Sewing is one of the life skills we do in our grades 6-8 classroom and is great fun for the students. Look online for easy 15-minute beginning sewing projects and develop a menu of choices. The project that would take an experienced seamstress 10 to 15 minutes will probably take a student several class periods.
An elasticized shirt is one of the simplest projects, along with aprons, book bags, pencil bags, pot holders, pony tail holders, place mats, and pajamas. My students made bags, aprons, pajamas, and dresses this year.
There are many cheap sources for resources such as donated machines from church members, sewing kits from Wal-Mart, and remnant material from everywhere. Teach students how to thread a machine, sew a straight seam, and cut out a project. Then let them create many fun projects that they can share or wear. Have fun!
Written by: Mary Womack
Mary is Head Teacher at Ewing Adventist Jr. Academy in Bonnderdale, AR.
