Toddlers and preschoolers can practice basic sewing skills with this simple mesh hearts sewing activity. It’s an excellent fine-motor project and a charming Valentine’s craft for daycare or preschool groups.
In my home daycare we enjoy creating with materials we already have on hand. Using everyday items keeps costs low and encourages creativity as children learn new skills while exploring familiar textures and objects.
This turned into a fun sewing activity for the kids and resulted in sweet little Valentine’s ornaments they could display.
The children enjoyed “sewing” using a variety of lengths and textures I gathered from around the house.
Supplies:
- mesh
- plastic sewing needle
- pipe cleaners
- yarn
- strips of plastic (for example, from a Hawaiian skirt)
Other suggestions:
- string
- shoelaces
- ribbon
- strips cut from a plastic bag
How to make mesh hearts
Begin by cutting heart shapes from plastic mesh. I keep a roll of mesh in the garage for small projects like this. Cut shapes large enough for little fingers to work with comfortably.
Next, thread a pipe cleaner around the edge of each heart and twist the ends to secure the shape. This gives the heart structure and an easy handle for little hands.
Give children yarn, ribbon, strips of plastic, or other materials and a plastic sewing needle to “sew” through the mesh. Encourage them to experiment with different colors and textures as they weave and stitch around the heart.
Sewing or lacing activities are excellent for strengthening fine motor skills and improving hand-eye coordination. Offering a variety of materials makes the project more engaging and helps children explore different textures and patterns.
When the hearts were finished, I tied a piece of yarn to the top of each one so they could be hung in a window or on a doorknob as little decorations.
You may also like:
- Paper Plate Heart Weaving
- Valentine Lacing Activity
- Cardboard Heart String Art
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