Weaving Handwork into the Waldorf Curriculum

Our curriculum includes a class called "Handwork" where students learn knitting, sewing, crochet, weaving, and dyeing. We are very fortunate to have Mrs. Griffith showing students in first through eighth grade how to make things by hand. Waldorf Education values the subject of handwork because it fosters internal growth, practical creation, and a sense of responsibility in students. 

Some projects (like a pair of socks or a Waldorf doll) take the entire school year to complete!

So what has each grade been working on?

1st graders made their own knitting needles and learned to knit scarves. Their fifth grade buddies joined them for a special "1st Grade Knitting Day" to get them started. 2nd graders knitted stuffed toys (a ball, a cat and a gnome). 3rd graders created woven circles using yarn they have processed by hand from wool and hand-dyed!  They also crochet cases for their musical instruments. 4th graders are cross-stitching symmetrical designs onto needle cases. They also learned to embroider and hand-sew different stitches by making a monogrammed sewing bag. The needle cases and bags will stay with them for the rest of their handwork classes at Da Vinci. 5th graders use what they learn in geometry to knit a pair of wool socks.

In Middle School: 6th grade- Rust-dyed fabric with found metal objects, then drew patterns for soft sculpture giraffes. They are now hand-sewing their giraffes! 7th grade- has been hand-sewing Waldorf dolls, creating clothing and accessories. 8th grade- was introduced to the sewing machine by making pillow cases. Now they are working on pajama pants and drawstring bags!