Children have such amazing imaginations, and not only is sewing a great way of tapping into their creativity but they’ll also absolutely love playing with something they’ve made themselves.
With the summer holidays approaching, there’s no better time for kids to find a new hobby. So, we’ve put together a list of some of our favourite simple sewing projects for kids that are perfect for beginners. There’s a mix of hand sewing and machine sewing projects, so there’s something for all ages and abilities.
Younger children may need some grown-up help to make these projects, but they're bound to have lots of fun along the way!
We've included a mixture of free sewing projects for kids, along with some easy sewing kits for you to try. You'll find sewing ideas for kids to suit every budget – including a few easy upcycling ideas! Our fave easy sewing projects for kids include everything from sock llamas to cute cloud sewing kits. We've included toys, accessories and much more.
Looking for more ways to keep your little ones occupied over the school holidays? Check out our arts and crafts to do at home article, which has lots of great activities for kids. We've got plenty of crafts for toddlers too. Already thinking about Halloween? Take a look at our easy Halloween crafts for kids.
If you're looking for a sewing machine for your child, we'd recommend reading our best sewing machines for kids guide.
Read on to discover lots of fun sewing projects for kids…
20 sewing ideas for kids
1. Sew Me Up Gift in a Tin – Hedgehog and Hoglet
Encourage creativity with this cute hedgehog and hoglet sewing kit from Apples to Pears. The bodies come pre-made and ready to stuff and sew and little ones can learn simple stitches safely with a plastic needle. The stitch holes are pre-cut to make the whole process even easier. The tin could even be used to make a cosy bed for the toys when they’re done! This would make a wonderful gift for children aged eight and above to try – especially if they’re fond of animals. This kit is easy enough for children to use with minimal adult supervision and will look a lot like the image shown on the box.
2. Tropical Friends sewing kits
This fun tropical animal sewing kit is a great introductory sewing project for kids to try. It includes an array of colourful jungle characters to sew, such as an adorable elephant and a bright pink flamingo. There are easy instructions to help children get started, which are all simple to follow. All of the pieces are pre-cut, so there’s no need to worry about using scissors and your child can start stitching straight away. The kit includes plastic needles for safety too. Children will learn to develop their creativity and fine motor skills as they work their way through each part of the set.
3. Easy Christmas decorations
In the mood for some festive sewing? These easy Christmas decorations are great simple sewing projects for kids. It's a good way to keep them busy in the run-up to Christmas and homemade ornaments always look great on the tree. Learn how to make easy sew Christmas decorations.
4. Sock llama craft kit
Pick your creature and sock colour of choice and get crafting your very own sock animal! There are so many different creatures to choose from, and they’d make perfect gifts if you’ve got a busy summer of birthday parties ahead! These kits contain everything you need and are suitable for children aged eight and over.
Buy a craft kit from Not On The Highstreet for £12
5. Sew your own lion kit
Little ones will love this fun lion sewing kit – complete with a cape! This is a great starting point for budding sewists, and the finished product will make the perfect companion for adventures. Choose from a lion or a racoon to get their creativity and imagination flowing.
Buy a lion sewing kit from Hobbycraft for £7
6. Gingerbread tree decorations
Another of our favourite Christmas tree decorations! These adorable gingerbread tree decorations by Minki Kim are easy to sew together and look fantastic. Older children can have a go at embroidering the details or you could add the finishing touches for them. Alternatively, you could cheat a bit and draw on the details with a fabric marker.
7. Sew your own pocket bear kit
This sweet and simple project is ideal for beginners. With the choice of a rabbit or bear, children can pick a pocket pal to take with them everywhere and proudly show off their new sewing skills!
Buy a pocket bear sewing kit from Hobbycraft for £6
8. Make a Velcro wallet
This simple project from Jennie Jones uses just one fat quarter and is a great beginner’s project for a budding sewist! Children will love showing off their handmade wallet made up in their chosen fabric print.
Learn how to make a Velcro wallet with our easy step-by-step tutorial.
9. Sew your own Cookie the Cat tote bag
A sweet little character bag for children to store their craft essentials in or take to the shops. This sew-your-own craft kit comes with pre-cut felt shapes and easy-to-follow instructions, making it a great choice for young beginners.
Buy a Cookie the Cat sewing kit from Rex London for £7.95
10. Pencil case sewing kit
For slightly older children who have used a sewing machine before, these pencil case kits are a lovely and simple project for taking their skills to the next level. The Apple Bobbin print is fresh and fun and comes in a range of colours. They’ll display this with pride when they take it to school!
Buy a pencil case sewing kit from Clothkits for £8.50
11. Make fun felt vegetables
This fun felt project from Kajsa Kinsella is a great one for you to make together with your child and will make a cute window display or kitchen decoration when finished. Felt is so easy to work with and comes in so many different shades – the range of veg you can ‘sew and grow’ is endless!
Make fun felt vegetables with Kajsa Kinsella’s free tutorial.
12. Puppy Love sewing kit
Kids will love sewing these cute little felt puppies for themselves or for dog-loving friends. The kit comes with everything you need to make three pups, but felt is cheap and easily available so they can use other colours to sew their own furry friend or dream pet and then turn them into badges or keyrings!
Buy a Puppy Love sewing kit from Clothkits for £14.99
13. Elvis the Elephant kit
This colourful elephant sewing kit is another simple felt project that’s ideal for beginner sewists. It comes with all the materials you need, including felt, stuffing, thread, a needle and even googly eyes as well as clear instructions.
Buy the Elvis the Elephant kit from Rex London for £8.95
14. Unicorn cushion sewing kits
If you have a unicorn-obsessed child at home, this cute cushion sewing kit is sure to capture their imagination. With plenty of decorations to choose from, this would be a great activity for a crafty birthday party.
Buy a unicorn cushion sewing kit from Baker Ross for £7.95
15. Make your own chick
Choose from a chick, kitten, squirrel, snail and robin sewing kit. These super-cute decorations are a lovely project to make with your child, and have the option to come gift-wrapped if you’re buying for a special birthday.
Buy a chick sewing kit from Claraandmacy from £20
16. Cloud sewing kit
Sew this cute, smiley cloud and fill it with rice and lavender for a warming comforter that smells amazing, or fill it with stuffing for a squidgy toy for cuddling. As well as using the sewing machine to make the cloud, children can practice their hand embroidery too as they stitch the pre-marked face.
Buy a cloud sewing kit from StitchClubUK for £18.50
17. Felt appliqué banner kit
Kids will love personalising their room with a handmade flower banner! The flowers some pre-cut, saving them from any fiddly cutting out and allowing them to focus on the sewing. They’ll stitch the flowers on by hand and then assemble the banner using the sewing machine. They can also choose to keep it on display in the embroidery hoop.
Buy a felt appliqué banner sewing kit from StitchClubUK for £20
18. Astronaut book cushion sewing kit
A sewing kit that’s out of this world! For young adventurers, this fun cushion is the perfect beginner sewing project. As well as a handy carry handle, they’ll also sew a pocket on the front to keep their favourite books or sketchbooks in.
Buy an astronaut cushion sewing kit from TheHiddenFlamingo for £20
19. Kitten finger puppet craft kit
Children will have as much fun making these kitten finger puppets as they will playing with the finished thing! They’ll sew three little kittens using basic stitches and wool felt. Check out the shop to see the bird finger puppets as well as spring and winter animal options.
Buy a kitten finger puppet kit from Claraandmacy from £10
20. DIY baby mobile
This beautiful DIY baby mobile project by Amanda Russell and Juliet Bawden would be a fantastic gift to make for a new baby. It uses some very simple sewing and embroidery techniques and it's also a good opportunity to teach a child how to sew on a button (a very handy life skill!).
We hope you enjoyed these simple sewing projects for kids! Looking for more activities to entertain children? Take a look at our fairy garden ideas, finger painting ideas and learn how to make slime.
