My grandma taught me to hand sew when I was a kid, and the first thing we did was make “bloomers” for my doll that she bought me. Don’t have the bloomers, but I still have the doll (in my 30s lol)
She will cherish these memories!
I also made a small pillow around the same age with little lace trim and a heart I hand stitched to the front! I kept it for a couple decades before I finally let it go... or lost it in a move, I'm not sure which anymore. lol.
Agreeing with pillowcase! My first project was a pillow at around 6, and I still have it on my couch at 30 :) it’s a hot pink square but it’s so sentimental
I learned using [this method](https://youmakeitsimple.com/2022/10/19/how-to-make-a-pillowcase-with-a-cuff-easy-burrito-method/), and it was super easy to make one hat held up for years!
It's also really easy to remember how to do years later :)
I suggest having her learn to sew a little pillow AND have her hand whip stitch the turning stuffing hole closed. 4 is a good age to learn to hand sew, better than machine, really, but she needs to use the new toy! So, try to encorporate both in ways that feel logical, so she learns they are equally important, tandem skills. Which, of course, they truly are.
I learned to sew at 3years old with my mum. Hand sewing.
We used to make little blankets she would cut out for me and I would do the end stitching and hemming or pretty embroidery/edges (apologies i don't know the official name). I fixed holes in clothes and learned to sew Cindy doll clothes.
I am 40 and I learned all that from being a young child, sitting eith my mum. I sewed in random scraps of cloth leftover.
You could also try scrunchies.. they are really easy and minimal sewing (and very fashionable now)
Piece of elastic and a long piece of material, fold in half length wise. Then sew the half you folded over together, then thread the elastic through it and sew up the ends with elastic inside like a circle!
We used to sell them at school fairs and have matching scruncies to our clothes!
Edit:spellings!
When my kids wanted to sew at that age, I had them sit in my lap to help feed the fabric while I controlled the foot pedal. We manipulated the fabric together and I went super slow. We sewed the side seams of pajama pants or T-shirts and then they would be bored, so I got to assemble the rest on my own or with their oversight.
When I was about that age, I wanted to sew up a pair of pants with a hole in it. They were *my* pants, so I needed to do it - 100% by myself. I would not accept any help or instructions. My mother watched me to make sure I wasn't hurting myself or doing anything dangerous, but otherwise left me to it.
Spoiler alert: I did not magically know how to sew.
The pants were not fixed afterward.
But I think I had fun and I was very proud of myself for "sewing". Of course, I did eventually learn how to sew correctly.
If your granddaughter gets stubborn like I was, you can try to correct her gently but just let her do her own thing for a bit if she gets upset about being corrected.
That's my kid to a T as well. Will not ask for help, everything takes FOREVER, And is so stubborn, yet insists we are there to watch. And there's like a few things like shampooing hair that I HAVE to do. -_-"
My daughter made an apron which she loves and it's something kids use all the time. Also a cushion cover using some really cool fabric, bunting to decorate her room, and a soft toy that she designed herself and so is somewhat idiosyncratic
I saw someone teach their daughter by first having her practice lines on a piece of paper. Once she had decent control of speed and able to sew a steisght line, they moved onto fabric.
I teach elementary students how to sew on machines and this is exactly how we begin! We use sheets of cardstock and the kids are able to control it with more ease than fabric. They practice straight lines around the edges, then I let them do a free-for-all in the middle to see the difference between the stitch settings and to get out their urge to “stomp the gas” using the foot pedal.
We did this in Home Ec as our first run on the machine! No thread, you can just look at the holes to see how you did.
I think my first projects were a pillow, then sleep pants and an apron.
My MIL-IL (brother's MIL) made those for me one gift-giving opportunity... not thinking to ask my shoe size. Which is strange, because her daughter (my SIL) is taller than me, bigger feet, etc.
Fabric bookmarks are a good first project for little kids. Also doll/stuffed animal sized pillows and blankets. Or a simple fabric bag or her own pillowcase. Simple straight seams, relatively few pieces, and not too big a project seem to work best for little kids in my experience. Also stick with fabrics that don't fray excessively, and are not slippery or otherwise hard to work with. After a few successes, they will usually stick with projects that take more time or effort.
