Introduce DD to knitting/crocheting/sewing?

We were at the NY Hall of Science a few weeks ago and they had an activity where you "sewed" a piece of cloth into a bag (folded it and sewed three sides of it) - she seemed to enjoy it.
DD needed help from the worker there to finish it (its the first time she was exposed to any type of needle/thread)

I'm thinking of introducing DD (she is about to turn 8) into either crochet or knitting - I know NOTHING about either. I know nothing about sewing either.

Which is better to start with? I did some googling and it says that a lot of people like crochet because you only use one hand so they think its easier.

Should I just get these:
https://www.amazon.com/Boye-Critters-Beginners-Crochet-Multicolor/dp/B09LBCHST6/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2QZSYO8IGVZ5M&keywords=kids+crochet&qid=1652936162&sprefix=kids+crochet%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-4

https://www.amazon.com/Klutz-Sew-Mini-Animals-Toy/dp/1338106449/ref=sr_1_26?crid=2QZSYO8IGVZ5M&keywords=kids+crochet&qid=1652936328&sprefix=kids+crochet%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-26

https://www.amazon.com/ALEX-Toys-Craft-Simply-Needlepoint/dp/B00JYGPLUK/ref=sr_1_13?crid=78EEHDSAOUXQ&keywords=kids+knitting&qid=1652936399&sprefix=kids+knitting%2Caps%2C83&sr=8-13

<edit> - apparently there's another one - Cross Stitch
https://www.amazon.com/Pllieay-Beginner-Instructions-Backpack-Ornaments/dp/B08QCX1Z5V/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3D2JT8MFQXKHQ&keywords=cross+stitch+kids&qid=1652936877&sprefix=cross+stitch+kids%2Caps%2C115&sr=8-4

So many kits - don't know which one to get, maybe all and see which one/style/hobby she likes better?

Thanks

Message edited 5/19/2022 1:09:42 AM.

Re: Introduce DD to knitting/crocheting/sewing?

Check your local library. They may have some classes on one or more of those. My DD has taken a couple of thread-based classes at our library.

She's indecisive, so she wants to do them all, but isn't sure which one to focus on, so she doesn't do any of them...

Introduce DD to knitting/crocheting/sewing?

Michaels has classes. there are still a few privately owned knitting stores they will help, and if she wants to try sewing and quilt making Gone Sewing has classes. Last summer I watcher her teach a young girl and her dad how to cut and make her own outfit

Joann's use to hold classes as well

Message edited 5/19/2022 8:22:34 AM.

Introduce DD to knitting/crocheting/sewing?

if needle point which I loved, Needle point Nook is one place.

My mother taught me how to knit, it's fun and relaxing

Introduce DD to knitting/crocheting/sewing?

My niece showed some interest so i got her a loom kit to start with first. She made a unicorn. But, after that, the thrill of sewing died out for another new “hobby”…so glad i didn’t invest too much into it.

Re: Introduce DD to knitting/crocheting/sewing?

yes!!! introduce her

i would say to start with loom knitting or crocheting first. they are easier for someone who has never played with the fiber arts before.

if i wasn't on the other side of the country, i would offer to teach her lol.

of the items you listed, the last two kits are ok. i wouldn't get the first two kits.



what i can offer as far as a first crochet project...

at any big box store, you can get inexpensive 100% wool. buy that yarn and have her make a "square" or "rectangle" in practicing her stitches.
you are guaranteed that it will not be even in any way. no issue. felt it. pop it in the washing machine with hot water and a pair of jeans.
once you have the felted fabric (which will have most, if not all, of the unevenness hidden), you can sew it up like she did at the museum and make a little coin pouch or an accessory for a doll.

i hope she falls in love with it as much as i have.

i learned to crochet at 7, learned to embroider at 9, started to sew at about 10 (although it's the craft i do the least), taught myself to knit at 27.
i'll be 49 next week and still LOVE all of it.

Introduce DD to knitting/crocheting/sewing?

>>Check your local library. They may have some classes on one or more of those.

Interesting idea, thanks


>>Michaels has classes

I wish there was a Michaels near us =/


>>But, after that, the thrill of sewing died out for another new “hobby”

Yeah, finding a hobby for DD has been tough, she hasn't commited to anything yet.


>>of the items you listed, the last two kits are ok. i wouldn't get the first two kits.

The first two are the ones I am thinking of getting, lol.
Isnt the first one the "crochet" one? I was thinking animals would get her interested.


>>buy that yarn and have her make a "square" or "rectangle" in practicing her stitches.........felt it....once you have the felted fabric

I understand what the words mean, but no idea what any of that means when the words are put together :)
I think kits would be the way to go, buying yarn and needles wouldn't work because theres nobody here who has ever even touched those before, so no place to start for her.

I just learned about cross stich last night (even though I dont know what it is) - maybe she can do something like this bad ass thing:
https://i.redd.it/titx39pvlb091.jpg

Introduce DD to knitting/crocheting/sewing?

I don't know where you live on the island but little Miss Sew it all in Moriches is awesome. My daughter went to project Funway Camp there are several Summers and absolutely adored it. I used to sew a ton when she was little. I always made super cute dresses in every theme imaginable. Miss those days! We even had a sewing themed birthday party 1 year. All of her friends got their own little sewing machines , we did pillow cases and stuffed bunnies. My house was transformed into the cutest little sewing Studio.

Message edited 5/19/2022 5:39:57 PM.

Introduce DD to knitting/crocheting/sewing?

We ended up getting her:
1. Those tiny rubber bands that you make into a bracelet
2. and whatever this is:
https://www.amazon.com/Klutz-Sew-Mini-Treats-Plushies/dp/0545906520/ref=sr_1_1?crid=F1GZITMVABJB&keywords=sew+mini+treats&qid=1670303338&sprefix=sew+mini+treats%2Caps%2C95&sr=8-1

She made two bracelets and that was it.
For the mini sewing thing, she ended up not doing any.

But with Christmas coming, I am still thinking of getting her a crochet kit or a knitting kit.

Introduce DD to knitting/crocheting/sewing?

My daughter started crocheting and loves it. It is very relaxing for her. When she started, I bought all those kits. For her, she didn't like them at all. You need to learn the basics and start from there. For her learning from a real person was key. A class from the library is a good place to start or maybe even at school (my daughter's middle school had a club). Now she uses youtube tutorials to make different things.

Introduce DD to knitting/crocheting/sewing?

Don't mean to hijack, but does anyone know how MarathonKnitter is? I had noticed she hadn't been posting and then just see she is an invalid user. She always was a positive contributor here.