20 School Holiday Summer Makes

Here’s our pick of sewing toys, fancy dress costumes and crafty creations we think your children will love to make, wear and stitch this summer…

1. Patchwork teepee
 
All kids love a homemade fort! Hone in on your patchwork skills to make this colourful teepee for garden playtime or for a camping-style sleepover.
Image from Marion at Sewing-Online HQ using Fat Quarter Starter Pack in Bright Textured Colours

2. DIY teepee play tent

...or try sewing this indoor den for your little ones. Fill it with cushions to create a cosy nap-time spot or bedtime story-time snuggle area.

3. No-sew patchwork teepee

And for a superfast idea try this no-sew style by patchworking fabrics together.

4. Kangaroo rucksack

Once you’ve got a teepee up they’ll need a rucksack to pack their camping gear. Sew up this cute kangaroo rucksack (similar to the one Prince George was spotted wearing in Australia) to really get them imagining they’re out on walkabout in the bush!

5. Farmyard blocks

To add to the animal creations make a herd of farmyard stacking blocks to keep your little tots happy.

6. Animal ear headbands

Sticking with the animal trend, but with a quick and easy sewing make, whip up these hilarious animal headbands for fun pretend play. The kids will love to make these with you too.

7. Superhero masks and princess crowns


Continue the dress up theme and let their imaginations run wild with these felt super-hero masks and princess crowns. These would also make a great party bag gift or a kid’s birthday party game.

8. Princess dress

For a full fancy dress costume this enchanting princess outfit is sure to set your little girl’s imagination alive. It’s super-easy to stitch too, so can be whipped up for an impromptu dress-up session!

9. Dinosaur hoodie

One for your little monsters! Make this quick and easy dinosaur costume from a spare hoody and a few bits of felt. Try a complete look with a hooded onesie or add spikes to gloves or a beanie hat for winter.

10. Felt monsters

These are fab creations to make with your kids. Let them trace, cut and create their own personalised monster-buddy with these five free patterns including mix and match bodies, sets of eyes, mouths, and different accessories.

11. Noughts and crosses travel game

If you’re planning a big car journey this summer get prepared by sewing this cute take on the traditional game. It makes for a nice change from electronic games and is a great travel companion for adults too.

12. Car carrier

If your boy is a young motor-head and can’t be without his toy cars on holiday make him this easy car carrying case so he can take his collection with him.

13. Fabric car mat

And for extra mum brownie points make this plush fabric car playmat for the bedroom or garden. It also rolls up as a carry case so can be easily tucked in the car boot for your holiday roadtrip too.

14. Spotty snakes and ladder playmat

For a bigger playmat make this large-scale classic children’s board game which is sure to bring hours of fun with the oversized dice and play pieces. With the fleece backing it makes a cosy blanket too, or add rubber grips to turn it into a playroom rug.

15. Sleepover friends

For a quick, smaller make create this wee mouse in a tin house! Another inventive project to sew with your kids on a rainy day.

16. Fabric foldable dolls house

For a larger home for the children’s toys make this fabric dolls house from a box template. Once sewn together it can also be used as a lunchbox-style travel bag for toys and crafty bits.

17. Red Haired doll

For a gift that will be cherished forever create Sew’s beautiful red-haired Seoana ragdoll.

18. Bunny sibling dolls

…Or if you need a his and hers doll set these bunny siblings would be a beautiful gift for a brother and sister – so no one feels left out!

19. Craft apron

If your little one is as crafty as you sew them this arty apron with pockets for paintbrushes, pens, or even their thread, fabric strips and some sewing snacks!

20. Kids reversible fat quarter apron

We couldn’t resist adding this adorable crafty apron which can be sewn together with just a couple of spare fat quarters of fabric. Now is the perfect time to make one, ahead of some Great British Bake Off practice!