Handicrafts Classes in Schools: What Should Children Be Taught?

To the forum

General Small Talk Translated

Moderator

23088 Posts Recent Started

Monday, October 30, 2023 at 12:06 PM

Dear users, dear authors,
What crafts should children definitely be taught?

Akela

5092 Posts Recent Started

Monday, October 30, 2023 at 12:37 PM

At the very least, the basic concepts and skills of knitting, embroidery, and crocheting—and perhaps machine sewing later on. But these should be taught by specialized teachers, not people switching careers, and ABOVE ALL, they should be educators who have the necessary patience when children are learning these skills. Not like in my day, when the needlework teacher was a real shrew and would hit the girls at every opportunity. Thank goodness that’s no longer allowed today. Because of my very negative experience in needlework class, my mother couldn’t understand for a long time how I was able to go on to learn the tailoring trade.
The first time I really enjoyed home economics class was during my year at home economics school, when we were allowed to use the sewing machines and sew what’s called a “babydoll”—we got to design and sew it exactly to our own taste. That teacher had a lot of patience, and you could really tell she loved her job.

Best regards, Inge

ruthk

9968 Posts Recent Started

Monday, October 30, 2023 at 2:48 PM

It’s definitely helpful to have learned a little bit about sewing, both by machine and by hand. My kids can’t even sew on a button or hem a loose hem.

dievomdeich

2200 Posts Recent Started

Monday, October 30, 2023 at 3:14 PM

That’s right, Ruth. My son learned to sew buttons onto cardboard and was totally amazed that it’s completely different when you do it on fabric.
Having that basic knowledge of hand-sewing is really important.

Schnuckelina

5957 Posts Recent Started

Monday, October 30, 2023 at 7:48 PM

I’d be happy if they learned how to help themselves—like sewing on buttons, threading elastic, hemming, and maybe even ironing. These are things you’ll always need in life. In my opinion, knitting and crocheting are more of a personal preference. You can get by just fine without knowing how to knit or crochet.

veronika-t15

3940 Posts Recent Started

Monday, October 30, 2023 at 10:17 PM

You can get by just fine without Latin.... I think knitting, crocheting, and embroidery are also more than useful because—along with sewing—they’re the best ways to motivate kids to make something themselves. That first scarf they knit themselves will then lead to socks and so on.

KarolaHahnKreativ

837 Posts Recent Started

Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at 7:58 AM

I think teaching the basics is a great idea.
If I had a say in this matter, I’d suggest asking the students themselves rather than us 😉.
Nothing is more boring than making something that someone else thinks is great, but that you yourself have absolutely no use for.
I remember a handbag I had to sew. As a thirteen-year-old who’d rather be running around in the woods, what was I supposed to do with a handbag that I also thought was pretty ugly? 😬 I probably would have found a sturdy bag or backpack much more interesting.

For me, it’s more about conveying the joy of creating something yourself, especially since everything can be bought so cheaply and so quickly these days. Best regards, Karola

susanne-gueldner

1 Post Recent Started

Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at 10:31 AM

I find crocheting more interesting than, say, ironing—not everyone needs to know how to iron anyway.
It’s a simple technique and incredibly versatile.
It doesn’t always have to be pot holders; making little animals is definitely more fun.

RechteMasche

102 Posts Recent Started

Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at 2:55 PM

Textile arts and woodworking—but as elective courses. Many students have expressed frustration because they felt the activities weren’t suitable for them.

I also think it’s important that the skills build on one another. Otherwise, they’ll be forgotten.

Akela

5092 Posts Recent Started

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at 1:17 PM

My oldest daughter, who’s a dressmaker, chose woodworking instead of home economics in 7th grade and was the only girl in the class. The funny thing was, she showed quite a few of the boys how it’s done—though I have to say she’s been exposed to crafts since she was little; her father was a carpenter and would take her down to the basement when she was just 3 years old so she could “help” him. She also learned carpentry as a second trade.
So, as “Die Rechte Masche” writes above, you can see that it wouldn’t be such a bad idea to let kids get a taste of both sides of the craft.

Best regards, Inge