Binca for sewing with a needle and thread

Age
3-6

Materials

 * Binca (a.k.a. Monk's Cloth) with lines or pattern drawn on it.
 * Needle.
 * Wool with one end tied in knot.

Preparation
This can be an individual or a group presentation.

Make sure the Binca is prepared and the knot on one end of the wool is tied before beginning the presentation.

Presentation

 * 1) Directress takes the tray of materials from the shelf and brings it to the table.
 * 2) Directress takes the wool, holds the unknotted end with the thumb and the index finger, and inserts the wool through the needle hole. (Note: the unknotted end can be shaped into a sharp point by pulling it against a wax candle - easiest to put through the needle).
 * 3) As soon as a little bit of the wool is through the needle hole, use the thumb and the index finger to pull the wool through the other end for at least 5cm. long.
 * 4) Then sew by following the line drawn on the mesh, moving the needle 'up through' and 'down through' the squares.

Control Of Error
The lines drawn on the Binca provide guidelines for the child.

Points Of Interest

 * 1) Draw attractive pictures on the Binca.
 * 2) Teach different stitches (cross stitches, chain stitch, etc).

Purpose
Direct aims: 


 * To introduce the child to sewing.

Indirect aims: 


 * To develop the child's fine motor control.
 * To develop the child's concentration.
 * To develop the child's independence.
 * To prepare the child for later project work.

Variation
Increase the difficulty by having Bincas of larger squares to smaller squares and having a ticker thread (wool to embroidery threads).