Sew Fun! 3 Easy Embroidery Projects for Kids

Level 1: Ages 3–5

Fill In the Shapes

A cute way to start: Stitch inside the lines.

1. Stretch a 10x10-inch square of burlap in an 8-inch embroidery hoop.
2. Paint various large shapes on burlap with a light coat of acrylic paint (too much will clog the weave); let dry.
3. Thread yarn onto a kid-safe needle, tie a knot at the opposite end, and teach your child a basic stitch (up through the fabric, then back down a few holes away). Have him vary the stitch length and cross lines to see the different effects.

• RELATED: Why Creativity And Art Are Important

Level 2: Ages 6–8

Personalized Bookmark

Combine two easy stitches to get wow-worthy results!

1. Use painter’s tape to create a guide on a piece of burlap (it’ll stabilize it too). With a fine-tip marker, write your child’s name or a short word (like READ or YAY!) on the burlap in block letters. 
2. Thread embroidery floss onto a kidsafe needle, tie a double knot, and have your child use a back stitch (see our complete Stitch Guide) to outline each letter.
3. Use a satin stitch to fill in the letters. Stitch diagonally on those with right angles (E, L) and stitch horizontally on letters that curve or slant (A, B, X).
4. Cut a piece of cotton fabric about ¼ inch larger than your taped border. Coat one side of the fabric with Mod Podge fabric glue; adhere to the back of the burlap. Remove tape, let dry, and trim.
5. Optional: Add a tassel! 

• RELATED: Help Your Child Learn Through Creativity

Level 3: Ages 9–12

Boho Wall Hanging

Vary stitches and yarn types for cool art. Have your child map out her own design!

1. Cut a 12x14-inch rectangle from burlap. Trim the bottom edge into a point.
2. Using a fine-tip marker, lightly draw on your design, including a border at least 1 inch from the edge. Use the holes in the burlap as a guide to create a variety of shapes and lines.
3. Using one color of yarn and a kid-safe needle, back-stitch the border. Then fill in the design with different colors, yarn types, and stitches (see our Stitch Guide). We used a chain stitch, a French knot, a satin stitch, a split stitch, and a running stitch.
4. To add beads, knot the thread, stitch up through the burlap, and slip a bead over the needle. Hold the bead in place against the burlap, then stitch back down and knot to secure.
5. When the tapestry is complete, hotglue a dowel to the top edge. Hang with a length of embroidery floss.

• By Amanda Kingloff