DIY Lacing Activities
It’s been ages since I’ve shared a simple DIY Montessori inspired material, and Little Guy has really loved the lacing activities that I made, so I thought I’d share them!
Honestly, these lacing cards are so easy that I’m not sure if they even deserve an entire post to themselves, but here it is just in case anyone needs some guidance!
This activity is perfect for:
18-36 month old toddlers
Fine motor development
Practical life (learning to sew is very practical, and this is the first step!)
Incorporating seasons, maps, art, or just a favorite thing into your shelves
Exposing your preschooler to different textures (cardboard, felt, fabric, paper, laminated paper, different textures of yarn and string, you imagination’s the limit!)
affiliate disclaimer: There are affiliate links to Amazon below. If you make a purchase, I will earn a small percent at no extra cost to you. I hope these links save you some time!
Supplies
For Felt Lacing Cards:
felt (I used some of my Benzie’s stash, but you can buy a pack of little 6x6” squares on Amazon)
Cardboard (I used an old shipping box, but even something as thin as a cereal box would be fine)
Glue
Scissors
Heavy duty hole punch (I broke my basic one trying to punch holes in the leaf. Don’t be like me, just go right for the heavy duty one.)
Yarn/string/twine/ribbon (I used very fluffy yarn because the texture just screams fall)
Plastic darning needle (I bought the 20 pack because I don’t want to have to untie the needle every time I put out a new lacing activity)
For Paper Lacing Cards:
Desired image
Cardstock
Printer
Laminator with 3mm or 5mm sheets
Hole punch
Scissors
Yarn/string/twine/ribbon (I used very fluffy yarn because the texture just screams fall)
Plastic darning needle (I bought the 20 pack because I don’t want to have to untie the needle every time I put out a new lacing activity)
Directions
Paper Lacing Cards
Find an image that you like. You can print out just about anything that you find online.
Print the image onto cardstock. Regular paper will work, but you’ll get a sturdier lacing card if you use thicker paper.
Cut out the picture.
Laminate the picture. I recommend doing this when you have a big batch of laminating to do anyway so that you don’t waste any of the laminating sheet.
Cut around the laminated picture.
Using your hole punch, punch holes around the image. Keep them at least 1 centimeter apart.
Thread the darning needle and tie at least two knots to keep the needle from falling off the string.
Tie the other end of the string around one of the holes, tying at least two knots to keep it secure.
Felt Lacing Cards
Trace or draw the desired shape onto the cardboard.
Cut out the cardboard shape.
Trace the cardboard shape onto the felt.
Cut out the felt shape.
Glue the felt to the cardboard (I used a glue bottle, but a glue stick may also work)
Wait for the glue to dry (you really do not want to use the hole punch with wet glue. It’s a nightmare to clean).
Using your heavy duty hole punch…
Remove the bottom of the holepunch that collects the dots so that you can see exactly where the hole will be.
Carefully place the holes as far from the edge of the card as you can.
Punch holes around the shape, keeping them at least 1 centimeter apart.
Thread the darning needle and tie at least two knots to keep the needle from falling off the string.
Tie the other end of the string around one of the holes, tying at least two knots to keep it secure.
The sky is really the limit when it comes to making your own Montessori inspired lacing cards. Here are some ideas for other lacing cards that would be perfect in a homeschool or preschool:
Geography
maps of continents
maps of countries, states, and provinces
famous landmarks
Seasonal/Nature
snowflakes
flowers
leaves
fish
animals
