Just because school’s out doesn’t mean the sewing has to take a break. In fact, summer might be my favorite time to watch kids slow down, settle in, and really start to enjoy the process of making. There’s something special about seeing them pull out their fabric stash, dream up a new idea, and gain a little more confidence each time they thread that needle.
If your child just wrapped up a class at Thimble Bee’s—or you’ve got a little maker at home who’s eager to sew more—there are so many ways to keep that momentum going. From sewing books and simple at-home projects to tips for creating a cozy little sewing corner, I’m sharing a handful of ideas to help keep their creativity blooming all summer long.
And if your child loves a little challenge, don’t miss the fun surprise waiting for you at the end: Mrs. Jen’s Summer Sewing Challenge is here to help kids keep creating with purpose all season long.
Set Up a Mini Sewing Station at Home
You don’t need a full-blown craft room to keep your child sewing this summer. A small setup with the right tools goes a long way—and can easily fit in a corner of the kitchen, a bedroom nook, or even a rolling cart you tuck away when it’s not in use.
Here’s what I suggest including:
- A sewing machine they feel confident using
- Thread in a few fun colors
- Fabric scissors (these are different from paper scissors—worth having their own!)
- Pins, a pincushion, and measuring tools (ruler, seam guide, and fabric tape measure)
- Frixion Markers
- A handful of fat quarters, felt sheets, or fabric scraps
- Hand-sewing needles and a needle threader
- A beginner-friendly sewing book or printed project sheets
When supplies are easy to find, creativity is easier to follow. And having their own little space—no matter how small—builds independence. They won’t need to ask where the scissors are every five minutes, and they’ll start feeling more and more capable each time they set up and sew on their own.
Pro tip: give the station a fun name like “Maker Zone,” and let them decorate it a bit. A few stickers, a jar for buttons, maybe even a sewing journal tucked nearby—it all adds to the excitement and ownership.
📚 Books to Fuel Their Sewing Adventure
There’s something extra special about flipping through a sewing book and thinking, I could make that! These kid-friendly favorites are full of easy-to-follow instructions and colorful project photos:
Sewing Machine Basics for Children by Angela Pressley
My First Sewing Machine Book by Emma Hardy
Girl’s Guide to DIY Fashion by Rachel Low
Tuck one of these into a summer basket alongside a few fat quarters and watch what happens!
🧵 Join Mrs. Jen’s Summer Sewing Challenge!
I’ve put together something extra fun—Mrs. Jen’s Summer Sewing Challenge! It’s a 10-week list of playful, beginner-friendly prompts designed to keep kids ages 7–12 creating week by week.
Each week has a simple but creative sewing prompt—like making something for a sleepover, designing a softie, sewing a surprise for a pet, or even stitching a back-to-school project they’ll actually use. The prompts are meant to be flexible and fun—no pressure, just encouragement to keep those sewing muscles moving.
There’s even a printable version you can stick on the fridge or tuck into their sewing bin!
Click Here to Download the Challenge List
Whether they follow along week by week or pick a few favorites, this is a great way to keep their creativity blooming all summer long!
Tag us on Instagram @ThimbleBees and use #ThimbleBeesSummerSewing so we can cheer your child on—we love seeing what your little makers are creating!
However your child chooses to stitch this summer, I hope these ideas give you a little inspiration (and maybe even a moment of quiet while they dive into a project!).
If you’re looking for a little more structure or social sewing time, don’t forget to take a peek at our summer sewing camps here at Thimble Bee’s! We still have a few spots left, and they’re always full of laughter, new friendships, and projects they’ll be proud to show off.
Happy stitching, friends. Let’s make it a summer to remember. 💛