Cross-stitch for Young Children
We love Colonial Williamsburg. I went there multiple times with my family when I was growing up (I remember mom making me a write a report on our visit.), and my husband and I went a couple times before we had children. We have since been a couple more times with our children, and I’m so glad they love it, too. If you are studying Colonial Times and would like an activity to go along with it, this may be one to try.
There’s nothing historically accurate about it, but it is an easy introduction to the art of needlework. When she was five years old, one of my daughter’s favorite colonial period books was Mary Geddy’s Day, A Colonial Girl in Williamsburg. When she saw Mary Geddy working on her stitches, it was the perfect opportunity to teach her, and I jumped right on it. She did a terrific job!
I am assuming that you already know how to cross-stitch, so I’m just suggesting some kid-friendly materials/tips.
If your child is still too young for learning actual cross-stitch with a metal needle, try our Preschool version: Sewing 101: Preschooler Style
Materials
- Plastic stuff: I don’t know what you call it! You know, the stuff grandmother’s used to make tissue boxes, and it is often used as reinforcement. I selected a sheet of it with the largest holes.
- Yarn: I recommend solid-colored yarn, not the variegated type, because it easier for your child to see the pattern of their stitches and understand where the needle should go next.
- Needle: You’ll find a needle like this with the other needles, but these are larger and MUCH more blunt. Perfect for threading yarn and not hurting those precious little fingers.
- Scissors: For cutting the “plastic stuff” and the yarn.
- Permanent Marker: The permanent is for marking any patterns you may want to make for your child. If you are using more than a couple of colors, it may be helpful to mark with different colors.
This is a great idea, Kimberly! Thanks for sharing!
And thanks for saying so! 🙂