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Practice Sewing Buttons- Button Snake Project

Button Snake Project with Multiple Buttons

The Button Snake is a playful and practical beginner sewing activity that teaches children how to use buttons while practicing fine motor skills. By sewing multiple buttons onto a felt strip, kids can work on buttoning felt squares in different colors and shapes—turning a simple craft into a reusable learning toy.



Materials Needed:
1 felt strip (approx. 1–2 inches wide, 12–18 inches long)
3–5 large buttons (different colors or sizes work great)
Needle and thread (or embroidery floss)
Several felt squares or shapes (with slits to fit the buttons)
Scissors (fabric or child-safe)
Optional: fabric markers, pinking shears for decorative edges

Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Felt Ribbon (Snake Body)
Cut a long strip of felt. You can round the ends to look more like a “snake.”
Mark spots where you want to place each button—spacing them about 2–3 inches apart.

Step 2: Sew On the Buttons
Use a strong thread and a needle to sew one button at each marked spot.
Secure each button with several stitches through 2 or 4 holes. Knot the thread tightly on the backside of the felt.
Double-check that the buttons are firmly attached—these will get lots of use!

Step 3: Create the Felt Squares
Cut 6–10 felt squares or shapes (approx. 2–3 inches wide).
Use scissors or a craft knife to cut a buttonhole-style slit in the center of each square (about ¾ inch long).
The slit should be large enough for a child to push the button through but not too loose.

Step 4: Assemble & Play
Show kids how to slide the felt squares over the buttons, threading them onto the snake one by one.
They can mix and match colors, sort by button type, or create patterns.

Skill Focus:

Button sewing technique
Hand-eye coordination
Buttoning and unbuttoning practice
Fine motor development

Tips & Variations:

• Use themed colors (e.g., rainbow order, holidays, animals)
• Make a mini travel version with just 2–3 buttons
• Label squares with numbers or letters for added learning

****This project is ideal for sewing clubs, early learners, homeschool groups, or occupational therapy. Plus, kids love it—because it’s both a craft and a toy!****