Something like sewing.

Sewing will benefit both you and your kid, and it’s very interesting so your child will enjoy it. But what are those benefits exactly? How can you teach your kid to sew? Why should you do it? Well, let’s find out.

Why teach your kid how to sew

It doesn’t take long! By the time their summer break ends, your kid can master the basics of sewing. If you split the learning process into small chunks, they’ll make fast progress by completing them one by one.

It’s much better than watching television

Instead of watching meaningless television shows, your kid can use a computer and go through some fun sewing tutorials. You can find children friendly instructional sewing videos online easily, they just have to choose which style suits them best. They are simplified and focus on completing projects step by step.

It will make them stand out among their friends

Kids know how to value a good, useful skill. When your child makes a couple of items by sewing and shows them to their friends, they will become the cool person in their group. This might even make other kids want to learn how to sew, and yours could become their tutor.

It will keep them away from the summer heat

Summers are getting hotter and hotter, so staying out on the sun in the middle of the day can be dangerous. Just like reading, sewing can keep them occupied inside of the house until the heat passes. No more sunburns and heat strokes for your child.

How can you teach your kid to sew?

Keep their age in mind when giving them tasks

Younger children aren’t as skilled with their hands like the older ones are. Which means that they can’t do the same projects equally well. You should have your kid do very simple kind of sewing work first. Measuring and cutting the fabric, as well as threading the needle are ideal introductory tasks. As your kid improves, you can give them some more complex assignments.

Find some sewing books for children

These books are made so that they explain sewing in a fun way. Your kid can read them on their own or you can read them together. Some of these books are made to look like big picture books, which means they’re suitable for young children. Others are more adequate for older kids, so find one that’s the most appropriate for your little one.

Let them create something they will use

If your kid makes something they can use, their desire to sew will become even greater. You can teach children how to sew clothes for their dolls. Or you can show them how to make their own, unique plush toys. Room decorations with motifs of their favorite characters are also welcomed as projects. Whichever one you go with, just make sure that your kid is having fun while working on it.

Did you find this article useful? I hope you did, and I hope you’ll teach your kid how to sew very soon.

Helen is a lifelong seamstress, crafter and blogger at Hellosewing.com. She started crafting at a young age. Today, she spends a lot of time dreaming up and working on projects for her family’s home. She loves combining traditional crafting techniques with a more modern aesthetic.

The post Teach Your Kids to Sew and Spend More Time Together Crafting! first appeared on True Aim.

“This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group and Kleenex but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #KleenexTarget  http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO”

It’s happened to everyone…  “Kids, get your coats on.  It’s time to go to the park!”  The excitement has everyone hurrying out the door, including you.

Arriving at the park at lightning speed, you let out a sigh of relief as the children expend their cooped up energy.  It’s going to be a great day until… someone lets out a ferocious sneeze.  You grimace and turn your head to look, hoping it wasn’t as bad as it sounded.

But it is.

So, you frantically search your pockets for tissues, then the car, but you’re out of luck.  Finally, you give in and do the unthinkable; let your child wipe their nose with the inside of their shirt.

This doesn’t have to happen.  My mom always had a box of Kleenex in the car.  I try to do the same, but sometimes the car is a long ways away and I need a tissue fast.  That’s why I’ve made these cute felt pocket tissue holders to hide in everyone’s coat pockets.

These things are so easy to make that your kids can do it!  It took my daughter and I only 30 minutes to make all of these.  If you left the button off, it would be even faster.

DIY Pocket Tissue Holder

I first saw this tutorial on Pinterest, but there weren’t any step by step directions so here is what I did.

Materials:

Sheets of Felt, Embroidery Thread (or regular thread doubled up), Scissors, Sewing Needle, Sewing Pins, Buttons (optional), Pinking Sheers (optional),  Kleenex Tissues (coupon)

Directions:

Start with a sheet of felt and cut it into a 6″x7″ rectangle.

Fold the short ends into the middle and pin.  Your tissue holder should now be about 6″x3″.

Sew a running stitch along the edge leaving at least 1/3″ if you want to finish the sides with pinking sheers.  I drew little dots with a sharpie to help us sew in a straight line.  The first stitch should be started from the inside out so that the loose string is on the inside.

This project is perfect for beginning sewers.  Audrey has little experience, but she did well with this and loved it!

When you are finished sewing, the last stitch should go from the outside in, so there isn’t a loose string.

Turn the holder inside out in the corner to tie a knot at the end of the string.  I helped my daughter with this part.

Here’s Audrey’s finished pocket tissue holder that only took her about 7 minutes to make!  Add a button for decoration if you like, and trim the edges with pinking sheers.

Now you’re ready to stuff it with Kleenex.  But first, grab this Kleenex Coupon from Target for $1 off 4 packs or larger!  I always get the kind with lotion so our noses don’t get red and chapped.  Then, open the side of the box and fold the Kleenex up to put them into your tissue holders.

Now, hide these little cuties in everyone’s jacket and you’ll always have Kleenex on hand when you need it most.

These also work great for gifts your kids can make!  My daughter made the U of O colored one for a friend who is a big Duck fan.

How do you remember to bring Kleenex when you go out?  Have a clever way to hide them in the car?  Please leave a comment?

For more projects and crafts you can do with your kids, like me on facebook or follow me on Pinterest.  Thanks for your support!

The post DIY Felt Pocket Kleenex Tissue Holders first appeared on True Aim.