A clinical study has revealed that learning to sew helps youth develop life and career skills and other attributes that contribute to lifelong success. Our 4-H Youth Development program offers a variety of sewing projects.
The study revealed that youth age 8 to 12 had elevated creativity and self-esteem after completing a simple sewing assignment. However, these traits were not exhibited by the children who watched a movie, videotape or played a hand-held video game instead of sewing. One hundred children participated in the study commissioned by the Home Sewing Association.
Multiple sewing choices in color, selection, fabric options, design and proportion may help stimulate and focus creative energy. Pride and a sense of accomplishment from mastering skills and completing a project tend to boost children's sense of self-esteem.
The sewing participants also appeared to develop such skills such as solving problems, patience and perseverance.
The Clark County 4-H Sewing program focuses on positive youth development by teaching youth the art and skills to create useful items using a needle and thread, sewing machine and other sewing-related machines. Through sewing projects, 4-H members learn to create clothing and accessory items useful for everyday living. They also develop skills for a rewarding, stress-relieving hobby. The group will have its first meeting on Saturday, Jan. 10 at 10 a.m. at the Clark County Extension Office.