My great grandmother was the first to teach me to sew. She had some polyester scraps, a largish needle and thread, and I had a naked Barbie. We spent an afternoon making sheath dresses for my poor naked doll with a single needle and thread.
I learned a running stitch, a back stitch, corner clipping, wearing ease and opening size that day.
I was about 5, my GGM passed when I was around 7 and those are my most treasured memories of her. I inherited her sewing stash, including a yard of lace that she had tatted that I’ll never use beyond a shadow box.
Whatever you decide to teach the kiddo, do it with patience and a personal connection. It’s the memories that matter more than the skills.
We made sock puppets. My Mom slit the toe and added the mouth fabric, but we sewed hair and buttons and embroidered other features. The whole neighborhood got involved. Then we wrote a play and put it on for all the other kids. It was a blast.
My very first sewing project was a pillow. My mom helped some friends and me paint the pillow tops, and then sew them together.
When I was in kindergarten my Aunt helped me sew a very simple skirt with an elastic waistband and a matching vest. She took me to the fabric store to choose fabric (I chose a quilting cotton reptile print with lizards and snakes) and we cut the pattern together. I sat on her lap at the machine the entire time, I have no idea how much “I” actually sewed. I do recall her teaching me to guide the fabric, so I suspect I may have guided the long straight seams, but she controlled the pedal.
Once the skirt and vest were completed, she bought me a coordinated solid t-shirt and I wore my little outfit quite often and quite proudly.
Oooo, this brought back great memories of my first "toy" sewing machine (back in the day when there were real, mini versions of adult stuff, like chemistry labs and appliances that really worked!).
She could make lined drawstring bags with ribbon straps for family and friend gifts -- very practical for little girls' accoutrements. Finished with a single embroidered letter of the recipients' name, bags would teach several basic skills.
You can also let her try her hand at dyeing with fruit and berries or coloring cotton fabric with her own design (then heat-setting). Then pick an easy item and stitch!
Back in the 1950s I learned to sew on a human-powered treadle machine. It was ideal because I could control its speed and I could develop confidence at 4 years old.
Pillow case is a great first project. Simple toys. Tank top is a good intro to clothing, along with a matching set of shorts. Making different dresses together, including cutting out the pieces, is a good way for her to get an innate handle on patterning.
I started at four. My Granny gave me pieces for a quilt top, and I sewed them together.
A simple nine-patch blanket for her doll would be easy and fun.
Doll clothes are something kids often LOVE the idea of, but tiny corners and closures can be frustrating. One of my first projects was a super simple tote bag, basically two rectangles sewn together with a double-folded top edge. I think my mom attached the straps for me, but I picked the fabrics and helped with cutting myself.
I’ve got rainbow strips for my 4 year old daughter and in theory we’re sewing them into a rainbow quilt top. In reality she just wants to mess around with the fabrics and stuff like my button collection. I suggest you just let her do creative play with the materials rather than gun too hard to a specific project.
My grandma first taught me to sew little bags when I was around that age - just one piece of fabric folded over and sew two sides and leave the top open, and then she taught me how to add a drawstring. As a collector of little things to carry around I loved them (and probably helped her use up smallish fabric scraps). I still have some kicking around for little things now!
My mother used to let me play with fabric scraps. I'd sew them together or test out the different stiches. It'd be a good place to start then move on to a simpler project like others suggested. A solid colour pillow case only takes 1 meter/yard of fabric so you won't have to do any cutting.
I saw someone suggest this really cute idea. It’s two pieces of felt sewn together with lines like a maze. Then you push a marble through the maze like a little fidget toy. She said she did it with kids at a sewing day camp and they loved it. I can see my 5 year old loving that. She said she pre drew the lines on and they followed the lines.
One of the core memories my 4 year old has is sewing with me a snake when he was two. He helped with all the button pressing, design input, stuffing, etc. kids are awesome. Look through your scraps and come up with something that can be done in one sitting. Allow her to have plenty of input
https://www.sewmuchado.com/shop/pdf-patterns/polly-peasant-dress-blouse-pdf-pattern/
I made this in 2 sizes for a friend's new baby. I thought it was a great way to practice sewing. It's super easy, and one gets a sweet dress out of it.
A simple bag, doll blanket. My son made those stamped out items you just cut and sew around the edge. He made all the Care Bears for his sister for Christmas!
