Hey everyone! This post is a little bit different than the ones I normally write. I’m rounding up all of my extra sewing supplies to put together sewing kits for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. And to make things easier for everyone, I’ve designed free printables for OCC shoebox sewing kits. So if you or someone you know wants to make sewing kits for children in need, you can print off the labels and simple sewing instructions I’ve made, and use them to pack your sewing kits.

Operation Christmas Child sends shoeboxes filled with gifts to children around the world who may not otherwise receive Christmas presents. They are presented with a Gospel tract in their language and given the opportunity to learn more about Jesus, but they do not have to say or do anything in order to receive a shoebox of gifts.

These sewing kits will help children around the world to repair, resize, or even make their clothes. It’s a great way to share our favorite hobby with generations to come, and introduce them to the love of Jesus.

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. But all of the Amazon affiliate links on this page are set aside so that 100% of the proceeds go towards sending OCC shoeboxes to children in need. I would greatly appreciate my readers using these links to do their normal shopping on Amazon. It will help Operation Christmas Child to bless children around the world who may not otherwise receive a Christmas gift or hear about Jesus.

How to Get Involved with Operation Christmas Child

If you would like to donate to this cause, you can do this in a few different ways:

• Use this Amazon affiliate link to do your regular shopping on Amazon. I will receive a small commission on any purchases you make (at no extra cost to you), which I will use to send these sewing kits and other items to children in need through Operation Christmas Child.
• Pack a shoebox and send it along! It’s so much fun to fill a shoebox with gifts and write a letter to the child who will receive it. OCC’s shoebox website has everything you need to know, including a list of items that can and cannot be included in the shoebox, and how to find a local OCC shoebox drop-off point.
• Use this Amazon wishlist to buy something directly for the OCC shoebox sewing kits I’m making. The items will be sent to my studio where they will be assembled with love and sent out to kids in need. I have plenty of some supplies, like thread, but I’m usually running low on things like safety pins. I’ll keep this wishlist updated to only include the things that are needed at the moment.

What to Put in an OCC Shoebox Sewing Kit

Here’s what I put in each OCC shoebox sewing kit:

• At least a few hand-sewing needles
• Thread in various colors (typically I wind my almost-empty bobbins around these cards, and include a card of neutral colors, a card of bright colors, and a card of pastels in each kit)
• Something that cuts thread (I love these needle threaders that have a built-in cutter on the back)
• Safety pins in various sizes (I always include safety pins so the children can use them for quick repairs, or to downsize clothing that’s a little too big for them)
• Something that measures (I use flexible tape measures sometimes, or seam gauges if I have extra. Sometimes I use free printable rulers that I “laminate” with clear packing tape)
• Fasteners of some kind (usually buttons in different sizes to replace lost buttons, and several sets of sew-on snaps)
• Something that is just pretty (a card of metallic thread, a fabric flower, some beads, ribbons, lace, etc)
• My printable PDF sewing instructions that demonstrate a few mending techniques
• One of my printable labels goes up against the front of the container, so that the OCC shoebox inspectors instantly know that it’s a sewing kit (the printables are just below on this page)

All of this gets packed into a small, unbreakable, label-free container. I use whatever I have on hand, but my absolute favorite are these Extra gum containers. I find that they fit the perfect amount of supplies without anything rattling around or being crammed. They are easy to fill, and the gum labels are not glued on, so you can just whip them off. The OCC shoebox inspectors can see everything that’s inside without having to open them up.

Free Printables for OCC Shoebox Sewing Kits

Here are some free printable PDF files that I designed to help you pack sewing kits for the OCC shoeboxes:

Sewing kit labels

I use labels on each kit so that the shoebox inspectors instantly know it’s a sewing kit.

Printable sewing instructions

My free printable PDF file demonstrates the basics of hand-mending. It has easy-to-follow pictorial instructions for beginners to learn a few different stitches. I made sure to depict techniques needed for repairing clothes, such as sewing on a patch or a button.

You are more than welcome to print out as many as you need for OCC shoebox sewing kits, or to use for other instructional purposes. You may also link to this page to share the printables with others. But it’s not okay to upload the PDFs to another website, or claim them as your own work.

