Fabric Based Loose Parts add such an artistic dynamic to explorations and creations with children. From fort building in construction, to weaving, to dress up, and so much more, the possibilities are endless when it comes to Fabric Based Loose Parts!
Fabric Based Loose Parts
Lace and Ribbon Remnants found at fabric store clearance bin.
Twine is great for construction, collaging in art, hanging documentation, and so much more!
Carpet Samples donated from flooring store present many opportunities for cutting, building, sorting, and many artistic designs.
Doilies are such a creative Loose Part with holes to allow for sewing.
Yarn has endless possibilities and colors! Find at the dollar stores or Fabric Store remnants and clearance bins.
Chiffon or any other big fabric is a fabulous alternative to costumes in dramatic play!
Stretchy Bands found online present another dynamic and experience for children.
Display your fabric scraps on a wine/bottle holder for a beautiful display for children that calls them to play and explore.
List of Fabric Based Loose Parts
- Chiffon
- Twine
- Silk
- Wool
- Ribbon
- Scarves
- Flags
- Burlap
- Yarn
- Embroidery Thread
- Felt Pieces
- Doilies
- Lace
- String
- Rope
- Rubber Bands
Examples of Fabric in the Classroom
Fabric hung brings a completely different and beautiful element, and supplying fabric pieces in dramatic play for dress up fosters creativity.
Wrapping nature or weaving through embroidery hoops is great way to explore string and ribbon!
Love this idea to create a homemade geoboard with nails and wood plank. Bring in fabric stretchy bands and let the exploring begin!
Take Action:
Pick one area to add fabric based Loose Parts to your room for children to freely utilize and explore.
Then, find another area in your room to hang or drape fabric to bring unique dimension and defined space to your room. (Be thoughtful on fire codes for your space)
Let's see how you are using and playing with Fabric in your rooms! Comment below!
Be on the lookout for the rest of our blog series on each of the 7 Loose Parts!
In case you missed our previous blogs in this series, click on links here!
We have a classroom loom and students weave bits of fabric in it. They love using it! (https://creativekindergartenblog.com/2016/04/13/classroom-loom/). This week students were using fabric and blocks together to make caves for bats! Love incorporating fabric into different centers around the classroom.
Thank you for sharing Amanda! I love looms in the classroom! Sooo rich!
Thank you for your creative ideals. I love to see children engaging with loose parts. Children feel so empowered when they are creating their own ideals. When Children engage in loose parts they are learning about natural materials and objects in their environment.
I have always collected fabrics, fancying I will use them someday. I think this article will help me to put them to more use. Just yesterday, I built a tent structure out of sticks in my backyard, and strung string up and down one side to create a loom. I wove some strips through. I am waiting to see if my kids start doing this with me, but I am having fun with it, and I think it looks pretty.