Not long ago, kids in many primary schools in Kenya learnt how to sew as part of Home Science classes and many households were equipped with sewing machines as they were considered important home appliances. 
These days, sewing at home and school isn't as ubiquitous and as a result, many kids (and adults) can barely thread a needle. Still considered a life skill, learning how to sew can help kids in the following ways:
Developing Hand-Eye Coordination
Threading a needle requires a skilled hand. You have to look through the loop of a needle and get the tiny piece of thread to slip through it. Knotting the thread and stitching a needle through fabric by hand also contributes to the development of hand-eye coordination. Older kids who get to run a sewing machine also need to know when to move the fabric as the needle moves across it.
Learning Mathematical Skills
Sewing uses plenty of maths. Children who get familiar with sewing patterns are learning engineering principles in an everyday activity. How much fabric do you need to make a certain item; a quick-stitch drawstring pouch, or felted stuffed animals? Measuring the fabric to cut into the sizes and shapes needed for a project also uses maths skills.
Mending Their Clothes
Never will a missing button be a cause of concern for someone who learned how to mend and sew as a child. With the basic stitches, they can learn how to patch a hole, mend a seam, and fix a hem. Your kids will have a skill set that allows them to repair their clothes or design their own clothes. 
Let's Design Fashion Studio at the Atelier in  Karen is offering basic sewing classes for kids age 7-14 from September 3-8. 
What they're offering
Sewing class BASIC for children ages 7-9, Saturday 09.30-11.00 am 
In this 6 week weeks program they learn the basic skills of working with a sewing machine, all parts and functions, different patterns, cutting, stitching, sewing by hand, filling, follow lines on the machine. They also learn about different types of fabrics, cultural backgrounds; where do they come from and what are they used for. In the basic course the children learn together with (new) friends and their coach how to make a pillow case and pillow of the design your child chooses.Costs: 1600KES per 1,5 hours lesson. Total amount in one payment gives you 350 Shilling discount. If not then payment is in two terms. 
Sewing class BASIC for children ages 10-14, Monday or Friday 15.30-17.30 pm 
In this 6 weeks program they learn the basic skills of working with a sewing machine, all parts and functions, different patterns, cutting, stitching, sewing by hand, filling, follow lines on the machine. Inclusive 6 times 2 hours of lessons from a sewing coach, and the possibility to attend an extra free catch up lesson at the end of the program, use of facilities, sewing machines, a notebook, drinks and snack, a visit to Ann Christine's workshop in Wayaki.
Costs: 1750KES per 2 hours lesson (or 1600KES per 2 hours when 4 children joining). Total amount in one payment gives you 350 Shilling discount. If not, then payment is in two terms
Location: Ndege road 200, Utisi drive house number 7 @theAtelier. Email: sewingclasswatoto@gmail.com 

About The Author

Author
Maureen Kasuku

Maureen is our resident cat lady and Beyoncé stan. She writes about spas, brunch and ballet recitals but has never been to any. Moonlights as a social justice activist in her spare time. She knows things and is obnoxiously opinionated on the internet but not in real life

Subscribe to our newsletters

  • Events
  • Movies
  • KenyaBuzz Kids
  • Whatsapp/Telegram

    The latest buzz and hottest trends in a bite-size daily message