Quilting Art for Children
Quilting with children is a fun interactive project, but has the potential to be very challenging. Until children are about seven years old, even the most basic stitching is difficult and may not be safe without constant supervision. However, children do enjoy creating things, especially things as useful as quilts. Quilting art for kids usually involves quilt square decoration more than it does actual quilt construction. Use basic squares that kids can decorate and feel proud of, then teach them basic stitching or machine sewing skills to attach them into a unique simple quilt.
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Fabric Paint
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One of the easiest quilt-inspired crafts, especially for young children, is to use fabric paint on large plain fabric blocks. They can paint unique designs, or can simply make hand or footprints. Adults can then help children stitch the individual squares into a quilt. There are a wide variety of fabric paints on the market. A trip to a fabric store or craft store will give you an idea of what is available.
Photo Transfers
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Photo transfers can be accomplished either by printing pictures directly onto the fabric or by printing photos onto iron-on transfer sheets. In either case, pay attention to the orientation of the images, especially if there is writing, because when they are printed they will be reversed. A fun project to make with children using photo transfers is a family tree quilt. To do so, print out pictures of various family members and assemble them into a quilt.
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Fabric Markers
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Fabric markers are an easy way to get involved in quilt square decoration, and are especially good for younger children. Fabric markers can be used directly on the fabric and the children can draw whatever picture they like. The pictures can then be assembled into quilt blocks and sewn together. As with the fabric paint, there are a lot of different colors and effects you can get with fabric markers.
Iron-On Transfers
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Iron-on transfers can also be used for regular art. This is especially ideal if you have art that was created or stored on your computer by the children. You can print the art directly onto the iron-on transfer paper, then iron it onto the fabric. Alternatively, using permanent markers, the children can draw directly on the iron-on transfer paper. The result is a more professional looking print than drawing right on the quilt squares.
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References
- Photo Credit RL Productions/Digital Vision/Getty Images
