Kids Can Stitch References

Below is a list of sewing books that you can use to teach children, tweens and teens how to sew by hand and/or machine. The books are grouped into categories: Doll Sewing, hand and Machine Sewing, Quilting, and Smocking. I have given you a short synopsis of each book, the ISBN, and the price. Most of these books can still be purchased in bookstores or Amazon. Some are available in Kindle or e-book editions. Your local libraries might also carry many of the books on the list.

As a sewing teacher teaching kids from 5 through adult to sew, I have used many of these books in my classes. If you have a favorite book that I have not mentioned, please let me know and I will add it to my list. Let’s get the kids sewing!

Bobbi Smith Fascination in Fabrics

 

Kids Can Stitch References

Below is a list of sewing books that you can use to teach children, tweens and teens how to sew by hand and/or machine. The books are grouped into categories: Doll Sewing, hand and Machine Sewing, Quilting, and Smocking. I have given you a short synopsis of each book, the ISBN, and the price. Most of these books can still be purchased in bookstores or Amazon. Some are available in Kindle or e-book editions. Your local libraries might also carry many of the books on the list.

As a sewing teacher teaching kids from 5 through adult to sew, I have used many of these books in my classes. If you have a favorite book that I have not mentioned, please let me know and I will add it to my list. Let’s get the kids sewing!

Bobbi Smith Fascination in Fabrics

Doll Sewing

Hentzel, Erin. Sew in Style: Make your Own Doll Clothes. C&T, 2014.

• Make, mix, and match super-cute clothes, bags, and jewelry for all your dolls.

• ISBN 978-1-60705-795-6 $22.95

  
  

  Hinds, Joan

  Joan Hinds has published a number of books for clothes for an 18” doll. Many

  you might find on Etsy, Amazon, or in your library or used bookstore. Below is a list of books by Joan Hinds.

  
  

• Doll Fashion Studio: Sew 20 Seasonal Outfits for your 18-Inch Doll

• Sew the Contemporary Wardrobe for 18-Inch Dolls

• Sew the International Wardrobe for 18-Inch Dolls

• Sew the Essential Wardrobe for 18” Dolls

• Sew Todays fashions for 18-Inch Dolls

• Heritage Doll Clothes: Sew 20 American Outfits for Your 18-Inch Doll

• Sewing secrets for Doll Clothing

• Doll Costume Dress Up

• Sew Baby Doll Clothes

• All Dolled Up

• Doll Clothes for Everyday Play

• Action Wear for Dolls

• Best Doll Clothes Book

  
  

  Embroidery

  Baumeister, Jeannie Downs. Jeannie B’s Book of Heirloom Embroidery Designs and Stitches. Book 1

• Great diagrams and descriptions of embroidery stitches and designs.

• $20.00

  
  

  Brown, Christen. Embroidery Stitching: Handy Pocket Guide. C&T, 2018.

• Quick and easy reference to over 30 embroidery stitches

• ISBN-13: 978-1-61745-779-1 $7.95

  
  

  Cressy, Judith. Bandana-rama: Wrap, Glue, Sew. C&T, 2014.

• Give yourself a total Bandana makeover!

• Make over your clothes and make new stuff with super cute and colorful bandanas.

• ISBN 978-1-60705-921-9 $21.95

  
  

  Kim, Maryellen. Ribbon Girls: wind, weave, twist, & tie C&T, 2014.

• 26 easy projects that will get you crafting in no time!

• Fab up all your stuff with just ribbons, buttons, and string!

• ISBN 978-1-60705-987-5 $14.95

  
  

  Koolish, Lynn, Kerry Graham, and Mary Wruck. The Wonderful Colorful Wonder Wheel of Color. 2014.

• Great book exploring color!

• Ages 8 and up. Cute hand sewn stuffies for you to try!

• ISBN 978-1-60705-892-2 $12.95

  
  

  McLauchlan, Shirley. Girls Get Stitching! C&T, 2013.

• Personalize your clothes, your room, and your stuff!

• 10 embroidery stitches, 20 projects

• ISBN 978-1-60705-833-5 $21.95

  
  

  Montano, Judith Baker. Embroidery and Crazy Quilt Stitch Tool. C&T, 2008.

• Compact, take anywhere guide to more than 180 stitches and stitch combinations.

• Use for hand embroidery, silk ribbon embroidery, and crazy quilting.

• ISBN 978-1-57120-533-9 $22.95

  
  

  Nicholas, Kristin. The Amazing Stitching Handbook for Kids. C&T, 2015.

• 15 easy projects and 17 stitches show you how to personalize all your stuff!

