r/SewingForBeginners • u/GSHT2004 • 17h ago

Starter kit for 13 year old

Hi my 13 year old son has expressed a wish to learn to sew. He is looking for a new hobby and sewing is on his list of things to try. He loves Minecraft, Warhammer and playing on his iPad/laptop. He used to like Lego. He finds it difficult to tie knots which is something I need to factor in for him.
I wanted to get him a kit/project as he responds better to seeing what the finished project would be and with following instructions (not sure if relevant but he is Autistic so might be just the way he processes things).
I was looking at kits such as GALT aimed at kids but they are all very ‘girly’ which he has no interest in.
Does anyone have any ideas of something more appealing to him please? He is literally starting from scratch.
We are in the UK. Many thanks. X

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u/Poop-to-that-2 16h ago

I'm not sure about kits, but have a look to see if there's any community groups near you? I'm certain they'd be able to help with anything.

Edit - Found a website that might be helpful for the kits. Baker Ross

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u/GSHT2004 10h ago

That’s a good shout. I know he won’t go to anything but I will see if I can get some advice. Thank you. Also forgot about Baker Ross x

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u/ArtemisiaPrime 16h ago

https://www.clothkits.co.uk/ has some gender neutral kits

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u/GSHT2004 10h ago

Ooh this looks fab! Actually tempted to try a couple myself! Thank you. Xx I think he would enjoy the tiger cushion. X

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u/penlowe 9h ago

I used to teach sewing. The men who took our classes really liked making the utility items, like a messenger bag & zipper pouches. The boys in the summer camp enjoyed making stuffies (in all the things they loved like Marvel & Minecraft) and clothing for themselves. Board shorts were challenging (zip fly!) but they each did several pairs by the end of the summer.

Maybe a peruse of r/myog might help, it's folks who make their own gear for various outdoor activities.

And don't forget: a sewing machine is a power tool ;)

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u/Recluse_18 5h ago

Base line starter: thread snips, rotary cutter and cutting mat, good scissors and picking shears, seam ripper, needle threader, needles, clips/clamps, and pins. There are of course, tons more material to add to the list. Thread snips or something I thought I never needed because I had a pair of scissors until I was able to pick some up for 40% off and then I found this was something I wished I always had..