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Learn to Sew

Learn to Sew
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Make a small felt pouch using a needle, thread, and fabric; learn running stitch, whipstitch, knotting, and safe sewing techniques.

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Step-by-step guide to learn to sew

What you need
Adult supervision required, fabric marker, felt fabric, ruler, safety pins, scissors, sewing needle, thread

Step 1

Lay out all your materials on a clean table so everything is ready and easy to reach.

Step 2

Ask an adult to come sit with you and show how to hold the needle safely before you start sewing.

Step 3

Use the ruler and fabric marker to draw a rectangle about 12 cm by 8 cm on your felt.

Step 4

Cut out the marked rectangle from the felt using scissors.

Step 5

Fold the felt rectangle in half so the short edges meet and a pouch shape appears.

Step 6

Use safety pins to pin the two open side edges so the layers stay lined up.

Step 7

Cut a length of thread about 80 cm long so you have enough to sew both sides and the top.

Step 8

Put the thread through the needle eye so one end hangs free and the needle is ready.

Step 9

Tie a small knot at the loose end of the thread so it won’t pull through the fabric.

Step 10

Sew up the first side using a running stitch by pushing the needle in and out along the edge about 5 mm apart until you reach the top.

Step 11

Continue the running stitch across the folded top and down the second side until you reach the bottom so both side seams are sewn.

Step 12

Make two small knots close to the fabric to secure the running stitch and leave a short tail.

Step 13

Finish the top opening with a whipstitch by bringing the needle up through the front edge then looping over the edge and repeating about every 5 mm until the top edge looks neat.

Step 14

Tie two small knots to secure the final stitch and carefully cut off any extra thread.

Step 15

Share a photo of your finished felt pouch on DIY.org so everyone can see your new sewing skills.

Final steps

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

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Help!?

What can I use if I don't have felt, a fabric marker, or a sharp sewing needle?

Use a scrap of cotton (like an old T-shirt) instead of felt, mark the 12 cm × 8 cm rectangle with a pencil or washable marker, and substitute a blunt plastic sewing needle or a large-eye yarn needle for safer threading.

My layers keep shifting while I sew—how can I stop that so my running stitch looks neat?

Put extra safety pins or small binder clips along the two open side edges before Step 6 and remove each pin as you sew so the folded edges stay aligned for the 5 mm running stitches in Steps 11–12.

How should I change this activity for younger or older children?

For younger kids, have an adult do the scissors and needle steps and use pre-punched holes plus a plastic needle and thick yarn, while older kids can add a lining, zipper, or embroidery before finishing the top with the whipstitch.

How can we personalize or extend the finished felt pouch after completing the whipstitch?

Decorate the 12×8 cm rectangle before sewing with buttons, fabric paint, or embroidery, then add a ribbon strap, button closure, or extra felt pocket to turn the finished felt pouch into a mini purse or coin pouch to share on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to learn to sew

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Learn to Sew with Debbie Shore, Kids! Lesson 1

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Facts about hand sewing for kids

✂️ The running stitch is one of the simplest hand-sewing stitches and is often the first stitch beginners learn.

🧵 A typical small spool of sewing thread holds around 100 meters (about 110 yards).

🐑 Felt is one of the oldest textiles and can be made by matting wool fibers without weaving.

🪡 The oldest known sewing needles made from bone are over 40,000 years old.

🛡️ Thimbles protect your fingertip when pushing a needle — antique thimbles were sometimes made from silver and given as keepsakes.

How do I teach my child to sew a small felt pouch?

To make a small felt pouch, cut two identical felt rectangles and mark a 1cm seam allowance. Thread a blunt or tapestry needle with doubled thread and knot the end. Use running stitch or backstitch along three sides, or whipstitch for a neat edge, leaving the top open. Knot securely, trim excess thread, then add a button, ribbon, or snap for closure. Supervise each step and show safe needle handling.

What materials do I need to make a felt pouch with my child?

You’ll need felt sheets, a blunt or tapestry needle (or child-safe plastic needle), embroidery floss or strong sewing thread, small scissors or safety scissors, and optionally a needle threader or thimble. Also gather sewing pins or fabric clips, a ruler and fabric marker, buttons, ribbon or snaps for closures, and small stuffing or scrap fabric if you want a padded pouch. Choose age-appropriate tools and supervise needle use.

What ages is learning to sew a felt pouch suitable for?

This project works well for children aged about 5 and up with adult supervision. Ages 5–7 can use pre-punched felt, plastic needles, and thick thread to practice basic stitches. Ages 8–10 can learn running stitch and whipstitch with guidance. Ages 11+ can work more independently, refine neat seams, and add decorations. Always tailor tools and supervision to each child’s fine motor skills and attention span.

What safety tips should I follow when my child learns to sew?

Use blunt or plastic needles and age-appropriate scissors; pre-punch holes in felt for younger kids to avoid forcing needles through fabric. Teach knotting, keeping fingers away from the needle tip, and limiting thread length to reduce tangles. Supervise closely, store needles and sharp tools out of reach, keep a tidy workspace, and have basic first-aid ready. Praise careful handling and model safe habits throughout the activity.
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