Kwanzaa, an African-American celebration, is a non-religious holiday celebrated from December 26th to January 1st. Kwanzaa honors values such as unity, creativity, faith, and self-determination. While creating this Kwanzaa holiday craft, you can discuss these important values with your preschooler, while giving her a unique and colorful Kwanzaa outfit to remember them by.
Materials You Will Need
Oversized long-sleeve t-shirt (red, white, or black)
Red felt square
Black felt square
Green felt square
Permanent fabric glue
Scissors
How to Make It
Step 1:
Cut out the collar and make a 3″ V-shaped cut in the center of the front collar.
Step 2:
Cut off the sleeve cuffs so they reach the middle of your preschooler’s forearm, creating a three-quarter sleeve.
Step 3:
Cut the felt squares into 2″ squares.
Step 4:
Arrange half of the felt squares around the edge of the V-shaped collar, creating a pattern by alternating colors. Glue into place.
Step 5:
Arrange the remaining felt squares around the sleeve cuffs. Glue into place.
Step 6:
After allowing the outfit to dry overnight, iron it smooth.
Important Note:
Most clothing made with permanent fabric glue must NOT be washed for at least a week.
Helpful Hint:
Preschoolers have short attention spans, so it’s a good idea to do all the cutting before your preschooler sits down to help.
Source:
Karenga, Maulana; Kwanzaa: Roots and Branches The Official Kwanzaa Website 2006. Retrieved 28 October 2006.