Children's Safety Rules When Using a Plastic Sewing Needle

Yarn

• Thread the needle with yarn that fits the diameter of the needle's eye -- something thick and textured that won't slip through little fingers. Cut yarn long enough so your child can practice at least 10 stitches, but not so long that he has to extend his arm, needle in hand, so far away from his body that he inadvertently pokes the child or pet sitting beside him.

Threading

• Show your child how to thread his own needle. Demonstrate how to prop your elbow on a tabletop to steady the hand holding the needle and how to twist or wet the tip of the thread with moisture from your lips so it forms a point and is easier to push through the eye of the needle. If your child is able to thread his own needle, he'll get to experience the satisfaction of having done so all by himself, and more importantly, he'll be less likely to seek you out to find you to thread it for him, thereby minimizing the number of times he walks around the room carrying a sharp tool.

Storage

• Show your child proper storage of plastic sewing needles. Demonstrate how you would like him to put the needle into a container -- an old spice jar works well -- or plastic zipper bag. Explain the dangers of leaving a sharp object out; a pet or younger sibling could find it and poke herself in the eye or put it in her mouth, it could find its way into the vacuum cleaner and do damage, or it could fall on the floor and injure someone's foot. While some of these may not apply to a plastic needle, your child will already know how to behave when he is presented with a real needle. The same goes for buttons; a stray button is a choking hazard for a baby or toddler. Clearly and firmly explain that if your child doesn't store sewing materials correctly, he might not be allowed to use them for future projects.

Start Slowly

• Introduce sewing to children slowly and gradually. New skills that require concentration and sitting for long periods of time might induce frustration and carelessness. Begin with a 10-minute lesson -- something that your child can accomplish and feel good about before tackling larger projects.