Tips for Packing OCC Shoebox Sewing Kits

Check the list of items that are not allowed in OCC shoeboxes before you get started

Most things that you’d put in a sewing kit are perfectly fine. But a few surprising items are not allowed because they can’t go through customs. No liquid paint or glue, for example (and no breakable glass containers). You also can’t send items that appear used (although you can take things out of the packaging to save space).

Match the tools to the supplies you’ve included

This probably goes without saying, but it can be easy to forget if you are packing many shoebox sewing kits at once. Make sure to match the tools to the supplies, i.e. if you’ve included tiny seed beads, make sure you’ve included a needle small enough to fit through the beads so that they can be sewn on.

If you’ve included embroidery floss, then make sure to send a large-eyed needle that the floss will fit through. I also try to include printed directions for making friendship bracelets with any kits that contain embroidery floss. That way, the child who receives the kit has several ways to make use of the floss. And sometimes I include a piece of cross-stitch canvas along with the needle and floss, and printed directions for making several different embroidery stitches. (I’ve linked to the embroidery instructions further down on this page.) You get the idea, I’m sure!

Use safety pins to contain tiny items

You can string buttons and sew-on snaps onto a safety pin to keep them contained without having to use a plastic bag. The safety pin will obviously be another useful item, but it’s also more durable than a bag, and cuts down on plastic waste.

Never buy containers if you can help it

You can use clean, repurposed containers that don’t have labels or writing on them. Pill bottles work, gum containers are my favorite, but I even use the containers that the straight pins and needle threaders come in! Round containers tend to be harder to pack, so I snatch up the rectangular ones when I see them.

That being said, I do sometimes use a new zip-up wallet, pouch, or pencil case to pack a sewing kit. I consider the wallet to be a separate gift, and a very useful item. So when I see a good deal on something like that, I consider it worth purchasing.

Keep in mind that there may be language barriers

The child who receives the shoebox may not speak or read the same language you do, so it’s important to use pictorial instructions and graphics when possible. I personally choose to avoid items that require detailed instructions, such as iron-on repair patches.

Use packing foam as a no-cost pincushion

If you are sending straight pins, you can use pieces of packing foam as a no-cost pincushion.

But don’t use anything absorbent, like cellulose kitchen sponges, as pincushions. I made this mistake with one batch of sewing kits for the OCC shoeboxes. Fortunately I hadn’t sent the kits off yet, when I noticed that little rust spots were forming on the surface of the sponges. The pins were all rusty where they had been inserted into the sponges! Thinking about it later, it makes sense that something which is made to be absorbent would absorb humidity from the air. And of course that would make the pins rust. So don’t do what I did. I had to throw out all of those pins and make more pincushions out of packing foam.

Safety pins are a must

I consider safety pins essential for every single OCC shoebox sewing kit. They can be used for quick repairs, to temporarily replace a lost button, or to downsize clothing that is too big. For kids who rely on hand-me-downs, safety pins can make a big difference. I include a few assorted sizes so the kids can choose one that suits their purpose.

Avoid wasted space in your OCC shoebox sewing kits

Of course we try to make every inch of space count when we are shipping shoeboxes or sewing kits. Certain brands of thread have large empty spaces in the middle of the spool, and that translates to wasted space.

The Gutermann 250m spools actually have a secret compartment in them if you twist off the bottom. This can be a good spot to put pins, buttons, or other tiny notions. I figure as long as it rattles around, the kids will find it in there.

I always save the spools that have tiny cores. (Like the ones from Sulky embroidery thread, and some types of Mettler and Gutermann thread). I can wrap 5 or 6 different colors of thread around an empty spool, and pop them into the sewing kits. They fit really well into Orbit gum containers.

Avoid items that require special tools

I choose not to include items that require special tools (such as iron-on repair patches).

DIY your cardboard bobbins in a pinch

Most of my kits contain thread wrapped around cardboard bobbins. The flat shape fits easily into any container, with almost no wasted space. I usually use the pre-cut ones, which save a ton of time. But if I’ve run out, my thrifty self will DIY them with scissors or pinking shears.

I cut a strip of scrap cardboard (like a cereal box) with pinking shears, about 1 1/4″ wide. Then I round off the top and bottom every 7 or 8 notches, and cut slits in the rounded parts to hold thread tails. You can wrap different colors around every notch.