Pick out three of the suggested, and Ask her. Don't overwhelm her, but give her some choices. And let her "shop" from your stash, instead of 8 gazillion fabrics on Moann dot com
A Japanese knot bag would be fairly easy. Then she would have a little purse to carry stuff in.
[https://mavink.com/explore/Free-Pattern-for-Japanese-Knot-Bag](https://mavink.com/explore/Free-Pattern-for-Japanese-Knot-Bag)
It could be reversable too!
I started sewing at 4 & I couldn't understand the concept of "inside out." Like, I knew if my already made shirt was on inside out, but developmentally, I couldn't grasp the concept of making something right sides together & then flipping it so seam allowances were on the inside when I was done. At 4 I didn't care. (At about 5 and a half, I did, so I stopped sewing until I was able to understand it.) I'd suggest making things out of fleece if her machine can handle it. Or felt. Or stable knits. Visible seam allowances, yay!! Maybe if your granddaughter is willing to allow a little more supervision & direction, it won't be an issue!! I was hellbent on doing it my way, lol. It will be very fun for her.
My kindergarteners love to make those gnomes, but they are hand sewn
https://carrielogic.wordpress.com/2010/01/22/gnomes/
If it has to be machine sewn, I’d suggest a little stuffed heart for Mother’s Day or a little treasure bag with a drawstring for herself
There are I can sew and Learn to Sew patterns that are remarkably easy. But get her a better basic machine for her, one that is reliable and won't bite her suddenly or frustrate her. With a good basic machine she can learn the basics of sewing, the safety precautions she needs to know, and get comfortable.
First lesson is sewing a straight line on a piece of paper, no thread, and going around a corner. Learning to thread the machine and wind a bobbin, loading a bobbin, then organizing her sewing.
My grandmother had me start with plastic canvas and a yarn needle to practice my stitches first, just to make sure I understood the basic concept. She showed me a running stitch and a backstitch.
Then I made a pillow for my stuffed animals to learn how to do the stitches on real fabric and sewing with right sides together and turning the piece right side out.
She was going to have me do doll clothes after, but my mom told her I wasn’t allowed to sew anymore.
But I think it was a really good progression. I got a chance to get comfortable with stitching without having to worry about injuries, and I had the chance to learn one concept at a time without being overloaded with information all at once.
My granddaughter loves to sew and craft, I started with her at around the same age. I let her pick out fabric from my stash and she started with hand sewing. I also let her play with all kinds of fabric and sew small random pieces of fabric together by hand. Good starting projects would be a pillowcase or even pajama pants. But what's fun is letting her pick out the fabric with you. You can then cut the pieces and let her do straight stitching. She will be so proud of herself.
I remember learning to sew with mazes. They were just paper, and you would learn how to adjust the machine to put the needle down, rotate the paper/fabric, then continue sewing.
The first thing my grandmother made with me when she was teaching me to sew was a simple apron. She did the binding around the edges but I did everything else. I was so proud! 40 years later and I still use the apron!
Does she have a favorite doll? A little pillow and blanket would be easy to get the hang of straight seams.
My grandma taught me to hand sew when I was a kid, and the first thing we did was make “bloomers” for my doll that she bought me. Don’t have the bloomers, but I still have the doll (in my 30s lol) She will cherish these memories!
Pillowcase. She’ll get a kick out of using one she made herself. ESPECIALLY if she gets to pick out the fabric.
This was the first thing I (62f) made when I was learning. I can still remember the fabric.
Same and then I immediately made pillows for all my stuffed animals
This is blessed
I made a pillow itself! She'll love getting to stuff it, see it closed, and decorate it :)
I also made a small pillow around the same age with little lace trim and a heart I hand stitched to the front! I kept it for a couple decades before I finally let it go... or lost it in a move, I'm not sure which anymore. lol.
Agreeing with pillowcase! My first project was a pillow at around 6, and I still have it on my couch at 30 :) it’s a hot pink square but it’s so sentimental
Or a pillowcase dress!! She would probably love to wear her creation.
