ISO a beginning sewing project for an 11 year old girl.

Platinum Member Joined: Aug 17 2011 Posts: 6153

I am interested in a project to teach my daughter basic sewing using a machine. I have a singer student model.

I would like something she would find entertaining. Any good suggestions?

Are you going to use a pattern? Does she want to make clothing or crafts? For clothing, I would do a simple skirt. For crafts, a simple bag.

Platinum Member Joined: Aug 17 2011 Posts: 6153

Gold Member Joined: Jan 06 2006 Posts: 1189

A bag would be perfect. Straight seams, and no fitting issues to contend with.
http://www.skiptomylou.org/2009/07/17/how-to-make-a-simple-reversible-totebag/

you can have her make a quilt cover using old flat sheets. she can learn about measuring, sewing a straight seam, and either attaching a zipper or buttons and buttonholes. very good basic skills.

if you want something with a little more to show, get her a basic patchwork quilt pattern. she can pick the colors, and you can pick one with all straight seams. have her make a full sized one and she can save it for when she's married, like in the old days Smile

Moderator Joined: Aug 14 2005 Posts: 4703 Location: Ohio

Curtains are really simple also. She might enjoy that.
_________________
mommy to 2 girls, 1 boy

"I would rather have my people laugh at my economies than weep for my extravagance."
--King Oscar of Sweden

"Curse your sudden but inevitable betrayal!"
--Wash

Gold Member Joined: Nov 07 2005 Posts: 1109

I would like to sew too. How do I learn to thread the machine though. Someone tried to teach me and I couldn't get it.

An apron
A skirt

For how to thread a machine and other sewing info: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPpPeGFG-l0&feature=plcp

How to make a skirt with out a pattern from beginning to end: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APN3LCvehVU&feature=plcp
_________________
עבדו את ה' בשמחה

Platinum Member Joined: Aug 17 2011 Posts: 6153

Platinum Member Joined: Aug 17 2011 Posts: 6153

Platinum Member Joined: Aug 17 2011 Posts: 6153

Platinum Member Joined: Aug 17 2011 Posts: 6153

Skirt teaches pattern making, zippers, darts and waist

Apron teaches pattern making, waist, and gathering (you can get free apron patterns here: http://tipnut.com/56-free-apron-patterns-you-can-make/)

Platinum Member Joined: Aug 17 2011 Posts: 6153

Gold Member Joined: May 09 2010 Posts: 2158

If you google "yoga skirt sewing tutorial) you'll find some good sets of instructions.

also, if she has younger siblings or is interested in sewing gifts for some younger girls, look for pillowcase dress patterns.
_________________
http://crunchyandkosher.blogspot.com/

Silver Member Joined: Oct 09 2010 Posts: 711

http://www.sewingpatterns.com/.....geFormat=3|186|186&pageCount=18&search=craft&return=yes

I don't know how to copy the link, it's a butterick 5368.
My ds sew this last year, when she was 11 for her first project - it's a holder for her sewing stuff, I made her quilt it so she could practice straight lines and was biased around.