Help: easy suggestions for kids knitting class wanted!

#1

A friend of mine has to help run a 6 week knitting class for 1st-6th graders. Does any one have any suggestions of suitable projects? Her fellow organizer has suggested padded hangers and pot-holders. All suggestions welcome!

#2

Dishcloths!

They’re small and simple. You can have them use acrylic, they don’t have to be cotton. Cotton isn’t stretchy enough for a first project.

You’ll find patterns and links in the Free Patterns section.

#3

But what kid wants a dishcloth?! That is the “problem” with the padded hangers too. They want to be able to offer a few different ideas so the children can then choose themselves. Someone elsewhere suggested simple finger puppets that could be decorated and customised with stick-on eyes, colourful yarn hair etc. Anyone ever done this? Any good books you can suggest?

Useful info on the cotton vs. acrylic - thanks! I’ll pass it on. :XX:

#4

True. But if you could turn it into a mother’s day gift…

Try Lion Brand’s website. They have a bunch of kid-oriented projects. Avoid doing things with fun fur, though, 'cause it’s too hard for beginners to work with.

#5

Here’s a few ideas:

Bean bags

Juggling Balls

I thought of a hat, but the decreases and finishing might be tough.

#6

With the age range you could also go with phone/ipod/walkman cases all the way to doll/teddybear clothing and accessories. Scarves, bookmarks, belts, book covers. Look through www.knittingpatterncentral.com at some of the categories for covers and cozies and non-clothing things. There might be some cute things there, too.

#7

This is a VERY easy pattern that is mostly garter stich and knits up quick for those short attention spans. And they ahve something cute when thy’re done!

http://www.seasonsoriginals.biz/knit-baby-gnome.html

Here’s link to a kit with cute pictures for some ideas

http://www.naturalearthfarm.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=89&osCsid=77050352cf588410234be83a49f37566

#8

Here are some easy and fun projects for kids:

Easy Headband
http://www.frugalhaus.com/homepage/headband.htm

Small Coin Purse
http://www.sweaterscapes.com/pursepat.htm

Easy Ball
http://www.frugalhaus.com/homepage/balls.htm

Easter Chick
http://www.jamboree.freedom-in-education.co.uk/w’s%20craft%20corner/Easter_Chick.htm

Basic Bean Bag
http://www.michaels.com/art/online/projectsheet?pid=b0092&categoryid=32

Cat Toy
http://www.knitlist.com/00gift/catnip-mouse.htm

Dog Toy
http://www.knitlist.com/98gift/dogstugtoy.htm

Blankets for Homeless Animals Project
http://www.h4ha.org/snuggles/patterns/sp-k006.html

I would think that the kids would love to make little blankets for homeless pets. That would capture their attention, and might start a good community project!

#9

what about a tissue cover for those pocket tissue packs? I’m thinking a hot pink eyelash type yarn would be very cute! Kids could make for themselves/family or to donate to a nursing home or children’s hospital. I’m new to knitting, but I’m thinking a rectangle that’s about 5x7 should work. The cast on/cast off could be the opening for the tissues, and one would just sew the ends together.

You might want to try a few so that the kids would have a “real” pattern.

#10

Thank you everyone! I shall pass your suggestions along (and maybe try some of them myself :smiley: ).

#11

My Kids Knit kids love to make bean bags … especially the boys. They can use the rectangle that they learn on… so they feel like they are making something right from the beginning. Just be sure to put the beans into a piece of panty hose tied at both ends … or use the toe. This way, even if there are a few holes and extra stitches the “swatch” can still be used.

Mine are now on to phone/game boy “holders” for some reason they don’t call them cozies :slight_smile: .

That is a huge age range… I have 3-5 graders and while the 5th graders caught on very quickly the third graders still need help keeping their stitch count the same. I hope she doesn’t have very many in the group. If she could have other knitters there it will help … knitting really is a one on one lesson.

I also use Amy’s videos when someone needs help and I have a “line” waiting . We meet in the library and there are two computers available.

Teaching kids to knit is SO MUCH FUN !!! She will enjoy every minute!

These books were also very helpful.

Kids Knit! Simple Steps to Nifty Projects – by Sarah Bradberry;

Kids Can Knit: Fun and Easy Projects for Small Knitters – by Carolyn Clewer;

Kids Knitting – by Melanie Falick;