Burda Style For people who sew

Hey All! The situation:

I’m leaving in about a week to be a camp counselor over the summer, and I’ve volunteered to lead a class teaching the basics of sewing to kids ages 10-18, and I’m hoping I haven’t bitten off more than I can chew!

Have any of you ever taught anyone in this (wide, I know) age range how to sew? Do you have any pointers to get the basics across in a simple way? We’ll have one sewing machine, and about 7 kids per group.

Also, have any of you ever worked with patterns that seem easy enough for someone so young to work with, that aren’t too boring or expected (like a basic pillow c: )? Thanks so much! Any otehr advice is more than welcome aslo!

Jun 10, 2011, 06.53 PM by rachelgren

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  Jun 11, 2011, 01.15 PMby bjr99

  There are tote bags, cell phone cases, purses laptop cases and aprons. Older girls might try a simple skirt made from a length of fabric sewn down the center back with a casing at the waist and elastic. Hope this gives you a start.

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    Jun 11, 2011, 10.43 PMby rachelgren

    That helps so much, thank you! I love the idea of totes… and I remembered a great pattern I’ve got for one. I also thought about making stuffed monsters, like these:

    http://previews.diamondcomics.com/public/catalog_images/STK_IMAGES/STK400001-420000/STK412322.jpg
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  Jun 11, 2011, 11.57 PMby bjr99

  Glad I was able to help! Stuffed monsters would be another great idea.Look for projects with lots of straight lines. They usually sew up fast and are fairly successful.
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  Jun 12, 2011, 09.12 PMby cuada

  I’ve taught a few kids sewing classes, from ten up is a good age as they’ll be able to pick things up quickly. I’ve been surprised that some often can’t thread a needle, so be ready to start from the very begining! A quick project is to use the cuffs from a shirt, decorate with lace and stitching, and move button to make them close tighter, they can then be worn as textile bracelets/cuffs.

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    Jun 14, 2011, 07.51 PMby rachelgren

    Great idea with the shirt cuffs! I’m going to a thrift store to fabric hunt… I’ll be sure to pick up some shirts!