Sewing on a Styrofoam Plate

Materials Needed

• Styrofoam Plate
• Child Scissors
• Large Plastic Embroidery Needle
• Yarn
• Work Tray

Presentation and Activity:

Cut a piece of yarn. Thread the needle with the yarn. Tie a knot at the end of the yarn. Take the threaded needle and place it against the back of the paper plate. Push it through to the front of the plate. Then push the needle back through the plate to the back. Continue to sew the plat in any design the child would like. After the sewing is complete, make sure to complete the project by pushing the needle to the back of the Styrofoam plate so that the loose end is on the back side. There is no need to tie it. This is a perfect first sewing project for children.

Extension:

The child can draw a pattern that she would like onto the plate and then work to sew the design onto the plate following the outline.

Sewing on Paper

Materials Needed

• Heavy Paper or Cardstock
• Hole Punch
• Child Scissors
• Large Plastic Embroidery Needle
• Yarn
• Basket

Presentation and Activity:

Punch holes around the outer edges of the paper. Cut off the appropriate amount of yarn. Next, show the child how to thread the needle with the yarn and knot the end. (Small children may need help with this part.) Begin sewing in and out of the holes on the paper. After completing the work, the child will cut the yarn and knot the end of the yarn to secure the thread when sewn.

Small children will need additional help on some parts of the activities including additional help with preparation and finishing off the project. The completed project can be taken home.