Tips for creating with fibre and Textiles in the classroom

Tips for creating with fibre and Textiles in the classroom

Parent help! We use parent help for sewing and weaving projects and it’s the only time we do. An extra pair of hands can be a life saver! If you have an Educational Assistant also schedule the sewing or weaving classes when they will be available to assist you too.

Sewing projects: Threading needles with different coloured thread and knotted at the end will save a lot of time at the start of a sewing class. we use the thread doubled and knotted so it can’t pull out of the needle. Bulk buy needle threaders and show the class how to use them. Demonstrate how to tie a knot in the end of the thread as well. Store kids sewing work in labelled zip lock or paper bags between classes so everything remains together and needles aren’t lost and threads don’t become tangled.

 

Fabric Painting: Have cardboard inserts cut up and ready for fabric painting projects to place inside the painted area of the bag or T-shirt. You can also use folded up newspaper to stop the paint staining through the fabric to the other side as well.

Weaving: Pre-cut lengths of yarn and wrap around pieces of cardboard for weaving projects. Have a range of colours for kids to choose from. Make sure the yarn is all the same ply, such as 8 ply, so the weaving will be even. Store kids’ projects in labelled zip lock or paper bags between classes so everything remains together and the projects don’t become tangled. Store all your fibre and textile materials in see through, labelled tubs in the art room so they are easy to find.

Practical and budget-friendly ways to source fibre and textiles

Weaving projects often use wool as the main fibre. 

This is because it is easy to weave and soft on hands. Wool can be expensive to buy new so look for some budget friendly options such as op shops and thrift stores. People often donate left over balls of wool that are new and unused. Local community groups often have items to give away for free. Try pages near your school and home and request donations.

Some budget shopping stores can have bulk packs of yarn for classroom use. Try stores like Spotlight for large bulk packs of yarn for classroom use. You could also send a note home asking families to donate wool, ribbons, or fabric scraps.

T-Shirts for design and fabric painting projects

Budget shopping options such as Kmart, Big W or Target sell plain white or black tees for $3–$5, ideal for fabric paint. Op shops and thrift stores sometimes have bulk stock from left over printing. Local printing businesses such as screen printers may have misprints or surplus blank T-shirts they no longer need.

Sneakers for Art Projects 

Budget shops such as Kmart and Target sometimes sell canvas sneakers for $3 to $5. You could also look for Op shops with clean, plain canvas sneakers in kids’ sizes if they’re not going to wear them. Online bulk suppliers such as Alibaba or eBay may offer cheap bulk options but check shipping times and costs. Kids can provide their own plain white sneakers to paint and decorate.

Canvas or Cotton Bags for Printmaking or Fabric Painting

Educational supply shops often stock plain calico or canvas tote bags at reasonable prices. Check for school packs or sales. Online craft suppliers such as Zart Art, CleverPatch, or Educational Art Supplies might also have stock suitable for schools. Also try Alibaba for small fabric bags and Spotlight sells cotton craft bags and canvas bags for printing.