Ten Easy Knitting Ideas for Children

 Ten Easy Knitting Ideas For Children:

Knitting is often viewed as an activity for elderly ladies. But young adults have taken quite an interest in it as well, knitting fashionable sweaters and funky scarves for themselves and their friends and families. And did you know that knitting is a wonderful activity for kids, too?

Children tend to become bored easily, and knitting is a very effective remedy. During car trips or while waiting for dinner, kids can occupy themselves by knitting. It helps them develop longer attention spans and improves their fine motor skills, and most kids find it enjoyable and relaxing.


There are many simple knitting projects that kids can do. Here are ten ideas:

1. Bookmarks 

You can quickly and easily create a yarn bookmark by finger knitting. This is a great first project, as it requires no needles and no fancy stitches. All kids have to do is make a row of stitches.

2. Scarves 

Simple scarves are among the easiest knitting projects. Using one color and the basic stitch, this provides excellent practice for young knitters. And the finished product makes a useful accessory for your child, or could be given as a gift to a grandparent or other family member to cherish for years to come.

3. Belts 

Knitting a belt is very similar to knitting a scarf. The main difference is that it’s not as wide. Just knit a rectangle long enough to go around the waist and tie, and you’re done.

4. Squares 

Knitted squares can be used in a variety of projects. If you need some for something you’re working on, let your child make them. This is a great way to practice making nice, even stitches that aren’t too tight.

5. Bean bags 

A basic bean bag is easy to make out of two knitted squares. And if your child is interested in sewing, it provides an opportunity to practise that as well. Just have your child knit two squares of the same size, sew them together on three sides, put some beans in an old stocking and insert it in the bag. Sew the fourth side up, and it’s all done!

6. Coasters 

Knitted squares can be used as coasters. Your child can knit up a set to use at home or give as a gift. If she would like to try a different shape, patterns can be found online and in beginners’ knitting books.

7. Dishcloths 

Knitted dishcloths are great for getting those stubborn plates clean. And they make wonderful projects for young knitters. The broken rib pattern is a good choice for this project, and it’s an easy new stitch pattern to introduce to kids.

8. Envelope purses 

An envelope purse is very easy for kids to make. Just knit a large rectangle, fold it together leaving a flap at the top, and sew the sides together. Add a knitted strap, and you have a stylish new bag.

9. Baby bibs 

If there’s a baby in the family, big sisters, brothers or cousins will jump at the chance to make something for him. Knitting a baby bib can be as easy as stitching a large square and a cord, then sewing the cord on.


10. Animals 

Knitting stuffed animals is a good way to introduce shapes to kids. They can knit two simple animal shapes, sew them on all sides but one, stuff and finish for a cute new toy.

Enjoy  these Easy Knitting Ideas For Children

Five Safety Tips for Children Learning to Sew

If you enjoy sewing, chances are good that your child has expressed interest in your hobby. The thought of our kids with sharp scissors and needles makes most parents cringe, but we don’t want to discourage their interest in a useful and rewarding pursuit, either.

Sewing is great for building fine motor skills and math skills, and sewing itself is a skill that everyone can use at some point in life.

With proper safety precautions, kids can start learning to sew at a young age. While it doesn’t make much sense to let a three-year old loose with a sewing machine, even young kids can get started with the right tools and close supervision.

Here are five safety tips to remember when dealing with budding tailors and seamstresses:

1. Use age-appropriate supplies.

Sewing scissors are too sharp and too large for young hands, and regular sewing needles present a laundry list of dangers. Let your child work with safety scissors and a plastic needle. If you give him a loosely knit, porous fabric, they will work just fine.

2. Watch your child closely, especially during the first few attempts.

For the youngest children, swallowing small parts such as needles and spools of thread is a concern. And even safety scissors could cut little hands. Until your child gets the hang of things, careful supervision is of the utmost importance.

3. Maintain strict control over the sewing machine.

Children younger than eight years old probably don’t have the motor skills and good judgment to attempt machine sewing. At eight years of age, it’s up to the parent to decide whether the child is ready. If you feel that she is, provide plenty of guidance and stay right with her while she makes those first stitches.

4. Make sure the sewing machine is secured and inoperable when you’re not around.

Put the needle and pressure foot down when done sewing, cover the machine and turn it off. You may even want to unplug it as an added precaution. Kids who are curious about sewing might try to use the machine when you’re not around, and if it’s not properly secured, they could be seriously injured.

5. Keep scissors, needles and pins put up and out of kids’ reach when not in use.

These things create a temptation for young, unsupervised kids as well. It’s also wise to keep a magnetic pin cushion in case of spillage.

Encouraging your child’s interest in sewing may help him develop a lifelong interest in the hobby.

This could serve him well when he’s older. He might decide to sew clothes for his own family, saving lots of money in the process. Or he could be a future fashion designer!

