kids that sew {felt hanging hearts}

This is a great wee project for little ones to learn a basic running stitch and to follow a line around the edge of a fabric. (For a straight-lined running stitch project for kids check out this one.)

Felt is an easy fabric to sew, so children will generally find it easy to push and pull the needle through. The bright colours and quick nature of this project make it perfect for kids and each one will make it unique as they choose their colours, thread and accessories. Another fab felt project is to make a basic felt heart garland…check it out here. It is a lovely project when first using a sewing machine and gives kids a very quick and colourful product which I find they need, especially when first learning a skill.

For their hanging hearts, my girls started off wanting to attach buttons to the front, but in the end, they changed their minds and kept their hearts really simple. Go with whatever they choose or are in the mood for, there’s no right or wrong way to finish this!!

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You’ll need:

*felt – I cut a 2 large hearts and 1 small one

*ribbon – measure 9 inches

*embroidery thread

*stuffing

*any extra additions – buttons, bows etc

I talked our girls through the process and helped as they needed it…encourage your kids to take their time and make their stitches careful and accurate. Give them a little time to correct any mistakes themselves rather than jumping in to redo it for them, they’ll learn more if they are part of the whole process.

// Lay the small heart on the large one

// Thread the needle (I did this for Madeleine but the older 2 managed this with no problem)

// Sew around the edge of the small heart using a running stitch.

As this was the first time Maddie (age 4 – nearly 5) had used a proper needle, I pushed it in and popped it up through the fabric slightly. She then pulled it out. After a couple of stitches, she got the idea and wanted to do it herself.

She did jab herself a couple of times but was determined to keep going…after a while she got the idea of making a line and pushing the needle in and out carefully, herself. If you’re happy to let your child have a go, stay beside them to encourage and keep an eye – if you feel they are not coping, go back to a more structured role for them.

// Lay the heart face down on your surface.

// Loop the ribbon in half and using a couple of stitches, attach it to the heart.

// With the heart still facing down, place the matching piece on top and sew the 2 together around the edge, leaving a gap of about an inch at the end to insert the stuffing.

// Push the stuffing into the heart, making sure you press it right to all the edges to give it a nice, soft feel.

// Continue sewing a running stitch to close the gap. Squeeze the 2 pieces of felt together so it is easier to stitch.

// When the gap is closed, knot the thread and feed the needle through the middle of the heart. Cut the thread close to the felt and squeeze until the thread disappears.

// They’re done…so give some big words of encouragement!!

Comments

Maria@sewtravelinspired says

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What a great little hand sewing projects for the little ones! I will have to try this one with my youngest granddaughter. I saw your link up @Sew Darn Crafty. Thanks for sharing.
Bonnie H says

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This is such a cute project for little ones! I would love for you to link up to the Stitch It, Blog It, Share It Link Party going on now at BehindtheSeamsSewing.com.
~Bonnie
Janice Armstrong says

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Going to check it out now!
Janice Armstrong says

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I hope she loves it as much as mine did…thanks for popping by!
Michelle {Jarrah Jungle} says

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These are so sweet, I love the bright thread that you used too 🙂

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