Get Crafty With The Kids This Summer!
It won't be long before summer break - great in theory, but it can be a challenge to keep some kids entertained away from the TV or laptop. Read on for our fun ideas to get ready for the holidays!
Screen-Free Sewing Projects for Kids This Summer
The school summer holidays are on the horizon, and for many families, that means finding fun, screen-free ways to keep children busy without resorting to glitter explosions or sticky glue.
Whether you’re sewing with your children or keeping visiting little ones entertained, we’ve gathered a handful of simple, stash-busting sewing ideas that are easy to prepare, satisfying to make, and great for garden play or summer adventures. Let the kids pick their fabrics (or recycle an old garment as we have done), help with the pressing and stitching, and make something they'll be proud of using all summer long!
Soft Fabric Frisbees
These are a huge hit outdoors and super easy to make. Stitch two circles of fabric together (use a bowl as a template), add a layer of interfacing or felt between them for structure, and topstitch around the edge. Light, safe, and perfect for younger kids to throw and catch.
Top Tip - Adding a handful of dried rice or beans before stitching them closed will make them weightier and easier for younger children to throw and catch.
You could even create a mini “Frisbee Golf” game in the garden using baskets or buckets!
Mini Treasure Bags
Perfect for nature walks, these mini tote bags are ideal for collecting shells, feathers, leaves, or pretty pebbles.
Instructions
Cut two rectangles of fabric and zigzag the raw edges to stop fraying. If using an old garment, try to incorporate useful pockets or interesting details. We used an old pair of jeans and layered pieces of the pockets to the front of the bag.
Fold 4cm along the top edges to the inside to create a facing and press well. Stitch in place.
Decide on the length of your handles and cut 2 pieces of fabric. Turn under the short edges and stitch. Do the same for the long edges, then fold in half along the length and stitch the long edges together. Position the ends of the handles evenly. We have stitched ours 3cm in from the sides and 6cm down from the top edge. You could also attach these by hand and add buttons as decoration.
With right sides together, stitch the two rectangles together, matching all the edges. Stitch the side and base seams.
Turn through, push out the corners and give it a quick press. Now you’re all set to go treasure hunting!
You could get the kids to decorate their treasure bags with fabric pens, buttons, or felt shapes, which can be stitched or glued in place.
Want a head start?
Subscribe below to receive our free Mini Treasure Bag pattern as our July giveaway, plus full access to our free pattern archive and sewing resources.
Sunglasses Sleeves
A great scrap-busting project! Use two small rectangles of fabric and a bit of wadding or fleece to sew a padded sleeve. It keeps sunglasses safe in bags, and older kids love choosing their fabric combo.
Top Tip - Add personalisation with embroidery or iron-on initials!
Check out our beginner-friendly sunglasses pattern here!
Fabric Headbands
Headbands are quick, easy, and fun to customise. Choose elastic or tie-back styles and let the kids pick bright, summery fabrics. These make great gifts too, and are brilliant for siblings, cousins or friends to make together.
If you are short on supplies, our Scrunchie Sewing Kits include everything you need to make 3 scrunchies at home with different fabric options available. Take a peek here!
No-Sew T-Shirt Totes
For a quick, no-sew activity, turn an old T-shirt into a tote bag using just scissors. Cut off the sleeves and neck, then tie (or stitch) the hem closed. Done! A fun way to upcycle and teach kids how to reuse.
Top Tip - Decoration could be added to a plain shirt with fabric pens, embroidery or felt shapes glued or stitched in place.
Keep It Light and Fun
Summer sewing doesn’t need to be complicated – the goal is to create something useful, colourful, and proudly handmade. These projects offer a lovely balance of creativity and calm, perfect for rainy mornings, shady afternoons, or relaxed weekends.
We’d love to see what you make! Tag us @albero.uk on Instagram or reply with photos of your creations.
Happy sewing,
Suzanne, Charlotte & Rebecca