What Should a Beginner's Sewing Kit Look Like?

sewing kit

       A student’s first sewing kit could be a simple basket, preferably with a lid or a small plastic container. Sometimes teachers prefer to purchase plastic containers all at once for a discount. This also guarantees that the kits will be of uniform size and appearance. Teachers may choose to stack kits neatly on a shelf during the school day. Some students are too forgetful to be trusted with bringing a sewing kit to class when it is needed. Boys can also be a bit self-conscious about packing a sewing kit into their backpacks as well. Personally, I prefer to give the task to the student of “scouting out” their own sewing kit. I believe that individuality and personal choice should be rewarded to a child’s artistic pursuits whenever possible. Encourage the girl who wishes to purchase a small attractive basket or an unusual box for her first sewing kit. Have examples of many small kits on hand to show your students the possibilities. Make sure that several of these samples are not too feminine in appearance or very expensive to collect.

      Here is a linking list to several versions of sewing kits that parents may acquire for their children to use. These kits make wonderful birthday gifts for a young girls. I’ve also included a few links to historical versions of sewing kits as well.

• A Child’s Sewing Box
• Antique child’s sewing basket – silk drawstring top
• A sampling of store bought sewing boxes
• Embroidered waist pockets and purses by Sherri Jones
• Beautiful new Cath Kidson Sewing Box
• An extraordinary marquetry sewing box

Illustrated steps for a vintage handmade sewing box. You will need a 
cardboard box, fabric, glue and threaded needles.

Step-by-Step Instructions for a Handmade Sewing Kit:

1. Measure the box. Cut cloth to fit the box plus 1/2 inch for seams and edges.
2. Cut strips of cloth to cover the sides, one for the inside and one for the outside of the box. Stitch and leave a small tuck for each corner.
3. Stitch loops to the strip that fits one end of the box interior. Add little pockets if you wish.
4. Fasten the material over the sides of the box by gluing the edges to the inside and outside. 
5. Slip cover the lid and sew the fourth edge shut.
6. Cover a cardboard for the bottom and glue it on.

      If you are a parent homeschooling your children and wish to teach sewing skills, you may consider gifting a child with a kit designed for sewing fishing lures. A bait and tackle box is an excellent alternative for a child who prefers this form of entertainment. Sewing skills need not be about clothing. This would also be an excellent Winterim course for middle school students after Christmas break in a private school. These brief courses are usually taught for fun and faculty members are always on the look out for new ideas. Girls frequently gravitate to small needlework or quilting classes. However, for those students less inclined to sewing garments or fancy work, bait and tackle boxes have fun possibilities. These make great gifts for a dad if sons or daughters don’t fish. If you intend to teach this type of course make sure that you acquire a good quantity of feathers and specialty products along with a basic manual before starting. There are actually films available that give instructions for crafting lures as well. Make sure that you have some “fish stories” and other fun activities to mix in with the threading or your student(s) may take a nap, well, it is fishing.

• How to setup a basic fishing kit
• Bass Fishing For Beginners
• The ancient art of using feathers on a fishing lure
• Girls First Creek Fishing Adventure Ever!