Simple Sewing With Kids - Felt Wallet

I've been looking for some simple sewing projects for the girls, that would allow them to practice their hand sewing. We wanted a project that was easy enough for them to do pretty much on their own, but still be something they might actually want to make. We also wanted a project, that could be completed in one fairly short sitting.

I found this idea for a felt wallet or pouch from Better Homes and Gardens. It's perfect for the eight to ten year old crowd. And, best of all, we actually had all the supplies on hand.

It requires:

• 1 piece of felt per pouch (one sheet of felt makes two nice sized wallets)
  
• embroidery floss (hopefully in a color that does not clash with the felt)
  
• embroidery needle (a smaller needle would do in a pinch, it might just be harder to thread)
  
• 1 button per pouch
  
• scissors

Fold the felt about two thirds of the way up, leaving about a third at the top for the flap of the wallet. Whip stitch/overcast up both folded sides, starting at the bottom fold. Hide the knots at the top and the bottom, inside of the wallet.

When both sides are stitched, sew a button onto the front of the wallet body. Close the flap over the button. Pinch the fabric of the flap that is over the button, and use scissors to cut a small slit for a button hole.

Slip the button through the hole, and the wallet is complete. This took my ten year old about twenty minutes from start to finish. I began with her younger sister, but then realized she's left handed, so I'm going to have to do a little refiguring to demonstrate an overcast stitch in a way that works for her. I guess I'll be practicing my left handed sewing while the kids nap today.

It's great to be a homeschooler!