Group Embroidery

My art classes finished our embroidery project on Friday. We made decorated tissue holders. I taught them one more stitch--the whip stitch--to close up the edges of their felt pieces. This project was found at Martha Stewart. The felt was cut to 6 3/4" by 5 7/8". The kids sewed free form designs onto the felt, then folded the longer ends to the center and whip stitched the edges closed. Each student got a packet of pocket tissues to put into their holder, which was fun. The project took three class periods for 4/5/6th graders.

Daughter W and Friend Hannah work on their projects.

Needle arts are a useful, inexpensive craft for kids to try. If you want to start your kids on embroidery, try a stamped cross stitch pattern. All you need is a hoop stretcher (easily found at second hand and thrift stores), and a needle and floss. There are many tutorials and sources (even Amazon.com) online about basic embroidery/sewing or any fabric store can advise you. There is a resurgence in hand arts right now. There are likely many women in your neighborhood or church who are experts in embroidery, knitting, crocheting or sewing and would be willing to teach a new generation of handcrafters their skills.