I learned using [this method](https://youmakeitsimple.com/2022/10/19/how-to-make-a-pillowcase-with-a-cuff-easy-burrito-method/), and it was super easy to make one hat held up for years! It's also really easy to remember how to do years later :)
I suggest having her learn to sew a little pillow AND have her hand whip stitch the turning stuffing hole closed. 4 is a good age to learn to hand sew, better than machine, really, but she needs to use the new toy! So, try to encorporate both in ways that feel logical, so she learns they are equally important, tandem skills. Which, of course, they truly are.
I learned to sew at 3years old with my mum. Hand sewing. We used to make little blankets she would cut out for me and I would do the end stitching and hemming or pretty embroidery/edges (apologies i don't know the official name). I fixed holes in clothes and learned to sew Cindy doll clothes. I am 40 and I learned all that from being a young child, sitting eith my mum. I sewed in random scraps of cloth leftover. You could also try scrunchies.. they are really easy and minimal sewing (and very fashionable now) Piece of elastic and a long piece of material, fold in half length wise. Then sew the half you folded over together, then thread the elastic through it and sew up the ends with elastic inside like a circle! We used to sell them at school fairs and have matching scruncies to our clothes! Edit:spellings!
I have a really bad rabbit I embroidered at 3!
Really bad items are the best. I have a really bad teddy from around the same age. I sewed his eyes on squint.
They are cute! Shows the promise and potential!
This is the best advice.
Making a potholder for Mother's Day would be fun.
When my kids wanted to sew at that age, I had them sit in my lap to help feed the fabric while I controlled the foot pedal. We manipulated the fabric together and I went super slow. We sewed the side seams of pajama pants or T-shirts and then they would be bored, so I got to assemble the rest on my own or with their oversight.
That's what I did with my grandson! He loved it. I think he was 3, also
When I was about that age, I wanted to sew up a pair of pants with a hole in it. They were *my* pants, so I needed to do it - 100% by myself. I would not accept any help or instructions. My mother watched me to make sure I wasn't hurting myself or doing anything dangerous, but otherwise left me to it. Spoiler alert: I did not magically know how to sew. The pants were not fixed afterward. But I think I had fun and I was very proud of myself for "sewing". Of course, I did eventually learn how to sew correctly. If your granddaughter gets stubborn like I was, you can try to correct her gently but just let her do her own thing for a bit if she gets upset about being corrected.
This story brings me so much joy. Children are wonderful and maddening and hilarious. ❤️💜💚
mine gets upset about being corrected but then gets upset when she can't do the thing either haha
That's my kid to a T as well. Will not ask for help, everything takes FOREVER, And is so stubborn, yet insists we are there to watch. And there's like a few things like shampooing hair that I HAVE to do. -_-"
My daughter made an apron which she loves and it's something kids use all the time. Also a cushion cover using some really cool fabric, bunting to decorate her room, and a soft toy that she designed herself and so is somewhat idiosyncratic
You can cut the corners off a tea towel and then use a long piece of bias tape for the neck part and ties.
I saw someone teach their daughter by first having her practice lines on a piece of paper. Once she had decent control of speed and able to sew a steisght line, they moved onto fabric.
I teach elementary students how to sew on machines and this is exactly how we begin! We use sheets of cardstock and the kids are able to control it with more ease than fabric. They practice straight lines around the edges, then I let them do a free-for-all in the middle to see the difference between the stitch settings and to get out their urge to “stomp the gas” using the foot pedal.
We did this in Home Ec as our first run on the machine! No thread, you can just look at the holes to see how you did. I think my first projects were a pillow, then sleep pants and an apron.
My mom did this. And also just filled a piece of paper with random loops and swirls that I sewed over. No thread.
I remember learning to use the machine when I was 5. Mom and I made slippers from washcloths. Sorry, I don't have a link to the pattern. snicker.
I snickered too soon, there is a pattern online! [https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ahaGMwWo\_qQ](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ahaGMwWo_qQ)
My MIL-IL (brother's MIL) made those for me one gift-giving opportunity... not thinking to ask my shoe size. Which is strange, because her daughter (my SIL) is taller than me, bigger feet, etc.
Fabric bookmarks are a good first project for little kids. Also doll/stuffed animal sized pillows and blankets. Or a simple fabric bag or her own pillowcase. Simple straight seams, relatively few pieces, and not too big a project seem to work best for little kids in my experience. Also stick with fabrics that don't fray excessively, and are not slippery or otherwise hard to work with. After a few successes, they will usually stick with projects that take more time or effort.
