3 Easy Valentine Kid's Crafts

Let your young children share in the joy of making handcrafted gifts this Valentine's Day with one of these three easy textile crafts.

3 Easy Valentine Kid's Crafts

1. Knotted fleece blanket: Pick pretty fleece with colorful hearts for one layer and your giftee's favorite solid color fleece for the other layer. These knotted blankets are super easy to make, and you don't have to sew them at all of you don't want to, because fleece fabric does not fray. I have, however found, that stitching the two fabric layers together (about four inches in from the outer edge) before cutting the strips to tie, makes it much MUCH easier to keep the layers aligned and get a smooth finished blanket. 
2. Applique pillow case: You can either make the pillow case or start with a plain pillow case from the store, and then just get some cute "love-themed" appliques. Iron the appliques onto the desired spots on the pillow case. Let the appliques cool. Then, either hand sew or machine stitch around the outer edge of the applique to secure the cute decorations. .
3. Jammie pants 'butt' drawstring tote bag: This one is for kids of all ages who get a kick out of 'butt humor' - and it's super easy to make, too. Start with a worn out or outgrown pair of jammie pants. If you don't have any, a thrift shop or garage sale is a great place to pick some up without spending much. Turn the pants inside out. Cut the legs off off the pajama pants right across the hip area, leaving the crotch seam intact. Sew across the entire bottom with a tight zigzag stitch or a serger. Cut a small hole in the waistband to pull the elastic through. Turn the 'butt bag' inside out. Make the big loopy know in the elastic drawstring so it won't pop back inside the jammie pants bag. 

Adult supervision is recommended for young children putting any of these crafts together, as they involve scissor use, sewing needles, and a hot iron. 

5 Easy Valentine's Sewing Ideas

Whether you are planning ahead to make Valentine's gifts or trying to create something special at the last minute, one of these hand crafted gifts might be just the thing for your special Valentine.

I think making a special gift for Valentine's Day is such a sweet way to show friends and family that you care. These easy gift ideas are great to put together on a chilly day when you can't get outside, or when you are simply short on time.

Easy Valentine's Sewing Projects

1. Fleece scarf: Fleece is an easy to work with fabric that does not fray and a scarf is basically a long, skinny rectangle, making a cozy scarf a quick and simple gift idea. For more details and step-by-step directions, check out my fleece scarf-making tutorial here on Stitching it Right.
2. Heart-applique tote bag: Start with some sturdy denim fabric and a basic tote bag pattern, and a square of red fleece or felt. Cut out a chunky red heart and either zigzag stitch or hand sew it in the center of one other tote bag sides. Then stitch the tote bag together following the pattern directions.
3. Walker tote: This gift idea is for people who have to use walkers. It's similar to the heart-applique tote idea, but instead of traditional bag straps, you'll need a pattern with a fabric flap that fastens around the front walker bar. One note: Make sure the pattern you choose has compartments to hold your loved one's needed items, such as a phone or the TV remote.
4. Silky pajama bottoms: This is a bit harder than the other ideas, but if you choose a pattern labeled easy or beginner, you'll be amazed by how quickly these simple garments go together.
5. Scented heart-shaped sachets: Cut out some small (about 4 inches tall and wide) heart shapes from felt or fleece, sew around the perimeter with a zigzag or other decorative stitch all but a 1-inch opening. Stuff some loose cotton batting inside the heart. stitch the gap shut. Sew or glue a small ribbon bow or rosette on the front of the heart, then spray perfume or cologne on the heart - kind of a lot - and let it soak in. Then your Valentine can just toss the sachet in a drawer and let the scent loose in the drawer. More scent can be added as needed, when it fades.

If you try making one of these easy Valentine's gift ideas, I'd love to hear how it turns out, so be sure to pop back and leave a comment.