Stitch & Stuff: Creative Sewing for Young Makers

Ages 5–7

Discover the joy of making something with your own hands! In this beginner sewing class, young makers will learn basic sewing skills while creating fun felt projects they can proudly take home. Students will explore simple stitching techniques, practice using beginner sewing tools, and bring their own creative ideas to life through hands-on projects.

Each week, students will build confidence as they design, decorate, and create with felt, thread, yarn, and other craft materials. Projects will include simple sewn creations such as felt friends, decorations, pencil cases, keychains, or other imaginative handmade treasures. Along the way, students will practice patience, problem-solving, and the satisfaction of completing something they made themselves.

This class is designed for beginners—no previous sewing experience is needed. Activities are carefully adapted for young children using age-appropriate materials and simple techniques. All materials/supplies will be provided.

Students can expect to:

• Learn how to safely use beginner sewing tools and materials.

• Practice basic hand-sewing skills such as threading, knotting, and simple stitches.

• Design and create several handmade felt projects.

• Add creative details using fabric, yarn, and decorative stitching.

• Share their finished creations in a showcase at the end of the course.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will:

• Develop confidence using basic sewing techniques and creative tools.

• Strengthen fine-motor skills, focus, and perseverance through hands-on making.

• Follow simple patterns and multi-step directions to complete projects.

• Express creativity by designing and personalizing their own handmade creations.

Meet your Instructor:

Betsy Dusenske is the director of Harmony and a lifelong sewist and stitcher. She began hand-sewing her own doll clothes as a child and later learned to read patterns and use a sewing machine under the guidance of her beloved grandmother, a talented seamstress and artist.

Betsy continued sewing as a hobby throughout her life and believes that sewing is one of the most valuable life skills a person can develop. Beyond the joy of creating something beautiful and meaningful, sewing gives us the ability to repair, repurpose, and extend the life of the textiles we use every day.

She loves being able to share this timeless skill with young makers and helping children discover the pride and creativity that comes from making something with their own hands.