It can sometimes be difficult to choose what to stitch as gifts for our friends and family. Children are especially challenging, and cannot be expected to know just how much love and effort has gone into producing a small stitched picture! So stitching for them needs extra care in order to that the gift is appreciated and cherished. Here are some tips:
1. Be aware of the passing fashions in childhood. Do you remember the Ninja Turtles, and the Pokemon heroes? These characters were favourites of children – and now, new personalities have taken their place. Make sure that the characters you stitch have a long life ahead!
2. Do not stitch buttons, charms, sequins and embellishments onto items that will be handled by small children. These could end up being sucked or swallowed - with terrible results.
3. Consider stitching a motif onto a piece of clothing such as a t-shirt or top. Make sure you use good quality threads by DMC, Anchor or Madeira. These are colour-fast – so the colour will not run when the clothing is being washed.
4. Try stitching motifs onto items such as bags or pencil cases. Research carefully into what is liked by the child. Stitching the crest of a rival football team to the one the child supports will never be forgiven!
Here is a popular kit available from SewandSo:
5. If you are unsure as to which motif to choose, try stitching the child’s name. That’s bound to be appreciated.
6. Sometimes, it may be a good idea to resign yourself to the fact that some children will not like to receive a stitched gift. Save your stitching energies for the children who will love your work.
7. Lastly, perhaps the best present you can ultimately give is the gift of learning how to stitch. However, this should never be forced. If a child sees you enjoying your stitching and admires your finished project, this may be just what he or she needs to start this hobby. There are lots of starter kits to choose from. Let the child choose the kit – and be on hand to help the young stitcher!
Happy Stitching!
Iona
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