Sewing Skills Practical Life Exercises Ideas

Preparatory sewing activities for the Practical Life area, which can be presented as described below, or to augment your existing activities.  Choose from the related products to create your own activities or follow our recommendations:

Suggestions

1 Giant Button and Reel

Giant button, lace,  tray 

2 Sewing Giant Button on to Laminated Card

Giant button, lace, laminated card with holes punched to match button, tray 

3 Threading a Needle

Large blunt needle, stiff cotton thread (rubbing with beeswax helps stiffen the thread), container, tray

A needle threader can be used for smaller needles, vary the needle and increase the difficulty.

4 Sewing Buttons on to Binca

Selection of buttons, darning needle, thick thread, binca, embroidery ring, scissors, container, tray.

Sew buttons on to the taut fabric.

5 Sewing Running Stitch

Darning needle, thick thread, binca or punched stiff fabric, embroidery ring, scissors, container, tray.

Create a circle to sew round.

6 Sewing Embroidery Cross-Stitch

Needle (large eye), embroidery thread, binca or checked fabric, embroidery ring, scissors, container, tray.

Sew crosses on to the fabric

7 Push lacing

String pen, baseboard, coloured laces, container, tray.

Suggestions for additional items needed: beads, dried beans, lentils, macaroni, coriander seeds, coffee beans, corn puffs, rice, pebbles, shells

Of course, these are only suggested activities and you can mix and match the items as you wish. We'd love to see your own ideas.

Get inspired for alternative activities with videos and photos here.

PLEASE NOTE: This pack recommends real kitchen items not toys, some of which are made from glass. They are only for use under the supervision of an adult, and you should assess the risk posed each time they are used.