• Great illustrations.

• ISBN 978-1-60705-973-8 $16.95

  
  

  Oldham, Todd. Kids Made Modern: All About Embroidery. Ammo Books.

• Designer Tod Oldham explores one of the oldest art techniques used to decorate fabrics.

• www.kidmademodern.com

• ISBN 978-193442991-4 $8.95

  
  

  Sutcliffe, Kristen. Fabric Paper Thread: 26 Projects to Stitch with Friends. C&T. 2013.

• Restitch, Repurpose, Reuse, and Get Crafty!

• ISBN 978-1-60705-715-4 $21.95

  
  

  Vodicka-Paredes, Lenka and Asia Currie. Forest Fairy Crafts. C&T, 2013.

• 28 Projects to Create and Share.

• Enchanting Fairies and Felt Friends from Simple Supplies.

• Learn easy crafting skills like hand sewing, finger knitting, sewing buttons, beads and sequins and using patterns.

• ISBN 978-1-60705-690-4 $19.95

  
  

  Vodicka-Paredes, Lenka A. Currie. Forest Fairy Crafts Through the Seasons.C&T 2008.

• 25 Enchanting Forest Fairies, Gnomes, and more to Create and Share.

• Learn easy crafting skills like hand sewing, finger knitting, sewing buttons, beads, and sequins and using patterns.

• ISBN -13 978-1617456619 $21.95

  
  

  Hand and Machine Sewing

  
  

  Benyon, Ali. Stitched Paper Art for Kids. C&T, 2014.

• Paper your way to pretty things!

• Mix and Match designs and colors to make fab stuff that is just your style!

• ISBN 978-1-60705-927-1 $16.95

  Figueroa, Shelly. Ms. Figgy’s Garment School for Girls. C&T, 2015.

• Learn to sew 15 Classic Pieces.

• Create a totally new look by choosing different sleeves, necklines, and lengths on clothes you make yourself!

• Step by step photos guide you through making a new wardrobe.

• Tweens and Teens (11and up) Patterns included Sizes 10 – 16.

• ISBN 978-61745-062-4 $19.95

  
  

  Colin, Jennifer Pol. Sew Creative. C&T, 2018.

• 13 Projects to Make Your Own with tons of techniques! Ages 8 and up.

• Patterns can be found in the book or available online as PDF’s to

  download and print on your computer.

• ISBN -13 978-1-61745-685-5 $19.95

  
  

  Gratz, Wendy with Jo Gratz. Creature Camp. C&T, 2013.

• 18 Softies to Draw, Sew, and Stuff.

• Features different shapes, critters, and monsters that get your creativity going while learning to hand and machine sew!

• ISBN 978-1-60705-784-0 $22.95

  
  

  Hardy, Emma. Sewing for Children. CICO Books, NY. 2010.

• 35 step-by-step projects to help kids aged 3 and up learn to sew.

• ISBN 978-1-907030=23-9 $19.95

  
  

  Haxell, Kate. me and my sewing machine: a beginner’s guide. Stash Books, 2010.

• All the info you need to choose your first sewing machine.

• Detailed step-by-step techniques that make sewing simple.

• Gorgeous projects to get you started.

• ISBN 978-1-60705-078-0 $22.95

  
  

  Haxell, Kate.me and my sewing adventure: an intermediate guide. Stash Books, 2014.

• Advance your skills in garment, home dec, and accessory sewing with this practical guide.

• Detailed step-by-step techniques that make sewing simple.

• Gorgeous projects to get you started.

• ISBN 978-1-60705-876-2 $22.95

  
  

  Kerr, Sophie with Weeks Ringle and Bill Kerr. A Kid’s Guide to Sewing. C&T, 2013.

• 16 Fun Projects You’ll Love to Make and Use

• Ages 11 and Up

• Kid friendly and easy to follow with lots of photos and illustrations.

• ISBN 978-60705-751-2 $21.95

  
  

  Lan, Angela. #00TD: Outfit OF THE DAY. Stash Books, 2016.

• From self-motivated, 14-year-old clothing designer and popular blogger behind lovespunk.com

• 6 fashion patterns, ideal for beginners, with styles geared toward tween and teens. Patterns included XS-XL.

• In-depth garment sewing primer with 4 skill-building chapters for a professional, store-bought finish.

• Customize it! How to alter patterns, choose the perfect fabric, and sew Fashion- forward

• clothes.

• ISBN – 13 978—1-61745-136-2 $24.95

  
  

  Long, Abigail A. Modern Prairie Sewing. Stash Books, 2014.

