We recently visited a sheep farm and the kids got to pat lambs and take home freshly cut wool. They absolutely loved it! These sorts of experiences are not only fun for children, they wonderful for learning and making connections.
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For example, my daughter’s favourite wool jumper came from the wool of a sheep somewhere.
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After our trip, watched this short video about how wool from a sheep is spun and turned into fabric (watch it here).
Wool is beautiful to wear, and it’s great for kids craft too. It’s one of those items I always have left over bits and so I’ve put together a list of craft ideas you can do with kids, from learning how to crochet to making hair for peg dolls. I buy wool from Spotlight, and they now have an online store which makes ordering even easier. Check out the yarn section here: Spotlight Yarn.
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Puppets/Toys
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1. Wooden Spoon Puppet
These are super simple to make. Find out more here: Wooden Spoon Puppets.
2. Tennis Ball Puppet
Another fun one for kids. Dressing up sock puppets work too. Tutorial here: Tennis Ball Puppets.
3. Peg Dolly
Wool is perfect for doll hair! See how I made pink mermaid hair here: Mermaid Peg Doll
4. Wooly Monster
A cute project by Laughing Kids Learn. Check it out here: DIY Woolly Monsters
Activities
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5. Wool Sticky Collage
Here’s a simple one for younger kids. Use contact and wool for this sensory activity with Laughing Kids Learn: Wool collage.
6. Wool Pictures
Use wool in general collage pictures. This one if from Creative Play Central.
7. Simple Threading Cards
Here’s a good one for fine motor skills from Childhood 101. Make threading cards and weave through wool: Treading Cards
8. Wool Stamps
Make your own wrapping paper or wall feature using wool stamps. Full tutorial on An Everyday Story here: Wool Stamp Painting.
Occassion Gift Ideas
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9. Woven Bangles
A lovely gift idea or DIY project. Lovely idea for Mother’s Day too. Head over to My Poppet for the full tutorial: Woven Bangles.
10. Soap on a Rope
Sarah from Fuel Move Love has a tutorial on how to make this nifty gift: Soap on a Rope. Good option for Father’s Day coming up.
11. Pumpkin Spiderweb
Halloween idea from Danya Banya here: Pumpkin Spiderweb
12. Wool Star Decoration
Keep this in mind for Christmas! Beautiful decorations made with wool and sticks. Tutorial over at The Craft Train here: Wool Star Decoration.
Using Sticks
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13. Cardboard Loom Weaving
This is one of my favourites. This was done with a class of children, and you can read more of the story and full tutorial over at Sesame Ellis: Cardboard Loom Weaving.
14. Old Fashioned Stick Weaving
Jackie from My Little Bookcase made a sweet craft using sticks and wool. Find the tutorial here.
15. Branch Weave
Teach kids how to brach weave. They make for an amazing wall feature. Find the tutorial over at Brisbane Kids here: Branch Weaving.
16. Stick people
Adorable, from Danya Banya: Stick People.
Simple Ways to Knit
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17. French Knit
This is a classic, and it’s such an easy one for kids. Find the full tutorial here: How to French Knit.
18. Crochet for Kids
Check out Brisbane Kids for the tutorial here: Crochet for Kids
19. Wool Twists
Wool twists are gorgeous and you can find how to make them over at Happy Whimsical Hearts: Wool Twists.
20. Finger Knit
Learn how to finger knit with Parenting Fun Everyday: Finger Knitting.
Pretty Things
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21. Yarn Shapes
This is one of those simple activities for kids that can look amazing as home decoration. Head over to Laughing Kids Learn to find out how to make them: Yarn Shapes.
22. Pencil Pot
Simple, yet effective. Samelia’s Mum has a tutorial how to make a yarn pencil pot. These look great on a desk: Pencil Pot.
23. Hairband
French knit a soft, comfy headband in under 10 minutes. Check it out here: French Knitted Hairband.
24. Friendship Bands
All you need for this activity is wool. That’s it! Find out how to make them here: Wool Friendship Bands.
Inspiration for next time you have left over wool! Turn it into something fun for the kids to do.