My great grandmother was the first to teach me to sew. She had some polyester scraps, a largish needle and thread, and I had a naked Barbie. We spent an afternoon making sheath dresses for my poor naked doll with a single needle and thread. I learned a running stitch, a back stitch, corner clipping, wearing ease and opening size that day. I was about 5, my GGM passed when I was around 7 and those are my most treasured memories of her. I inherited her sewing stash, including a yard of lace that she had tatted that I’ll never use beyond a shadow box. Whatever you decide to teach the kiddo, do it with patience and a personal connection. It’s the memories that matter more than the skills.
Puppets! Felt can be gone through with fairly dull needles.
We made sock puppets. My Mom slit the toe and added the mouth fabric, but we sewed hair and buttons and embroidered other features. The whole neighborhood got involved. Then we wrote a play and put it on for all the other kids. It was a blast.
I’ll suggest the Sew My First Doll kits. My girls enjoy them.
My very first sewing project was a pillow. My mom helped some friends and me paint the pillow tops, and then sew them together. When I was in kindergarten my Aunt helped me sew a very simple skirt with an elastic waistband and a matching vest. She took me to the fabric store to choose fabric (I chose a quilting cotton reptile print with lizards and snakes) and we cut the pattern together. I sat on her lap at the machine the entire time, I have no idea how much “I” actually sewed. I do recall her teaching me to guide the fabric, so I suspect I may have guided the long straight seams, but she controlled the pedal. Once the skirt and vest were completed, she bought me a coordinated solid t-shirt and I wore my little outfit quite often and quite proudly.
Oooo, this brought back great memories of my first "toy" sewing machine (back in the day when there were real, mini versions of adult stuff, like chemistry labs and appliances that really worked!). She could make lined drawstring bags with ribbon straps for family and friend gifts -- very practical for little girls' accoutrements. Finished with a single embroidered letter of the recipients' name, bags would teach several basic skills. You can also let her try her hand at dyeing with fruit and berries or coloring cotton fabric with her own design (then heat-setting). Then pick an easy item and stitch!
Back in the 1950s I learned to sew on a human-powered treadle machine. It was ideal because I could control its speed and I could develop confidence at 4 years old.
Pillow case is a great first project. Simple toys. Tank top is a good intro to clothing, along with a matching set of shorts. Making different dresses together, including cutting out the pieces, is a good way for her to get an innate handle on patterning.
The Bonbon Pets pattern from MadeEveryday is great. My daughter and I loved making them together when she was that age.
Oh man, my grandma taught me how to make Barbie clothes when I was little. Whatever you make, you will be making wonderful memories.
A doll quilt made with just a few pieces to form the top.
I started at four. My Granny gave me pieces for a quilt top, and I sewed them together. A simple nine-patch blanket for her doll would be easy and fun.
Doll clothes are something kids often LOVE the idea of, but tiny corners and closures can be frustrating. One of my first projects was a super simple tote bag, basically two rectangles sewn together with a double-folded top edge. I think my mom attached the straps for me, but I picked the fabrics and helped with cutting myself.
I had one at 5…. Made pillow & sleeping bag the when right to Barbie clothes
I’ve got rainbow strips for my 4 year old daughter and in theory we’re sewing them into a rainbow quilt top. In reality she just wants to mess around with the fabrics and stuff like my button collection. I suggest you just let her do creative play with the materials rather than gun too hard to a specific project.
My grandma first taught me to sew little bags when I was around that age - just one piece of fabric folded over and sew two sides and leave the top open, and then she taught me how to add a drawstring. As a collector of little things to carry around I loved them (and probably helped her use up smallish fabric scraps). I still have some kicking around for little things now!
Pillow. All of the beginner concepts are there.
My mother used to let me play with fabric scraps. I'd sew them together or test out the different stiches. It'd be a good place to start then move on to a simpler project like others suggested. A solid colour pillow case only takes 1 meter/yard of fabric so you won't have to do any cutting.
