Looking for a fun and creative way for your toddler and preschooler to practice their fine motor skills?

This yarn threading activity will not only test your toddler’s fine motor skills but also have her concentrating and focusing harder than you have ever seen her before! I was thrilled to see my 2.5 year old take to this activity so well.

Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Supplies:

(This list contains affiliate links for your convenience).

• Cardboard tube or roll
• Single Hole Punch
• Yarn
• Bamboo Skewers
• Kitchen Scissors
• Glue Gun

 

(Caution: this activity involves using the sharp end of a bamboo. If you are concerned about your toddler or preschooler poking themselves PLEASE use the blunt end! And as with all Happy Toddler Playtime activities, adult supervision is required with this activity).

Set Up:

Making the ‘Needle’

Using a sturdy pair of kitchen scissors, cut about 3 inches or 7 cm off the bamboo stick using a pair of strong scissors.

Using the glue gun, glue about a foot or 30 cm of yarn to the end of the bamboo stick (use the photo above as a guide).

I used the pointed end of the bamboo stick but there is a small danger of your toddler or preschooler poking themselves. This activity will work just as well using the blunt end of the stick!

Remember to tie a big knot (or several knots) at the end of the yarn so that it does not pass all the way through the cardboard tube!

Holey Cardboard Tube

Using your single hole punch, make holes all over the cardboard tube.

Threading Time!

Using your homemade needle have your toddler or preschooler try and thread their way through the holey cardboard tube. Tell them to sew the pretend needle through the holes from one side to the other. For my daughter once she got the needle to the other side she pulled it through from the other side focusing on the task the entire time!

Troubleshooting

You may have to demonstrate proper sewing technique to your toddler or preschooler to ensure that they don’t poke their hand (especially if you are using the sharp end). Make sure they place their fingers on the tube away from where they bamboo needle is going through.

WILL YOU TRY YARN THREADING WITH A CARDBOARD TUBE WITH YOUR TODDLER OR PRESCHOOLER?

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