Sewing question: What do you recommend as the next step?

[MissSeetonFan]

My 5 year old is already asking me to help her learn how to sew. She can thread a needle sometimes, and is doing random stitching in burp clothes or old rags to practice. I hope it is something she is willing to stick to and learn. It will save her in the long run and give her a skill that will be useful.

I can sew myself. Hand-stitching, I can hem, whip-stitch, the basic in-out stitch, and sew buttons on. I can do the basics on a sewing machine. I do counted cross-stitch.

What are some steps I should take to keep ahead of my child and expand my own skill set?

Thanks

[frugalfranny]

For you..........not sure......do whatever you feel comfortable trying.......just keep trying new things. Plain pants (no zipper) aren't that hard to make.........maybe some sleep pants?

A good exercise for your daughter.......put an old needle in.....get a lined sheet of paper......and have her sew on the lines........with NO THREAD..........this helps get the 'straight sewing' improved.

Think it is great that you are showing her.........and even sharing the learning process......keep it up.

[mauimagic]

That's what I had my DD do when she wanted to learn to sew - it works for any age and helps the novice sewer get used to the feel of the machine while they sew on paper. Have her practice sewing in reverse too.

How about a pillowcase to start with?

[2ndGenGranola]

They make kiddie patterns now that are EZ to start with. I'd go there. We all were started on the machine very early. I remember about that age getting my own sewing basket for Christmas loaded with remnants, thread etc...

[ladykemma2]

My 5 year old is already asking me to help her learn how to sew. She can thread a needle sometimes, and is doing random stitching in burp clothes or old rags to practice. I hope it is something she is willing to stick to and learn. It will save her in the long run and give her a skill that will be useful.

I can sew myself. Hand-stitching, I can hem, whip-stitch, the basic in-out stitch, and sew buttons on. I can do the basics on a sewing machine. I do counted cross-stitch.

What are some steps I should take to keep ahead of my child and expand my own skill set?

Thanks

blind stitch, hand done button holes, cartridge pleats, knife pleats, gathers, french seams, finishing your seams, overlocking. couture lining (different from turned lining), hiding the knots

[frugalwarrior2]

I taught my DD by buttons,then smaller buttons,then we embroidered. You can draw a simple picture on cloth. If you don't know yourself-learn w/ her. Download things like the running stitch,french knots. Incidently, my now 20 year old DD makes cash doing it because few people know how. Just make time spent fun. Get lots of colors at Michaels-floss is cheap.

[Pianolady]

I remember my mom starting me out with plastic canvas kits and a plastic needle. I couldn't hurt myself with the needle, and it was easy enough to do with uncoordinated fingers.

[Contrary Housewife]

Look for the Singer Sewing Reference Library books. Used copies can be had on amazon.com for under $1. You might be able to find them in local used book shops. They cover everything: fashion sewing, home dec, upholstery, fitting, pants, tailoring men's clothes, lingerie, children's clothes, holiday projects and more. Published in the 70's and 80's most of the images will be dated, but the basic information is invaluable.

[MissSeetonFan]

Look for the Singer Sewing Reference Library books.

I love that book. I think my Mom has one of those. That or the 70's Reader's Digest sewing reference book.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions.