Sewing is such a great skill to have. Once you add sewing to your homeschool handicrafts, your children will have the skills to do an unlimited amount of projects. Knowing how to sew could potentially open a lot of doors for them!
This page contains affiliate links. For my full disclosure policy please click here.
History
If you are interested in the history of sewing, here are some books you might enjoy.
Supplies Needed
You will need a sewing machine, fabric, fabric scissors, thread, small scissors for cutting thread, seam ripper, measuring tape, steam iron, ironing board, straight pins, pincushion, pattern, fabric pen or tracing wheel, rotary cutter, self-healing cutting mat, and rulers for rotary cutting.
Sewing Machine
Probably one of the most important supplies you will need is a good sewing machine. These all had great reviews on Amazon. The middle one is a kids sewing machine. It is very inexpensive and there is a cover so they can't get the needle through their finger.
Fabric
The kind of fabric you need will depend on the project you are sewing. An experienced seamstress or a salesperson at your local fabric store would be the best place to start.
Fabric Scissors
These are essential for cutting fabric for your sewing projects. if you use them for cutting anything but fabric they will quickly become dull.
Thread
It is nice to have a large selection of thread when you start out so you can easily make whatever project you want. Here are some examples of sewing machine thread sets you can buy, but you will want to make sure you check your sewing machine instruction manual before purchasing anything so that you can make sure the thread will fit.
Thread Scissors
You will need thread scissors for cutting the ends of thread off of your sewing projects. Small scissors are much easier to use than regular scissors because they can get closer to the fabric.
Seam Ripper
You will need a seam ripper for ripping out mistakes.
Measuring Tape
You will need a tape measure for measuring fabric and people if you are sewing clothes.
Steam Iron
You probably already have one of these laying around, but in case you don't here are some great options!
Ironing Board
Straight Pins
You will need straight pins for holding the fabric in place while you sew it together.
Pin Cushion
You will need a pin cushion for keeping track of the straight pins. Most pin cushions are the kind that you push the pin into, but magnetic ones are also available. These are nice for running over the carpet when you are done sewing so that you can be sure that all the pins are picked up.
Patterns
Fabric Pen
This will be used for marking places on the fabric that you are going to cut.
Rotary Cutter, Quilter's Ruler, and Cutting Mat
You will need these for cutting out fabric, especially if you are quilting.
Sewing Kits for Kids
If you want to teach your kids how to sew but don't have the room for a sewing machine, these sewing kits for kids are a great alternative!
Books
Charity
Ryan's Case for Smiles-This charity provides colorful pillowcases for sick kids in hospitals.
Dress a Girl Around the World-This charity sews dresses and distributes them to girls in need. When they distribute the dresses they also teach the parents and children about child trafficking and how to recognize and avoid it. If you want to help make sure you visit their website to get instructions on making an appropriate dress for the culture and climate that it will be going to.
Days For Girls-Probably one of my favorite charities, Days For Girls makes and distributes sanitary napkins to girls around the world. This enables them to continue to go to school during their menstrual cycle, and gives them much more freedom in their society. Check out one of their videos below!
Websites
So Sew Easy-TONS of tutorials, tips, videos and free patterns. Check this one out!
The Sewing Loft-Lots of quilting patterns, plus other projects. The owner of this website worked in the fashion industry for 20 years working with designers of women and children's apparel.
Youtube
Made to Sew-Teaches professional sewing and dressmaking techniques with very detailed tutorials. Has videos for beginners as well.
Professor Pincushion-Hundreds of sewing tutorials ranging from less than 10 minutes to over an hour for project tutorials.