Sewing is an art that has been lost amongst kids. Where it used to be taught along with cooking and cleaning in generations past, it is no longer thought to be a critical life skill to master. As such, being able to do something as simple as threading a needle to mend a seam seems like a foreign concept to many. And given that many parents were not taught how to sew, the pool from which to choose a sewing mentor is likely very small for kids. But because there are several benefits of kids knowing how to sew, passing along that skill set to kids not only helps with development now but will continue to pay dividends as they age.
When people sew, they use both sides of their brain. As such, according to Whipstitch, not only is the left side of the brain involved when working out the math aspects of sewing but the right side of the brain is used when being inspired to create a craft, piece of clothing, or whatever it may be that draws people back to the sewing machine or to simply hand stitch. By involving kids in the process of sewing and engaging their brains in the process, they work their minds in ways that being in front of a screen will never be able to recreate. And by doing this, they are making their brains smarter in the process.
Here are some benefits of kids knowing how to sew.
6 Strengthens Motor Skills
While older kids are likely quite proficient with their motor skills, those who are slightly younger, likely still need a bit of refinement when it comes to their fine motor skills. And one way to help with that is to teach kids how to sew.
According to Freestyle Kids, the muscles that are used to hold a pencil are the same that is used to thread a needle. As such, the better kids are with getting the thread through the eye of the needle, the better writers they are or will become.
Sewing also helps to develop hand-eye coordination, per the publication. As hand-eye coordination continues to develop, the better kids are with life skills such as tying shoes and writing letters, and even with playing sports as they age. Because of this, not only are they learning a life skill, they are strengthening those they already have a grasp on as well.
5 Strengthens Cognitive Development
The way that kids think and problem-solve is how they strengthen their cognitive development over their lifetime. And by learning how to sew, they not only are strengthening their cognitive development, they are helping new brain cells to grow as well.
According to MindFood, when cognitive development is stagnant, it can cause a loss of connection between neurons. However, the act of sewing is so powerful that not only is it beneficial when it comes to keeping all neurons firing, through the act of being creative, more brain cells grow. It is amazing what a bit of thread and a needle can do.
4 Helps To Develop Patience
Becoming proficient with sewing takes time. As such, for kids to become good at sewing requires them to have patience. And given that this is a trait that takes time to develop, patience and sewing go hand-in-hand.
According to Sew Much Fun, being patient with sewing is necessary because when the art is being learned, kids are being pushed outside of their comfort zones. Participating in sewing means that patterns need to be cut correctly, lines need to be followed, and proper stitches need to be used, all of which take time to do with ease. As such, the more practice is had, the easier sewing becomes. But if unwilling to put the time in to learn, the level of patience will not grow, and learning how to sew will remain a mystery as well
3 Fosters Creativity
The right side of the brain is responsible for all things creative. And when activities like sewing are participated in, the cells on that side of the brain are firing on all cylinders.
According to The Fold Line, there is nothing but creativity that occurs with sewing. From choosing the fabric, the pattern, or designing something completely original, sewing might just be one of the most creative driven activities that kids will ever participate in.
2 Boosts Confidence
Kids' brains are like sponges. Everything they participate in helps them to learn something new. And when new skills are acquired, self-confidence is raised making for mentally healthy and strong kids.
According to House of Dezign, when kids hone and develop their skills, they gain confidence. This is done by silencing the voices in the head that say it cannot be done and stepping outside of personal comfort zones to see what can be achieved. And when the realization comes that things never before imagined can be accomplished, bigger goals are set to be reached to continue to instill confidence as more new skills are learned.
1 Teaches Life Skills
Perhaps one of the most important things learned from sewing is life skills, something that many kids have been cheated of learning.
With clothing and accessories available to order with the click of a button, learning to sew is no longer necessary to have a wardrobe. As such, it is very rarely a skill that is handed down from parents to children these days. However, when a seam rips or a button falls off of a jacket, according to The Handwork Studio, sewing is a skill that many wish they learned when they were kids.
As such, teaching the very basics of threading a needle to be able to make quick fabric repairs is an important life skill kids should learn and have in their toolboxes as they age to be as self-sufficient as possible.
Source: Whipstitch, Freestyle Kids, MindFood, Sew Much Fun, The Fold Line, House of Dezign, The Handwork Studio