Home Crafts For Kids - Three Home-Made Playdough Recipes

Home Crafts For Kids - Three Home-Made Playdough Recipes

Playdough is a favorite artistic medium of kids everywhere. This is why it makes the ideal example for home crafts for kids.  Parents love it because it encourages creativity and provides a fun, quiet indoor activity. Another reason why it is the ideal example of home crafts for kids. Playdough can be used over and over again if kept in its container, or kids can let their creations dry and keep them.

You can find playdough in almost any store that sells toys. But it’s also very cheap and easy to make. You probably have everything you need to make at least one type of playdough in your kitchen cupboard. Some recipes are even edible. Here are three fun and simple ways to make playdough.

1. Authentic Playdough

Ingredients

• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup water
• 1 tbsp. oil
• 1 tbsp. powdered alum
• ½ cup salt
• 2 tbsp. vanilla
• Food coloring
  

Instructions

1. Mix dry ingredients together thoroughly in saucepan.
2. Add oil and water.
3. Cook at medium heat, stirring constantly. It’s done when it has a consistency similar to that of mashed potatoes.
4. Remove the dough from heat and stir in vanilla and food coloring. Work the color in by kneading the dough.
5. When completely cooled, store in an airtight container. This dough will keep for at least two months.

This home-made playdough has a look and feel very similar to the store-bought kind. It is not intended to be eaten, but is not toxic to humans.

2. Peanut Butter Playdough

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 4 cups powdered milk
• 3 ½ cups corn syrup
  

Instructions

1. Combine ingredients in a bowl. Mix thoroughly.
2. Place the dough onto wax paper and model with it. When the kids are through playing, they can eat it.

Tip: For more edible fun, use sprinkles and candies to decorate creations made with peanut butter playdough.

3. Kool Aid Playdough

Ingredients

• 3 cups flour
• ½ cup salt
• 2 packages of unsweetened Kool Aid
• 2 cups water
  

Instructions

1. Boil water.
2. While the water is heating, combine dry ingredients in a bowl. Add boiling water and stir.
3. Knead the dough on a floured board. Add small amounts of flour until you reach the desired consistency.
4. When completely cool, store in a tightly covered container.

This playdough will last a few months if stored properly, and it has a wonderful scent.

Making playdough with the kids is a fun rainy day project. It’s a great way to get them involved in cooking, and the finished product can provide hours more of fun. And recipes such as the one for peanut butter playdough serve yet another purpose: they make a delicious snack! So when your child runs out of playdough, don’t run to the store. Just head to the kitchen! so, finally, because it is always available, it is yet another reason why it is the ideal example of home crafts for kids,
 

Homemade Kids Crafts - How to Make Colorful Pasta Jewelry

Homemade Kids Crafts - How to Make Colorful Pasta Jewelry

When it comes to homemade kids crafts using craft supplies from the cupboard, few things are as cheap and versatile as pasta. Kids have probably been making art out of noodles since noodles were invented. One of the most popular uses for them is jewelry making.

The macaroni necklace, as an example of homemade kids crafts, is a perennial favorite of the younger set. It's easy to make and fun to give as a gift for any occasion. Kids can color the noodles with food coloring to make a lovely piece. This makes a great rainy day project or an inexpensive birthday party craft for small children. Here's how to do it.

Supplies

• Macaroni or other stringable pasta
• Rubbing alcohol
• Food coloring
• Small food storage bowls with lids
• Spoon
• Paper towels
• Fishing line or dental floss

Instructions

1. Pour just enough rubbing alcohol into a bowl to cover the amount of pasta you wish to color. Add enough food coloring to create the desired shade and stir.

2. Pour pasta into the alcohol mixture. Cover and let sit for about 15 minutes.

3. Drain alcohol mixture off of pasta. Lay out paper towels in a safe place, and spread pasta out on them to dry. Let sit for a few hours to ensure that the dye does not come off when handled.

4. Cut a piece of fishing line or dental floss long enough to make a necklace that can be put on over the head. String on pasta in alternating colors.

5. Tie ends of string together securely.

Tips

* Use pasta that is as light in color as possible. Pasta with yellow coloring will not turn out exactly the same color as the dye.

* If you prefer not to dye the pasta, use pasta that is already colored.

* Try using different shapes and sizes of pasta for variety.

* Add some Cheerios or other O-shaped foods to your necklace as accents.

* For a more refined look, add some clay or plastic beads.

* For a bracelet or anklet, substitute elastic string for the fishing line or dental floss.

* For darker color, leave the noodles in the coloring solution overnight. Keep in mind, however, that they will take longer to dry.

* Try painting the pasta. Use a thin paintbrush and poster paint to add designs or lettering.

* Make some pasta earrings to go with your necklace, bracelet or anklet. Just poke a small hole at the top of two pieces of pasta, and add an ear wire to each to make a unique pair of dangle earrings.

* Keep in mind that pasta jewelry won't last forever. It will eventually break or start looking shabby. The good news is that it's easy to make more.

Well, enjoy these homemade kids crafts ideas!