• 20 beginner friendly projects

• Follow a pattern, learn to sew, and have a lot of fun making bags, skirts, scarves, quilts, and so much more.

• ISBN 978-1-60705-878-6 $24.95

  
  

  Low, Rachel. Girl’s Guide to DIY Fashion. C&T, 2015.

  From mood boards to sewing your own fashion…this is your DIY Learn how to make hip clothes from a New York City- based author! Ages 8 and up.

  ISBN 978-1-60705-995-0 $19.95

  
  

  Milligan, Lynda and N. Smith. Sewing Fun for Kids:Patchwork, Gifts, & More. C&T, 2006.

• Project packed companion to Best of Sewing Machine Fun for Kids.

• “…. colorful, kid-friendly and packed with information. The projects are easy, fun, and produce things that kids actually think are cool.”

  Creative Needle

• ISBN 978-1-57120-410-3 $16.95

  
  

  Maloney, Brenna. This is Mouse: An Adventure in Sewing. C&T, 2014.

• Make Mouse and Friends.

• Travel with Them from Africa to Outer Space!

• 25 easy projects show you how to make your own stuffed animals!

• ISBN 978-1-60705-977-6 $16.95

  
  

  Mortenson, Melissa. Project Teen. Stash Books, 2014.

• 21 Projects, specifically for teens and tweens (ages 11+)

  including quilts, T-shirts, tech covers, totes, accessories, and so much more.

• ISBN 978-1-60705-884-7 $23.95

  
  

  Perri, Kate. Easy Singer Style: pattern-free fashions & accessories. Creative Publishing International, 2007.

• Discover the basics of sewing and move on to making 15 great fashions, accessories, and room accents for yourself or friends.

• Step by step photos for each project.

• ISBN – 13 978-1-58923-312-6 $21.95

  
  

  Plumley, Amie P. and Andria Lisle. Sewing School: 21 Sewing Projects Kids Will Love to Make. Storey Publishing, 2010.

• Ages 5 and up

• Great book for beginners.

• 21 Kid-tested projects that are fun with clear instructions.

• Most projects are stitched by hand.

• Book includes practical introduction for adults, a glossary, a list of recommended blogs, and sources of tools, supplies, and fabrics.

• ISBN-13 978-1603425780 $18.95

  
  

  Plumley, Amie P. and Andria Lisle. Sewing School 2: Lessons in Machine Sewing; 20 Projects Kids Will Love to Make. Storey Publishing, 2013.

• Ages 7 and up

• Great book for beginners.

• 20 Kid-tested projects that are fun with clear instructions.

• Graduate from hand-sewing to the endless possibilities of sewing with a machine.

• Learn the basics- threading the machine, feeding the fabric—and then work your way through 20 fun projects that will carry your stuff, keep you warm, and decorate your room.

• ISBN-13 978-1612120492 $18.95

  
  

  Plumley, Amie P. and Andria Lisle. Sewing School Fashion Design: Make Your Own Wardrobe with Mix- and- Match Projects. Storey Publishing, 2018.

• Specially designed for kids ages 8 – 12

• Master three basic garments- a top, shorts, and a skirt- then pick and choose from fashionable variations to create clothes that show off your personal style

• ISBN-13 978-1612128597 $18.95

  
  

  Smith, Nancy and Lynda Milligan. The Best of Sewing Machine Fun for Kids. C&T, 2003.

• 13 kid-friendly projects teach children aged 7 and up how to sew.

• Projects build on skills learned as kids work their way through the book.

• Games, puzzles, and stitching practice allow kids to learn at their own pace.

• Easy to follow instructions and safety precautions.

• “Helper Star” notes offer guidance for the adults in charge.

• ISBN 1-57120-254-4 $16.95

  
  

  Trail, Sara. Sew with Sara. C&T, 2009.

• Teens and Tweens: Learn to sew for fun and profit!

• 9 beginner-friendly projects include PJ’s, pillows, a tote bag, a cell phone or MP3 player cover, an apron, a notebook cover, and more.

• ISBN 978-`-57120-603-9 $19.95

  
  

  Ward, Alexa. Sewing for Kids: 30 Fun Projects to Hand and Machine Sew. Rockridge Press, 2019.

• The perfect introduction for both children and grown-ups into the wonderful world of sewing.

• Ages 6 and up!

• Visit author at www.BrooklynSewcial.com

• ISBN -13 978-1641526647

  
  

  Wrigley, Annabel. We Love to Sew. C&T, 2013.

• 28 super cool projects to create your own style.

• Great illustrations.

• Lots of info for the beginner sewer!

