8 ​​Summer DIY Crafts to Get Your Kids and Teens Sewing

Summer is the perfect time to introduce your kids and teens to the joy of sewing! With school out and plenty of free time, it's an ideal opportunity to engage them in creative and productive activities. Sewing not only helps in developing fine motor skills but also fosters creativity and patience. Here are some fun and engaging sewing projects that will keep your children busy and excited while growing their passion for sewing!

Custom T-Shirts

DIY T-Shirt Appliqué Tutorial with Bugs & Fishes

Transform plain t-shirts into unique fashion statements with some simple sewing techniques. Kids can add fabric patches, create fringe, or sew on decorative buttons and trims. This project allows for endless creativity and gives kids a sense of pride in wearing something they've made themselves.

Patchwork Pillows

Patchwork Pillow Tutorial at The Willow Market

Patchwork pillows are a fantastic sewing project for beginners! They offer a great way to use up fabric scraps and let kids play with colors and patterns. Start with simple square patches and encourage your kids to arrange them in different designs before sewing them together. You can then add a layer of batting to your pillow cover and add quilting lines to make the pillow cover sturdy and cozy. This project teaches basic sewing skills like measuring, cutting, and sewing straight lines, all while creating something useful and decorative for their room!

Personalized Tote Bags
Library Bag with Name Appliqué at Samelia’s Mum

A personalized tote bag is a practical project that kids will love to use. Begin with a simple pattern and let them choose their fabric. Adding their name or favorite shapes with fabric paint or appliqué makes the project extra special. This project introduces kids to the concept of sewing handles and constructing a functional item, which can boost their confidence in their sewing abilities.

Fun Felt Projects
Sweetheart Bookmarks Tutorial at The Craft Train

Felt is an excellent material for kids because it doesn't fray, making it easy to work with. Projects like felt bookmarks, keychains, or small stuffed animals can be both quick and satisfying! These projects require basic hand stitching and can be completed in a short amount of time, making them perfect for younger children with shorter attention spans.

Simple Drawstring Bags
Drawstring Bag Tutorial at Instructables

Drawstring bags are another excellent project for beginners. They're easy to make and perfect for storing small toys, school supplies… or even snacks! This project teaches basic hemming and casing techniques. Plus, kids can personalize their bags with fabric markers or iron-on patches, adding a personal touch to their creations.

Decorative Banners
Fabric Banner Tutorial at Ameroonie Designs

Encourage your kids to decorate their space with custom banners! Using fabric, ribbon, tassels, pom-poms, and a little imagination, they can create banners to hang in their rooms or for special occasions. This project involves cutting out shapes, sewing them onto fabric panels, and sewing them with a nice finished seam!

Quilted Coasters
Quilted Coasters Tutorial at Ye Olde Sweatshop

Quilted coasters are a great introduction to quilting. Using small squares of fabric, kids can create mini quilts that are both functional and decorative. This project teaches basic quilting techniques like layering and binding and results in a useful item that they can be proud to use at home.

Stuffed Toys
Among Us Plushie Tutorial at Handmade Joy

Making simple stuffed toys can be incredibly rewarding for kids. Start with easy patterns like hearts, stars, or animals—or these Among Us video game-inspired creatures! This project involves cutting fabric, sewing it together, and stuffing it with polyfill. It helps kids understand the construction of three-dimensional objects and provides a cuddly end product.

Sewing is a wonderful skill that can provide hours of creative fun and a sense of accomplishment for kids and teens. Did you learn to sew as a child? If so, what were some of your favorite projects to sew?! By starting with simple, fun projects, you might just ignite a passion for sewing in your children that might last a lifetime.