Felt Christmas decorations to sew with kids

Age: 7+ · Time: 60 min · For: Ages 6–9 Ages 10–12

Soft, stuffed felt decorations are a classic for good reason: they are easy to make, they do not break, and they come out of the Christmas box every year. They are also the perfect way to teach children to sew, because felt does not fray and big stitches look charming.

What children do, where you help

Children: draw templates, decorate, sew and stuff.
You: help cut the felt and untangle the occasional knot.

Tips

Simple shapes are easiest to sew. Avoid very narrow points.
Contrasting thread makes the stitches part of the decoration.
Add a name and year with a fabric pen on the back.

Safety

Needles and pins go back in a pincushion after use. Keep small buttons away from younger brothers and sisters.

You need

felt in a few colours (pieces of 20 x 30 cm)
embroidery thread or thin wool in a contrasting colour
a large needle with a big eye, such as a darning needle
fabric scissors or sharp scissors
paper, a pencil and a few pins
cotton wool, cushion stuffing or felt scraps for filling
a ribbon for hanging
buttons and a fabric pen (optional)

Steps

Draw a simple star, heart or tree of about 10 cm on paper and cut it out as a template.
Pin the template onto two layers of felt and cut around it, so you have two identical shapes. A grown-up can help with the sharp scissors.
Decorate the front piece first, if you like, with a few stitches, buttons or a felt circle.
Thread the needle with an arm's length of thread and tie a knot at the end.
Put the two shapes together and sew around the edge with a running stitch or blanket stitch, about 5 mm from the edge. Leave a gap of about 3 cm.
Push small pieces of stuffing through the gap with a pencil until the decoration is nicely plump.
Sew the gap closed, slip a ribbon loop in at the top and sew it in place. Finish with a few stitches and a knot hidden between the layers.

Questions

What is blanket stitch?

A stitch that wraps over the edge. Push the needle through from front to back, then bring it up through the loop of thread before pulling tight. It makes a pretty border.

Can I use a sewing machine?

Hand sewing is better for learning, but older children can use a machine with an adult if they have used one before.