Fix something basic. Activities for Kids.

Fix something basic

Learn to fix a loose button, mend a small fabric tear, and tighten a wobbly chair using safe basic tools and clear step-by-step guidance.

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Step-by-step guide to fix basic household items

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Can You Solve This Simple Math Problem?

What you need

Adjustable wrench, adult supervision required, needle, scissors, screwdriver, small fabric scrap or fabric glue, spare button or use the original button, straight pins, thread, wood glue optional

Step 1

Gather all the Materials Needed from the list and put them on a clean table.

Step 2

Choose one garment that has a loose button to practice on.

Step 3

Lay the garment flat on the table so the button area is easy to reach.

Step 4

Cut a piece of thread about as long as your arm and thread the needle then tie a small knot at the thread end.

Step 5

Use a straight pin to hold the button in the exact spot it should sit on the fabric.

Step 6

Sew the button by pushing the needle up from the back through a button hole then down through the opposite hole and repeat until the button feels secure.

Step 7

Tie a tight knot on the back side of the fabric to finish the button and trim the extra thread with scissors.

Step 8

Find a small fabric tear and smooth the fabric so the torn edges lie flat.

Step 9

Slide a small fabric scrap underneath the tear and pin the scrap in place to act as a patch.

Step 10

Sew the tear closed with small stitches along the torn edges so the patch stays flat and the fabric looks neat.

Step 11

Tie a knot at the end of the patch stitching and trim any extra thread with scissors.

Step 12

Sit on or gently wiggle the chair to find which leg or joint is wobbly.

Step 13

Turn the chair onto its side or back with help from an adult so you can see the screws and joints.

Step 14

Use the screwdriver or wrench to tighten any loose screws or bolts until the chair stops wobbling.

Step 15

Share your finished fixes on DIY.org so everyone can see the button you re-sewed the tear you mended and the chair you tightened.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

Complete & Share

Help!?

What can we use if we don't have a sewing needle, thread, or straight pins from the Materials Needed?

Use embroidery floss or dental floss instead of sewing thread, a blunt tapestry or plastic needle if a sharp sewing needle is missing, and a safety pin or small clothespin in place of the straight pin to hold the button while you 'thread the needle', 'tie a small knot', and 'Use a straight pin to hold the button in the exact spot' steps.

My button still feels loose after following the sewing steps—what should we try next?

If the button keeps wobbling, repeat the 'Sew the button' step with doubled thread, make several extra passes through the same opposite holes, pull each stitch snug, and finish with the 'Tie a tight knot on the back side of the fabric' step before trimming with scissors.

How can we adapt this activity for different age groups?

For younger kids use large plastic buttons, yarn and a blunt plastic needle with an adult helping to 'thread the needle' and guide stitches, while older kids can work with smaller buttons, finer thread, practice the 'slide a small fabric scrap underneath the tear' patching, and independently use the screwdriver to tighten chair bolts.

How can we make the fixes more creative or personal before sharing them on DIY.org?

Choose a colorful or patterned fabric scrap and add visible decorative stitches while you 'Sew the tear closed', sew a small fabric label or ribbon before you 'trim any extra thread with scissors', and photograph the repaired button, patched area, and tightened chair to upload when you 'Share your finished fixes on DIY.org'.

Watch videos on how to fix basic household items

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Critical Thinking Skills and Examples for Kids | Solve a problem using critical thinking!

4 Videos

Facts about basic home maintenance for kids

♻️ Mending a small tear instead of tossing it can keep clothing out of the landfill and save resources.

🪑 A wobbly chair often just needs one tightened screw or a tiny dab of glue to be steady again.

🪡 Archaeologists have found bone sewing needles over 20,000 years old — people have been mending for ages!

🧵 Fixing a loose button by hand usually takes about 5–15 minutes — a quick craft-y win!

🔩 Using the right screw type and a snug screwdriver grip helps avoid stripping the screw head.

How do I teach my child to fix a loose button, mend a small fabric tear, and tighten a wobbly chair?

Start with a safe, well-lit workspace. Demonstrate each task slowly: remove a loose button, thread a needle, tie a knot, sew through button holes in an X or box stitch, and tie off. For a small tear, trim frayed edges, turn fabric inside out, use small running or whipstitches—or a patch—for strength. To tighten a chair, locate loose screws, hold parts steady, and slowly turn the screwdriver clockwise. Always supervise, explain each step, and let the child try with child-safe tools and guidance.

What materials do I need to teach basic repairs like sewing a button, mending fabric, and tightening a chair?

Gather a small sewing kit (large plastic needles, thread in basic colors, spare buttons, scissors, needle threader, thimble), fabric scraps or patches, fabric glue as an alternative, and a seam ripper. For furniture fixes: a manual screwdriver set, replacement screws or washers, adjustable wrench, wood glue, and clamps. Add safety items: safety goggles, work gloves, and a clean, non-slip mat. Choose child-safe or blunt tools and keep tiny parts in a container to avoid loss or choking.

What ages are suitable for learning simple fixes like sewing a button, mending a tear, and tightening a chair?

Young children (4–6) can begin with supervised, low-risk tasks: practicing threading large plastic needles and sewing big buttons with an adult nearby. Ages 7–10 can learn basic stitches, simple patches, and help identify loose screws while using child-friendly screwdrivers. Older kids (11+) can take more responsibility for tightening furniture and small repairs with close instruction. Always match tasks to a child’s fine motor skills, attention span, and comfort level, increasing independence a

What safety tips should parents teach when kids fix clothing or furniture?

Emphasize supervision and correct tool use: show how to hold needles and screwdrivers away from the body, keep fingers clear, and work on a stable surface. Use blunt or child-safe tools for beginners and goggles when tightening furniture. Keep small parts sealed to prevent choking and dispose of bent needles. Test repairs before regular use—check a chair’s stability slowly. Teach basic first-aid for small cuts, and praise careful work to build confidence while keeping safety first.

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All Activities

Fix something basic

Fix something basic

Can You Solve This Simple Math Problem?

Critical Thinking Skills and Examples for Kids | Solve a problem using critical thinking!

4 Videos

How do I teach my child to fix a loose button, mend a small fabric tear, and tighten a wobbly chair?

What materials do I need to teach basic repairs like sewing a button, mending fabric, and tightening a chair?

What ages are suitable for learning simple fixes like sewing a button, mending a tear, and tightening a chair?

What safety tips should parents teach when kids fix clothing or furniture?