According to child development experts, completing crafts helps to build a child’s fine motor skills and dexterity. Not only do your children benefit developmentally from crafting, but the process provides ample bonding time for you as a family. If you are a sewer, there’s little doubt that you have at least a yard of fabric lying around the house that you’ve been wondering what to do with. Whether you’re trying to empty your stash of scraps, have old clothes to get rid of, or are ready to take the kids shopping to pick out their own material, here are 10 great fabric projects to complete with the kids.
1.Dog Bed
If you’ve got a furry companion in the home, it needs a comfy place to sleep. With a pair of scissors, a few T-shirts and stuffing, you can make a great bed for your dog or cat. The only thing to keep in mind is that the larger the bed, the more material you’ll need.
2.Tee Pee
There is no kid on the planet who doesn’t enjoy a tent or fort of their very own. Take four pieces of lumber, set them against each other in the shape of a pyramid, and secure the top by wrapping rope around and through the pieces of lumber. Take any fabric that you like and wrap it around the pyramid you’ve made. Secure the fabric to the lumber with a staple gun and you’re done.
3.Princess Pillowcase
Little girls love to pretend like they are royalty. Cut around the very edge of the open end of the pillow case. Turn your new edges in towards each other and iron. Sandwich a long piece of rickrack between two pieces of Stitch Witchery, insert your sandwich in between your pillow case edges and iron. You’re little one will have pillows fit for a princess’s beautiful head.
4.T-Shirt Dress
You and your partner have tees that are taking up space in a drawer. Let your daughter go wild with these old shirts, turning them into fabulous summer dresses. With scissors, fabric paints, sequins, buttons and glue, your daughter can turn your old T-shirt into a fantastic new outfit. Add a belt or sash so your little girl doesn’t look like she’s swimming in your shirt.
5.Market Bag
Reusable shopping bags are all the rage, but who has room to store them? Get your kids in on the craft, and make shopping bags that are as easy to store as they are to carry. A market bag is easy to make with a piece of cloth and a pair of scissors.
6.Pet Bow Tie
With scissors, a small piece of scrap fabric, ribbon, and this handy tutorial, your kids can make snazzy bow ties for their four-legged best friend. Your pet doesn’t need a formal occasion for an excuse to get dressed up; the fact that you and the kids feel like crafting is all the reason Fido needs.
7.Marker Bins
You know those sanitizing wipes that you love to use? Those empty containers make fabulous holders for your kids’ treasures. Instead of lining Clorox containers on your children’s shelves, let the kids dress them up. With spray adhesive and fabric, your kids can turn those empty containers into treasure boxes.
8.Wall Art
If you’re like most parents, you want to pull your hair out at the frequency of your kids’ desire to change their rooms. Instead of repainting constantly, let the kids have a go at your fabric stash. Let them take the fabric they love, stretch it over canvas boards and staple in place. These fabric-covered boards make great wall hangings and are easily changed when your kids get bored.
9.Blanket
You’ll need new fabric for this one, but it is so easy to make, you won’t mind spending a few bucks. Buy two pieces of fleece fabric at least three yards apiece. Lay the pieces of fabric on top of one another, and cut slits four-inches deep and two-inches apart. Tie your newly created strands together in knots and you’ve got an instant, no-sew blanket.
10.Fabric Bowls
Fabric bowls are a fun project for kids and the perfect way to use up your scraps of fabric. Easily made in under an hour, your kids will have a blast making these bowls that they can use to hold their favorite things.
Whether you use new linen fabric or fabric that you’ve had stashed in the closet for years, you and the kids will have a fantastic time together making these crafts. Working with fabric doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With a few household items and a rainy afternoon, you can make crafts that you never thought possible.
Jenn Ryder is a design blogger. Check out her most recent article on creative ways to use linen fabric on Twitter @Jenn_Ryder.