Kids and Teens and Quilting
Part 1
There are so many things that can be sewn–clothing, household furnishings, personal accessories just to start–that it’s hard to choose where a young sewist should start. Unless they are getting their lessons from a diehard quilter, kids and teens learning to sew may not be exposed to quilting as a way to learn sewing (and also, for those in the know, a lifelong obsession!). This post is just the first part of a series on kids and quilting. Here are 5 reasons why making quilt blocks can be a great way for kids and teens to get started in sewing, and make items that they really love.
1. Quilt blocks look really cool.
There are endless designs from which to choose. There are endless fabrics and so many colors from which to select. Need we go on? You can use your imagination to make almost anything into a quilt block.
2. Quilt blocks are quick and easy.
When kids and teens are learning a new skill, being able to have success pretty quickly can help build confidence, and encourage them to continue learning. Quilt blocks can be made in under one hour-perfect for those with limited attention spans, and busy schedules. In addition, you can put several quick and easy blocks together into one large item–this helps anyone learn persistence and patience.
3. Quilt blocks are versatile.
Most people think the only thing you can do with quilt blocks is make a quilt. WRONG!!!! One or two easily made quilt blocks can dress up all kinds of things, and be the starting point for all kinds of small projects. Again, a smaller project can be much less intimidating for a young learner than a huge project. One part of this series of posts will focus on what ELSE you can do with quilt blocks.
4. Quilt blocks teach lots of math skills.
We’re talking geometry, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, algebra, and trigonometry. Okay, maybe not trigonometry, but definitely all the others, plus a little personal finance (who amongst us has not wanted to buy way more than we can afford in a fabric store!). The best part is, kids don’t even realize that they are exercising their math muscle–it’s just part of the project.
5. Quilt blocks only require straight cuts and straight stitching.
When anyone is learning to use a sewing machine, keeping the seams sewn short and straight will help a kid or teen be successful sooner. Sewing curves, or sewing really long seams are much harder, and not for the faint of heart! Quilt blocks are perfect–just a few short seams and voila! –something beautiful appears (and if any re-do is necessary, it’s lots and lots easier).
