Sewing is a wonderful opportunity for children to practice concentration and hand-eye coordination. Manipulating a needle to do exactly what you want is hard work!

A perfect starter sewing project is one that has a clear start and finish so your child can earn that sense of accomplishment. Here’s a great example: Animal Sewing Cards.

These cards from “Handmade by Charlotte” feature a beautiful animal illustration and a practical purpose. The thread becomes textured fur on the animal! Here’s what you’ll need:

– Card stock to print the animal cards
– Needle and embroidery floss
– Tack or straight pin to prepare the stitch marks
– Scissors

For your younger child, prepare the cards by poking holes at the ends of the stitch marks to make sewing a bit easier. An older child with more hand strength can do this on their own, or alternately do this for a younger sibling!

Next, choose an animal card and cut a length of embroidery thread in whatever color you choose. Separate out three strands of floss and let your child thread the needle! Tie a knot at the end of your thread.

Now your child can get to work! Start on the back side of the card so your knot isn’t visible. Following the stitch lines on the card, carefully stitch until every fur line is now thread! A note: It helps to flip the card back and forth with every stitch.

Tie off your thread with another knot, and voila! A beautifully stitched animal card that your child can display as artwork, use as a book marker, or give as a gift!

Print out all four animal stitching cards here : Hedgehog, Fox, Squirrel, Owl.

See the original from Handmade Charlotte.

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