• ISBN 978-1-60705-632-4 $22.95

  
  

  Wrigley, Annabel. We Love to Sew: Bedrooms. C&T, 2014.

• 23easy-to-sew and no- sew projects in 5 unique styles; mix and match for a complete bedroom makeover.

• Great illustrations.

• Lots of info for the beginner sewer!

• ISBN 978-1-60705-824-3 $21.95

  
  

  Wrigley, Annabel. We Love to Sew: Gifts. C&T, 2015.

• Make 23 awesome gifts to give to your pals and family for their birthdays and holidays!

• Great illustrations.

• Lots of info for the beginner sewer!

• ISBN 978-1-60705-997-4 $19.95

  
  

  Quilting

  
  

  Anderson, Alex. Kids Start Quilting. C&T, 2002.

• 7 Fun and Easy Projects

• Quilts for Kids by Kids

• Tips for Quilting with Children

• NOTE: Alex has wonderful books on quilting that would be great resources for help on any aspect of quilting

  
  

  Nicoll, Allison. Sew It! C&T, 2014.

• Make 17 Projects with Yummy Precut Fabric.

• Jelly Rolls, Layer Cakes, Charm Packs, & Fat Quarters.

• 17 easy projects teach you quiltmaking and sewing basics.

• ISBN 978-1-60705-874-8 $19.95

  
  

  Plumley, Amie P. and Andria Lisle. Sewing School 2: Quilts. Storey Publishing, 2018.

• Ages 8 and up

• Introduction to patchwork, applique, and quilts.

• Graduate from hand-sewing to the endless possibilities of sewing with a machine.

• Authors teach a variety of techniques using both hand and machine sewing.

• 15 projects range from decorative to practical.

• ISBN-13 978-1612128597 $18.95

  
  

  Walters, Angela and Cloe Walters. Get Quilting with Angela and Cloe. C&T, 2015.

• Learn patchwork from top to bottom with 14 fun projects.

• Loads of how-to photos and page references make it easy to find help.

• ISBN 978-1-60705-955-4 $24.95

  Smocking

  Country Bumpkin. A-Z of Smocking. Country Bumpkin. 2000.

• A Complete Manual for the Beginner Through to The Advanced Smocker.

• ISBN 0-957715935 $29.00

  
  

  Durand, Dianne. Diane Durand’s Complete Book of Smocking. Prentice-Hall, 1982.

• Provides a wealth of smocking tips.

• Step – by-step directions and detailed photographs of stitch patterns for all projects.

• ISBN 0-671-60990-4 $19.95

  
  

  Knott, Grace L. English Smocking Revised Edition. G. Lyons Litho LTD. 1976.

• Profusely illustrated and includes helpful hints and suggestions for both old and new smockers.

  
  

  Pullen, Martha. The Joy of Smocking. Martha Pullen Company, Inc. 1993.

• A book of instructions written so clearly and simply that smocking will indeed be a joy to learn.

  
  

  Wolff, Colette. The Art of Manipulating Fabric. Chilton Books, 1996.

• Beautiful book showcasing three-dimensional manipulation of fabric.

• Shirring, gathering, pleating, tucking, and quilting.

• 350+ diagrams support the extensive how-to’s

Hello Sewing Friends!

It’s just about time to start sewing classes with Ms Bobbi and I am just sew excited!

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This year I have 3 different classes for you:

“Sewing on the Go” is my class for my students in grades 2 through 6. I’ll have some beginners mixed in with my returning sewers. I have lots of great hand and machine projects for the coming year so be prepared to have lots of sewing fun!

My “Junior Sewing on the Go” is my class for my Kindergarten and First Graders. We’ll have sewing fun mixing a lot of different types of hand sewing projects with a bit of machine sewing here and there to get you interested in the sewing machine.

And finally, my “Sewing Sampler Class” for my 4 and 5 year olds. These students are soooo excited to learn how to sew by hand and they are so proud of everything that they sew. And you never know when a sewing machine lesson might happen in a class or two…We’ll see how goes!

Click Here for Tower Hill Class Schedules and Information

Click Here for Tatnall Class Schedules and Information

If you can’t come to my classes in the extended day programs of Tower Hill or Tatnall, just give me a call and we’ll sign you up for private or semi-private lessons in my home or yours! Everyone can join in the fun of sewing!

Learning to sew and loving it!

Ms Bobbi

My goodness 2015 went fast! It’s January and time to think about Spring Sewing sessions and Summer Sewing Camps. The Camp Fairs are right around the corner…..

This year I am excited to again be at Tower Hill School for most of the summer. I will be offering 4 camps and your sewer can join me for either a half day or a full day. Many of my working parents let me know that they needed a full day of camp so now your wish is my command!

