Sewing Basket For Toddlers & Preschoolers

Many parents get nervous when they find out that their child will be experimenting with sewing during preschool. What many don't realize is that, while the main concept may be the same, a toddler or preschoolers experience with "sewing" is significantly different than that of an adult (we promise there are no sharp needles or bloody fingers!).

Christie, early childhood educator and creator of the blog Childhood 101, shares her great ideas for compiling a child-friendly sewing basket. Set out on a table during free play or incorporated into learning time, children will have a blast creating colorful projects and build on important skills like dexterity, concentration, focus, and patience! Christie's Sewing Basket Suggestions

  • Threading game. You'll need an empty Parmesan jar, colorful chenille stems, and wooden spools of various sizes. Children will enjoy poking the pipe cleaners through the jar openings (which will keep them upright) then practice threading spools onto the stems.
  • Embroidery activity. You'll need a wooden embroidery hoop, a non-slip drawer liner with large holes/openings, a plastic lacing needle, and colorful balls of wool or yarn. Students will practice threading the needle, holding the needle properly, and creating beautiful art by threading the wool or yarn through the liner.
  • Odds and ends. Consider stocking the basket with interesting crocheted items, fabric squares in different colors, sizes, and textures, chunky zippers, large buttons, ric rac, shoelaces, etc.

Childhood 101: Our Toddler Friendly Sewing Basket