I also mimic the pre-cut bobbins by tracing around one on scrap cardboard, and cutting it out with scissors. Cut slits to hold thread tails. The hole at the top is optional; a hole punch does the job nicely.

I’m looking for a paper punch that will make cardboard bobbins more easily, and I’ve even contacted a few craft supply companies about making one. I found a punch that makes scalloped tags which might work (it’s on my wishlist) and I’ll update you all if I find one I’m happy with!

Write a note for the child who receives the kit

I hear that this is often the child’s favorite part. I know that the child who receives the kit may not speak the same language. But a note takes up very little space (I usually write mine on the back of my printable sewing instructions). Hopefully there is someone around who can read the note to the child, if they can’t read it themselves. Any message that conveys love and care will be well-received and appreciated.

Close the container with something secure

I usually fasten the container with a piece of Scotch tape or washi tape to make sure nothing pops out as it’s on its way to a special child. But my sister Tika suggested I use a hair scrunchie instead! I think it’s a great idea. So now I have these scrunchies to secure some of the sewing kits and keep them contained in their shoeboxes.

Done is better than perfect, especially when there’s a greater need

I sometimes get tangled up in wanting each kit to be perfect. But any amount of sewing supplies that a child receives will be more sewing supplies than they had before. I definitely wouldn’t send a sewing kit that had no needles or thread (that’s just rude)! But if one child gets purple thread and another doesn’t, it’s okay. The kits are focused on repairing clothes more than anything else. Sewing on a button with blue thread will work just as well as using purple, even if purple would have matched better. And matching colors is far less important where there is a greater need for the sewing kits.

I just spoke with a woman who started a sewing program in Fiji, which has been blessing people for over 20 years. When she first went there, she saw that a lot of the children in that area only had one or two outfits to wear, which were badly in need of repair. I’m sure they were more concerned with durability than matching thread colors!

Additional resources for packing OCC shoeboxes

Printable rulers

These printable rulers from Vendian are the ones that I use in my sewing kits when I don’t have extra flexible tape measures on hand. I use the cm/inch rulers that print 9 per page, and “laminate” them with clear packing tape for durability. But the site has lots of options, including yardsticks that you tape together after printing.

Grow Your Own Clothes has free printable french curves and hip curves on their site. While they are a bit advanced for a very simple sewing kit, I love that the resource is available. It may be a good thing to include in a larger sewing kit, or use for yourself, in a pinch!

Here are some more printable rulers designed specifically for sewing. The site (printablerulers.net) also offers rulers for various crafts and professions, including protractors. While most of them wouldn’t be practical to include in a shoebox sewing kit, there is a wide variety and it’s worth checking out!

Basic sewing instructions

This printable PDF from Taeliac shows basic stitches, and how to sew on a patch. Very helpful for a beginner who may need to repair their clothes!

I do love shopping at Wawak (not sponsored; just fact) and they have created a printable guide to basic hand stitches. It’s very heavy on English words, but the pictures are clear and helpful regardless of language barriers.

These printable sewing instructions from the Sewing & Craft Alliance are very well-done and easy to follow, but some of the techniques are a little advanced for beginners. You are allowed to reproduce them for educational purposes.

Embroidery instructions

This printable booklet of embroidery stitches from Stitched Stories is great to include in a sewing kit along with embroidery floss, cross-stitch canvas shapes, and embroidery needles.

Or, print out this cute little embroidery stitch booklet from Muse of the Morning.

These printable embroidery stitch guides from Make Time Together are another fantastic option for OCC shoebox embroidery kits.

Other ideas for packing OCC Shoeboxes

I have some kids’ craft tutorials that you may find useful, such as my ballpoint pen monsters and Morse code bracelets.

If you have any favorite things that you include in your shoeboxes or craft kits, please leave them in the comments below! I’m sure everybody would appreciate some more ideas and inspiration.

I hope you’ve picked up some great tips and resources for putting together OCC shoebox sewing kits! It’s so easy and fulfilling to send extra sewing supplies to people who can use them. Pack up a sewing kit of your own and get involved through Operation Christmas Child, or you can donate items through my Amazon wishlist if you’d like to help out that way.

With love,

Jessie