I will also be running 2 sewing camps in August at Tatnall and they will also have the option to join me for a half day or a full day. And, finally I am running 2 camps at Cab Calloway Summer School of the Performing Arts for campers that are in Kindergarten through Second Grade. It’s gonna be a busy summer but sew exciting!!!!

Here’s the link to click to my summer camps. Register early for best selection!

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Summer is often the best way for your kids to experience the joys of sewing. Classes are small and the atmosphere is more laid back than during the busy school year. Kids can choose a variety of sewing disciplines based on their interests. During the week they will be gain confidence in their ability to finish each project and use their creativity to personalize their projects based on their individual personalities. Wherever you may live be sure to investigate your local sewing shops or schools for sewing camps in your area.

Until next time,

Ms Bobbi

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I love the Pattern “Flower Pouches” by Valori Wells. My students loved them too! How can stitching a simple square and turning each corner back and gathering it look so cool and really look like the petals of a flower? It’s amazing and another great container for putting in a special gift for someone you love (actually makes it more special because you’ve made the pouch)!

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Start with the sewing card “Petal Pouches” by Valori Wells. Choose the size of your square from the pattern (there are 3 sizes using a 10” for a small bag, 15” for the medium bag, and 18” for the big bag). You might also like to experiment with the size to fit your gift. You’ll need 2 fabrics and ribbon for your gathers that fit through your casings. Note: I preferred to cut a larger piece of ribbon for the bags to have longer pieces to tie)

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The directions are easy to follow and the finished project so adorable. Make in a variety of prints and solids including some Christmas prints for the holidays! You can find the Sewing Card “Petal Pouches” by Valori Wells on my website in the Marketplace under Cool Stuff for Kids! Happy Stitching… Bobbi

Kids just love making pillows! For some of my students I think the best part of making the pillow is stuffing it! So I thought let’s make some Christmas pillows and ornaments and have fun stitching and stuffing them!

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Because I again wanted super easy projects I cut squares from felt and fleece. These fabrics don’t ravel and seams don’t have to be inside! Cut squares to the desired size. Add any appliques with simple hand stitches. Add embellishments like sequins, buttons, and ribbons. Pin the front of the pillow to the back and be sure to leave a hole in the middle of one of the sides to stuff. You could use the machine to sew the sides if you would prefer, but I love these pillow projects from felt to practice hand sewing. Stuff the pillow lightly and stitch up the opening you left for stuffing. Your pillow is done! If you are making an ornament, just slip in a piece of folded ribbon at the top of the ornament and stitch all 3 layers at once (top felt, ribbon in between, and bottom felt).

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For more ideas and creative stitches for your projects check out “The Amazing Stitching Handbook for Kids” by Kristin Nicholas available on my website under Fun Stitch Studio Books by C&T Publishing. Until next time… Bobbi

I love using socks to make creatures and other fun creations. You can use old socks that lose a mate in the laundry or socks that have holes that can’t be fixed. Or even better and more enticing, go to any clothing store and be amazed at the array of brightly colored socks in a variety of styles to plan your next sock project One thing for sure is once you get started making sock creatures, you’ll be addicted and I bet you can’t make just one!

Mt first encounter with sock creations was several years ago when my friend purchased several sock creations at a local craft fair near Kutztown, PA. We were absolutely crazy about these creatures and instantly wanted to learn how to make them. I started to research books about making sock creations and came upon the books by Brenna Maloney. Her books were full of wonderful information to make your very own sock creations from start to finish. Brenda categorized them by skill level with plenty of pictures to make her steps easy to follow. Maggie and I were quick to purchase her books and several others to begin our journey into the land of anything goes with socks!

Needless to say, when summertime rolled around and I was looking for wonderful camp projects for my kids, Brenna Maloney’s book “Sock Appeal” came to mind. My campers tend to be 6 years old – 9 years old with little or no sewing experience unless they have been in my classes during the school year. The projects needed to be simple but fun and easy to embellish. I chose the sock snakes and the sock fish and would let them choose which one they would stitch.

The girls loved the fish in all of my classes. So we did a little preparation before we stitched the fish. We talked about knit fabric, how to stitch curves and corners, and how to clip our curves so the fish would be smooth when turned. Depending on the socks I used (the more cotton in the sock the less it curled) we also went over how to deal with the knit fabric curling once it was cut while we were stitching. We were ready to stitch our very own school of fish!

The kids had a blast sewing the fish. Some hand stitched embellishments but others opted for a plain and simple fish. Sock creatures would be a mainstay of my curriculum for future classes!