m now thinking time to buy new hand sewing needles though!) Thanks for sharing the other links too 🙂
wow what an absolutely brilliant gift idea.
What a fabulous gift! I don’t think you forgot a thing. My daughter (8) has been sewing from that book like a crazy girl. It’s such a good one. Like you said – so great that it’s address to kids in kid language.
did I say I love the gift?
Absolutely love your valuable hinds. In fact I love your whole website. What a lovely idea to perfect those little handles that are sometimes troublesome.
Hi! I’m wondering if this is a gender neutral book at all or is it really aimed at girls? Thank you 🙂
It’s gender neutral! I just happen to only know girls that are the right age.