Handicrafts for Kids: A Collection of Useful + Creative Projects

Whether you’re already doing handicrafts with your kids at home or are just getting started, here’s a list of some fun, practical, and creative project ideas that children are sure to love!

Are you interested in beginning some new handicraft projects with your children? Visit www.freeandunfettered.com for ideas and inspiration on which crafts to introduce and project ideas to get your started. #handicrafts #lifeskills #practicallife #montessori #montessoriathome #finemotordevelopment #ece #charlottemason #homeschool #handicrafts #craftingwithkids #handicraftsforchildren

HAND SEWING

Sewing by hand is one of the first handicrafts I introduce to my children, usually between the ages of 2-3 depending on interest level. I offer both lacing cards and burlap in an embroidery hoop for their first introduction to straight stitch. Once they’re proficient with straight stitch I proceed to back stitch and then whip stitch alongside felt fabric. I like starting with felt because it’s incredibly easy to cut with the freezer paper trick and does not fray. It’s offered in a plethora of fun colors, and once your child learns whip stitch it opens up the possibility of making a lot of useful items. Some of my favorites for children include:

Browse through more felt handicraft ideas here:

MACHINE SEWING

Once your child is proficient with a few hand stitches, you can then introduce machine sewing. Start with a few basic patterns, and then encourage your children to design their own. Save torn clothing to be repurposed into sewing projects.

Browse through more Sewing + Weaving ideas here:

EMBROIDERY

Embroidery is such fun! You can easily learn a new stitch together every month. My children eagerly look forward to purchasing their own embroidery floss at the craft store where they are able to select their favorite colors to add to their collection. The options for homemade decor and gifts are nearly endless.

Here’s an embroidery project that my older daughter and I continue to work on as we study the biomes of the world:

Browse more embroidery ideas, inspiration, and tutorials here:

WEAVING

Using a combination of cardboard, fabric scraps, yarn, and/or branches, weaving can be a very affordable handicraft. Here are some of my favorite tutorials and ideas:

FINGER KNITTING

Finger knitting can typically be introduced to children around ages 5-6. It’s an easy activity to take along on road trips, too. You’ll soon have a lot of finger knit rope on your hands. Here are a few suggestions on what your children can make:

Browse more finger knitting ideas here:

MACRAME

If your child enjoys tying knots, now would be the perfect time to introduce macrame. Use traditional cotton twine or make your own by cutting apart used clothing. Here are a few beginning projects to try with your kids:

Browse through more ideas here:

NEEDLE KNITTING

If you have a child who is age 6 or older, now’s the time to introduce knitting. Watch tutorials online or find a local knitting group who offers lessons and learn together.

Browse more knitting ideas and inspiration here:

NEEDLE FELTING

We’re hoping to begin needle felting for the 2020-2021 school year. It seems like such a fun and creative way to experiment with color and form.

See needle felting ideas and inspiration here:

CROCHET

You’ll never run out of fun things to make once you learn crochet. Here are a few that I think children would love to make since they’re both fun and useful:

JEWELRY MAKING

Both my girls are really interested in wearing jewelry. Rather than buying it, challenge your children to make their own. Here are a few ideas:

Browse more jewelry making ideas for children here:

WOODWORKING

If you’ve followed the blog for awhile, then you’re already aware that my husband and I are really into woodworking now. Naturally, then, our children are pretty interested in it, too. Our oldest, in particular, really enjoys open-ended building. She’ll draw up a plan, measure and cut her wood, and use either nails or screws to join the pieces together.

Browse ideas and inspiration for woodworking with kids ideas here:

WOODBURNING

Woodburning can be a fun new art medium for children to explore, and kids can easily make some really cool and thoughtful gifts for friends and family.

Some of my favorite woodburning projects for kids just getting started include:

PRINTMAKING

Explore the art of printmaking on fabric and paper with objects found around the house or in the yard. Make your own gift wrap, create custom artwork for your home, use printed fabric in sewing projects and gift them to family members and friends.

See printmaking ideas and inspiration here:

BOOKBINDING

Elementary children generally love working on ‘big’ projects. Encourage them to transcribe their own stories onto paper and then bind their own books.

Here are some ideas:

PAPERMAKING

Here’s a great handicraft to start in the spring and continue throughout the summer and fall. Children will have a blast coming up with their own unique recipes to make paper. They can then use the paper to make cards for family and friends.

Here are some other handicrafts that children may enjoy learning:

  • Tin punching
  • Toy making
  • Doll making
  • Baking + Cooking
  • Confectionery
  • Calligraphy
  • Clay sculpting
  • Rug making
  • Card making
  • Candle making
  • Metal stamping
  • Basket weaving
  • Pottery
  • Leather tooling
  • Leatherwork
  • Paper sloyd
  • Origami
  • String art
  • Woodcarving
  • Hand spinning
  • Yarn dyeing
  • Wool painting
  • Quilting + Patchwork
  • Sashiko
  • Latch hook
  • Cross stitch
  • Soap carving
  • Soap making