Sewing is Good for Kids!

As the school year comes to a close, parents, are you looking for a constructive activity to engage your 8-12 year old this summer? Most education professionals advise parents to keep their kids engaged in activities that continue to challenge their brains and keep them learning throughout the summer months. One such activity is sewing. Children 8-12 years of age have the mental capacity to grasp basic sewing concepts and sufficient manual dexterity to work a sewing machine. It is, in fact, about the most perfect age for them to learn the craft. And, you will be amazed at the developmental benefits children can gain from learning to sew at this young age.

Knowing how to sew, for anyone, is a useful life skill with lifelong practical applications and many health benefits. To sew requires concentration and focus, problem solving skills, hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. It challenges left brain thinking and is a great way to express ones creativity and individuality. And, let’s not forget, sewing can be just plain fun!

Studies have shown that children, especially those in the 8-12 year old group, who learn to sew gain many mental as well as physical developmental benefits. It has been found that the various tasks involved in sewing a simple project, such as following pattern instructions, fabric selection, color coordination, sizing and fitting all help stimulate creative thinking, promotes self-esteem and perseverance. Completing a sewing project from start to finish fosters a sense of accomplishment that can boost a child’s morale and self confidence. And, the tactile nature of sewing helps strength a child’s hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

Other notable benefits include providing children a vehicle for personal and creative expression. It is a productive way for kids to use personal time and create independent work. And, it opens the door to future potential career paths. Sewing really is good for kids.

So, where does a parent go to look for kids sewing classes? In the metropolitan Detroit market, surprisingly, there are a number of places that are offering kids classes this summer. Oftentimes, they are promoted as Kid’s Sewing Camps as they offer parents a place for kids to go during the summer recess. Typically, most places offer introductory classes where kids learn how to use a sewing machine, as well as classes that teach them to make simple projects. The number of students per class is typically kept to a minimum so each child gets the amount of attention they need to complete the project.

If this sounds like an activity you think your child would enjoy, here is a list of places throughout the metropolitan area that are offering kid’s sewing programs this summer:

Haberman Fabrics.  This premier fabric retailer located in Royal Oak offers the most comprehensive selection of sewing courses in town geared to sewers of all levels. This summer they will be offering courses geared specifically to children aged 8-12. The classes include beginner courses as well as those making simple clothing. Go to www.habermanfabrics.com for details.

Joann.  The fabric and craft retailer offers kids sewing classes throughout the year, but expand their ‘Kids Camp’ offering in the summer. Go to www.joann.com for class offering and schedules in your area, or pick up one of their flyers featured in all stores.

Sandy’s Make it Sew. The sewing machine retailer will also be offering Kids Camps in July and August in their Livonia location. Courses include a beginner basics class as well as simple garment making classes.  Go to www.sandysmakeitsew.com for dates and times.

Sew Many Things Sewing Center – This sewing and quilting store in Clinton Township offers sewing classes for children 8-12 years old.  Go to www.sewmanythingssc.com for class offerings and schedule.

Ann Arbor Sewing Center  -- This sewing mega store selling sewing machines and fabric is also a headquarters for great sewing courses. They offer a nice selection of classes for kids all year round. Go to www.annarborsewing.com for class details and schedules.

All Sewn Up – This Ann Arbor based concept is dedicated to teaching people of all ages to sew. Kids are the concept’s specialty and the summertime Sewing Camps offer week long programs that teach kids to sew. Go to www.allsewnupbyanne.com for details.  

Private Instructors. They do exist but they are hard to find and are in short number. The advantage to private sessions is they can teach whatever the student desires and students can learn at their own pace. A quick Google search reveals who is teaching private lessons in the area.