Exploring Patterns with Fabric Scraps and Loose Parts

Exploring patterns with fabric scraps and loose parts is one of those simple activities that can easily captivate children.

Let me show you how you can get started in no time with everyday objects from around your home.

Exploring Patterns with Fabric Scraps and Loose Parts

What you need for this activity is fabric, scissors and random loose parts.

I have heaps and heaps of fabric scraps. I am a bit of a fabric hoarder collector and have a whole stash of pretty fabrics awaiting the right project.

If you don’t have fabric scraps lying around, you can use old clothes, tea towels, pillow cases and so on. Or you could have fun and go and buy a few fat quarters of fabric. The range of available (and affordable) fabrics in New Zealand is limited, so I’m very jealous of all of you living in the US or Europe, where I know you’ll be spoilt for choice!

The thing to look out for in fabric suited for this activity is interesting patterns. Something that you think will catch your child’s attention or imagination. (I was desperate to find a pretty rainbow patterned piece of fabric for my daughter but have had no luck so far!)

Then all you need to do is cut your fabric.

At this stage you could choose to sew around the edges and even put some backing onto your patterned fabric. If you vaguely know how to sew, this is an easy and quick thing to do.

Alternatively you can use pinking shears, which are fabric scissors with a zigzag (or rounded) pattern, so your fabric doesn’t fray like when you’d cut it with regular fabric scissors.

Once you have your fabric play mats, it’s time to get out the loose parts.

If you have no idea what I mean by ‘loose parts’, you are welcome to read my post about the Theory of Loose Parts and have a look at all of our fabulous loose parts activities here.

If you’re already cranking out the buttons, straws, gems, rubber bands and seashells: go ahead and dive right in!

Encouraging Creative Play

This activity that was originally created for exploring patterns can be used in so many ways. It all depends on where your children are at, what they are interested in or what you would like to work on with them.

You could easily turn this activity in an educational one, exploring maths, colours, geometric shapes and so on. Activities like these offer an excellent opportunity to encourage language development and fine motor skills.

You could also leave your children to it, and they’ll probably start using the play mats as dolly blankets at some stage – and that’s ok!

I’m a huge fan of open ended play, so I usually set up an invitation to play (it’s fun to switch things up a bit and think outside of the box with patterned play mats and loose parts) and then see where it takes them. Some days they’ll be exploring by themselves, other days my first grader will want to practice letters or numbers and occasionally I’ll find loose parts and little play mats in the most unexpected places!

I hope this leaves you with plenty of ideas to play and have fun exploring patterns with your children at home.

It’s the simple materials that often go a long way in creating interesting set ups for children to investigate!

Ann*

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