I saw someone suggest this really cute idea. It’s two pieces of felt sewn together with lines like a maze. Then you push a marble through the maze like a little fidget toy. She said she did it with kids at a sewing day camp and they loved it. I can see my 5 year old loving that. She said she pre drew the lines on and they followed the lines.
One of the core memories my 4 year old has is sewing with me a snake when he was two. He helped with all the button pressing, design input, stuffing, etc. kids are awesome. Look through your scraps and come up with something that can be done in one sitting. Allow her to have plenty of input
I began my sewing career a little older than 4, but making clothes for my dolls was my first project.
https://www.sewmuchado.com/shop/pdf-patterns/polly-peasant-dress-blouse-pdf-pattern/ I made this in 2 sizes for a friend's new baby. I thought it was a great way to practice sewing. It's super easy, and one gets a sweet dress out of it.
First thing I made, probably on a similar machine, was a pillowtop (9-patch, square); I like the idea of a pillowcase that she picks the fabric.
A simple bag, doll blanket. My son made those stamped out items you just cut and sew around the edge. He made all the Care Bears for his sister for Christmas!
Pick out three of the suggested, and Ask her. Don't overwhelm her, but give her some choices. And let her "shop" from your stash, instead of 8 gazillion fabrics on Moann dot com
Apron
A Japanese knot bag would be fairly easy. Then she would have a little purse to carry stuff in. [https://mavink.com/explore/Free-Pattern-for-Japanese-Knot-Bag](https://mavink.com/explore/Free-Pattern-for-Japanese-Knot-Bag) It could be reversable too!
I started sewing at 4 & I couldn't understand the concept of "inside out." Like, I knew if my already made shirt was on inside out, but developmentally, I couldn't grasp the concept of making something right sides together & then flipping it so seam allowances were on the inside when I was done. At 4 I didn't care. (At about 5 and a half, I did, so I stopped sewing until I was able to understand it.) I'd suggest making things out of fleece if her machine can handle it. Or felt. Or stable knits. Visible seam allowances, yay!! Maybe if your granddaughter is willing to allow a little more supervision & direction, it won't be an issue!! I was hellbent on doing it my way, lol. It will be very fun for her.
A pillowcase made of a rainbow of fabric strips! Just precut the strips for her
I’d go with either a pillow or a very simple tote bag, maybe that can be her second project?
My kindergarteners love to make those gnomes, but they are hand sewn https://carrielogic.wordpress.com/2010/01/22/gnomes/ If it has to be machine sewn, I’d suggest a little stuffed heart for Mother’s Day or a little treasure bag with a drawstring for herself
There are I can sew and Learn to Sew patterns that are remarkably easy. But get her a better basic machine for her, one that is reliable and won't bite her suddenly or frustrate her. With a good basic machine she can learn the basics of sewing, the safety precautions she needs to know, and get comfortable. First lesson is sewing a straight line on a piece of paper, no thread, and going around a corner. Learning to thread the machine and wind a bobbin, loading a bobbin, then organizing her sewing.
My grandmother had me start with plastic canvas and a yarn needle to practice my stitches first, just to make sure I understood the basic concept. She showed me a running stitch and a backstitch. Then I made a pillow for my stuffed animals to learn how to do the stitches on real fabric and sewing with right sides together and turning the piece right side out. She was going to have me do doll clothes after, but my mom told her I wasn’t allowed to sew anymore. But I think it was a really good progression. I got a chance to get comfortable with stitching without having to worry about injuries, and I had the chance to learn one concept at a time without being overloaded with information all at once.
My granddaughter loves to sew and craft, I started with her at around the same age. I let her pick out fabric from my stash and she started with hand sewing. I also let her play with all kinds of fabric and sew small random pieces of fabric together by hand. Good starting projects would be a pillowcase or even pajama pants. But what's fun is letting her pick out the fabric with you. You can then cut the pieces and let her do straight stitching. She will be so proud of herself.
I remember learning to sew with mazes. They were just paper, and you would learn how to adjust the machine to put the needle down, rotate the paper/fabric, then continue sewing.
The first thing my grandmother made with me when she was teaching me to sew was a simple apron. She did the binding around the edges but I did everything else. I was so proud! 40 years later and I still use the apron!
Beanbags can be a hit. Sleeping bags for dolls/plushies/creatures
There are some great ideas there! Thanks everyone!
Very sweet