Crafts for Kids With Embroidery Floss
Stitchers know all about the wide variety of colors available in embroidery floss, including metallic and neon styles. With so many choices, the six-ply thread also lends itself to use when crafting with children, especially since it is inexpensive and readily available everywhere from craft shops to dollar stores. Projects abound for every age group and most do not require many other supplies.
-
Ornaments
-
Simple patchwork designs stitched with floss on small-grid plastic canvas turn into window-hangers, Christmas tree ornaments or covers for tiny blank books. Punch holes in colored paper and bind the pages and covers with more embroidery floss.
Older children transform small, inflated balloons into lacy eggs when they wrap the balloons in floss they have dipped into fabric starch or concentrated sugar water. When the strings dry thoroughly, children pop the balloons and carefully pull them out between the wraps. For a little extra flash, sprinkle the still-wet floss with extra-fine glitter.
Accessories
-
Wrap barrettes or headbands in floss and glue the ends to make a quick fashion statement. Make a colorful pattern by braiding three different colors before wrapping the hair accessory.
Tweens and teenagers seal friendships with embroidery floss braided bracelets. Designs range from the very simple single color braids to complex patterns in multiple shades.
A tassel made from a few loops of floss tied and frayed stars as a pendant on a beaded string for a personalized necklace.
-
Stationery
-
Younger children can make their own greeting cards by drawing a picture on folded cardstock. Then, they outline and fill the picture spaces with floss and glue.
Older students can take the card-making to another level when they stitch designs on their paper. Transfer regular embroidery patterns to the cards with charcoal tracing paper or let the children draw their own.
Test Day Tools
-
Help children wrap clothespins in floss to create clothes and hair for miniature dolls. As you work on the dolls, talk about how well you are sure they will do on upcoming class work or tests. On test day, children set the dolls on their desks or hold them to calm test anxiety.
For a special "tackle the test" pencil, children spread glue on the wood and wrap embroidery floss from below the metal eraser cap to 1/2 inch from the other end. Glue a separate 2-inch strand to the metal and string small beads on it for a dangle.
-
