Making these fleece blankets for rescue pets is such a great service project for kids.
Teaching kids that they can make a difference is so important. Whether that difference is being made for humans, wild animals, the environment or pets – kids are so empowered when they create something that makes the world a better and more joyful one. These hand stitched fleece puppy blankets are an awesome first stitching project AND a great way to get a group of kids to collaboratively make a difference for shelter animals.
From 2017 “My Girl Scout troop is earning their Animal Helpers badge and in the process learning about how animals are helpful to people. They have been literally begging me to take them to visit the Denver Dumb Friends League to donate items and see the rescue pets. We are going this Saturday and they are so excited. In addition to collecting items like food, toys, cotton balls and paper towels; the girls also made fleece blankets for the animals. My idea was to cut them down to size from the bright colors of fleece we purchased at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store. Their idea was to embellish them with felt puppies and a little hand stitching. I love how much these sixth graders love to stitch. Luckily we have a troop supply of Kunin Group Classic Felt and embroidery floss on hand. They totally rocked the blankets.”
Supplies Needed
There are only a few supplies needed for this awesome service project for kids.
- Fleece
- Scissors
- Embroidery Floss
- Kunin Felt
Directions
Step One
When animals are at the shelter, they are often given small blankets to keep with them in their crates. These little blankets then go with them to their new homes when they are adopted. To make the blankets small, The girls traced lids to plastic bins then cut them out to make the little blankets. They could just be cut into small rectangles too.
Step Two
Cut the pieces to make felt pets from felt. They can be any shape or size. This is a great opportunity for kids to be creative and access the opportunity to make a choice when crafting.
Step Three
Sew the little felt pieces to the blanket corners. It is so amazing how different the fleece blankets are from kid to kid. Just like the girls in my troop – every puppy is unique and special.
More Service Project Ideas
There are so many great ways for kids to create and use their crafting skills to make a difference. Hop over to check out this great ideas that also uses simple sewing skills and felt. These walker pockets were delivered to a local elderly community and the residents were so excited!
The girls made a few other things to donate too. They will be on the blog over at Kunin Group NEXT week for Scout Saturday! Here is a sneak peek of the the felt puppy made with a die that I designed for Ellison Education. (You can buy it HERE.)
Sharing is Caring! Too busy to make this right away?! Pin it for later! Pin this project to your favorite craft board on Pinterest and it’ll be waiting for you when you’re ready.
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Cheers to Making a Difference and Creating,
Laura