Teaching a child needlepoint can be one of the most fun and rewarding experiences for both a child and their teacher.
Here's How:
Choose a simple project that will hold a child's interest. It's always a good idea to allow a child to choose their own project as this adds to the fun of learning something new and they can choose something that will spark their creativity. Painted or printed canvas make the easiest first projects for a child. Small fingers will find thicker threads and fibers easier to stitch than thinner embroidery floss. You might try the Dangling Rainbow as a first project. It uses plastic canvas (illiminating the use of a hoop or frame) and ribbon (wide enough for small hands to handle easily).
Begin at a time of day when child will be rested and relaxed. You don't want to schedule this type of lesson over a nap or at bedtime when they are too tired to pay attention.
- Start with handwashing. Always necessary before starting any needlework project, for adult or child to wash their hands and avoid making their project dirty.
Use short lessons and demostrate each step and why you are doing it to the child as you teach.
If using canvas, the next step is to teach the child to mount their canvas in a frame. Step by step, carefully guide the child through the process, and the take it out to allow them to try themselves. Remember, small fingers might have a hard time with this at first, but if you continue to work with them, they will catch on.
Though knots are not supposed to be left on needepoint, making a waste knot will be much easier for a child than having to hold a thread in place while they stitch over it. Again, practice making a knot with some loose yarn before you begin your canvas.
Start with teaching the easiest stitches. Continental or Half Cross Stitches will probably be the best and then they can work their way up to learning to Basketweave. It might be worth trying some sample stitching on a spare piece of fabric before beginning your actual project to allow the child to learn the process of needlepoint stitches. Remember that it's hard to learn something new. Don't be rushed, enjoy this memory making time knowing that you are investing in the life of a child. Offer constant assurance and praise for the effort and work that they are doing.
Discuss "parking" needles and the proper care of their tools as they stitch.
When finished, discuss ways to finish your project. Teach them to block and frame their work or finish it off into a useful item such a as a bookmark, coaster, or lapel pin.
