Monday, December 9, 2013

Owls for All - a group sewing project for kids!

I recently put together a little sewing pattern for my son's 4H group.  It was such a success, that I decided to turn it into a free tutorial.  The format is a bit different than my other patterns/tutorials, as it contains separate instructions for the instructor and the students.  It allows you to prepare and host the ideal sewing experience so the kids just swoop in, do the fun stuff, and learn a ton in the process.

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This "owlie" has just the right amount of pieces to make the project interesting, but still quick and easy.  It requires only straight machine stitching and just a touch of hand stitching. You prepare the fusible facial features and feet in advance. I include 3 shape options for the pupils - heart, round, and pac-man.

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The patterns are printed onto cardstock, and traced onto the fabric.  For little fingers, this is much more accurate (and less frustrating) than pinning and cutting around a pattern.  

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If possible, get the parents to stay for the fun.  Adult helpers make the process so much easier and more efficient.  Also, since you are dealing with sharp implements and a hot iron, it is good to have the extra supervision.

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After the first few piecing steps, the kids are amazingly independent.

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All of the stitching steps use a 1/4" seam allowance, so the kids just align the edge of the foot with the fabric edges and "steer" the fabric through the sewing machine.

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Here is a group shot of our groups' owls.  Didn't the kids do an awesome job?  This project is great for boys and girls alike.  Our 2nd to 5th graders were able to complete the owls in about an hour and a half, with minimal adult support.  We even had a 4 year old little sister participate, and even though she needed more help than the older kids, she was very engaged in the process.


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This is a great project to do with just one child, as well.  After our sewing party, Louis went on to make an owl for his teacher.  You and your child could even make several owls assembly-line style, and check off lots of gifts on your list.  This will give your child sewing skills that will last a lifetime, and the opportunity to feel the joy of giving handmade gifts from the heart.

12 comments:

karmyl said...

Thank you for an awesome project! I love the detail you put into the instructions.

Kate said...

Thank you for sharing your fab how-to.

Heather said...

Thank you so much for this gift!! I can't wait to put it to use with my kids!

Beeshebags said...

I've just linked up to this tute over on here

Beeshebags said...

Also shared it on my own blog...thanks for a great tute....I'll be making some of these to pop in my soon to be opening online shop...with links and kudos to your blog :)

Hugs
Naomi

Maria said...

I've been looking for an owl tutorial for ever and this one is perfect. I found your blog through Beeshebags. Thanks so much

Indigo Blue said...

Brilliant! I have an after school club and they would love to make these in the New Year. I think I shall have a go first! Looks an ideal project to do over the holidays.
Thank you for sharing.

Linette Whiteman said...

Thank you :)

Rachel said...

Thank you, my 5 and 8 year old each made 3, one to keep and 2 to gift. They loved the project!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing this! Very generous. I will try to make with my daughter and her friends.

tbsnyder said...

Thank you for sharing Owls For All! Such a sweet pattern and it will be great for showing my grandkids how to sew. Just found your blog, so I have now subscribed and can't wait to see what else you have on your blog. Thanks again!
tbsnyder

Sophie said...

Adore this pattern. Thanks so much. Do you have any other patterns with both instructions for parents and kids for sale???