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    Home » DIY Learning Toys

    Published: Jun 15, 2018 · Modified: Jul 12, 2023 by Fynn · All activities should be supervised by an adult. This post may contain affiliate links.

    Fish Sewing Board - Sewing Learning Activity for Kids

    This DIY fish sewing learning activity is wonderful for toddlers and preschoolers to practice threading and basic sewing. No fancy materials needed, you probably have everything at home to make this one in under 5 minutes.

    DIY Sewing activity using cardboard for kids
    Jump to:
    • What do kids learn from this sewing activity?
    • What age is this sewing learning toy for?
    • Materials needed
    • How to make fish sewing board:
    • More ocean theme activities

    What do kids learn from this sewing activity?

    1) Fine motor skills and 2) life skills - basic sewing

    Did you know that fine motor practice is helpful for children learning pre-writing? It does not always need to involve pen and paper!

    Kids thread through the holes of this cardboard fish

    Related: This DIY Snowman Pompom Drop is another super fine motor activity for kids!

    What age is this sewing learning toy for?

    My 2 y 9mo girl was threading through the holes like a pro. Forget about following the pattern with toddlers. The focus she showed as she navigated the needle into every tiny hole is everything!

    But for my 5yo preschooler, I challenged him to follow the bone pattern. This sewing learning activity was at his sweet spot, challenging but not too overwhelmingly difficult for him. 

    Related: What is your child's learning sweet spot?

    Threading activity for toddlers
    Preschoolers follow the pattern as they thread through this fish sewing learning activity

    Materials needed

    • Cardboard
    • Yarn (I used 30" or 76cm long yarn. It is not enough to finish the sewing the bone pattern of the fish, but this is a good length for kids to handle, without getting the yarn all tangled up. When my kid ran out of yarn, I extended it by tying another 15" or 38 cm yarn to the end.)
    • Plastic yarn needle (from knitting shops or amazon) or pipe cleaner
    • Sticky tape
    • Marker Pen
    • A pair of scissors with asharp tip

    How to make fish sewing board:

    Cardboard fish DIY threading activity for kids
    • Draw a fish silhouette and the bone pattern on the cardboard with a marker pen
    • Cut out the cardboard fish
    • Using the pair of scissors with sharp tip, poke holes at the intersections and ends of the bone pattern
    • Thread the yarn through the hole nearest to the head of the fish. Tie a knot at one end and secure it to the board with sticky tape
    Cardboard fish with holes to make a DIY threading toy
    • Tie the yarn needle to the other end of the yarn. Alternatively you can twist a pipe cleaner into a needle.SaveSave

    Bonus: Join my mailing list and download this free guide: 9 Simple Ways to Spark a Love of Learning in your Children. Get this guide now>>

    More ocean theme activities

    If you like more ocean theme activities, try this ocean zones activity, the Snail and the Whale Invitation to Create, or check out our ocean theme learning shelf!

    If you have the chance to go outdoors, then this fishing game made with pool noodles will give your child hours of fun!

    Share a photo if you make a DIY Fish Sewing Learning Toy too!

    Pin this to your Favorite Kids' Activities board!

    Fish sewing board
    Fish sewing board for kids

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    About Fynn

    Fynn is a Math and Science teacher from Singapore, author of The Happy Learning Book for Siblings and founder of Happy Tot Shelf. She helps parents enjoy home learning with their children through her highly popular kids' activity membership, The Happy Learners' Club. Fynn has been featured in various newspapers, websites and on radio shows as an expert in early childhood learning and creative hands-on learning ideas.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Joanna Milcheva says

      January 16, 2020 at 12:33 am

      Amazing! Congratulations for that idea and submitting all materials! I am shure Kids endjoy and perform with great pleasure.

      Reply
      • happytotshelf says

        January 30, 2020 at 6:17 am

        Thank you! Glad you like this activity!

        Reply
    2. Sunayana says

      February 18, 2020 at 5:19 am

      Nice idea. Would like to get more such ideas

      Reply

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    Hi there! I’m Fynn—educator, author, and mom of three. I believe a lifelong love of learning starts at home, and I’m here to help you nurture that spark. Together, let’s create joyful learning experiences that strengthen bonds and inspire curiosity for both you and your little ones!

    More about me →

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