Encourage children to explore a range of options to find the most manageable material for them to work with.
For a strong base
- Thick card in a variety of colours cut into different shapes (around A5 is ideal for small hands)
- well-washed moulded polystyrene food trays
- smal squares of stiff rug-making canvas
For threading tools
- A choice of plastic bodkins ready-threaded in different coloured wools (use a double thread so it does not come loose)
- laces with plastic tips
Supporting beginners
- Punch holes around the edge of the bases.
- Tape the child's thread in place once it has been pushed through the first hole.
- Explain that the thread or lace needs to go up from the bottom and down from the top of the base.
- Demonstrate how to pull the thread taut after it has been pushed through each hole.
- Allow lots of time for children to explore the materials freely.
Moving on
Once children are managing the materials confidently, supply them with different items to thread on to their bases to add texture and interest, such as buttons, pasta tubes and shapes with holes, cut straws and beads.
Extending ideas
- Invite children to use sewing in imaginative ways, for example, adding hair to a self-portrait, or stripes to a drawing of a tiger.
- Paint the finished work with a layer of PVA glue and sprinkle sand, glitter or grains over it for added texture.
- Try creating repeat patterns along a strip of card punched with holes at regular intervals, for example, parallel lines or crosses.
- Give more able children squares of binca or open-weave fabric to create their own sewing patterns with blunt needles and thread.
