Worn-In Shirt
What you need
- an old, well-worn shirt from the laundry with big buttons
How to do it
- Pick the softest, oldest shirt in the pile, with big buttons.
- Lay it flat in front of them.
- Let them undo the buttons, then try doing one up.
- Keep this shirt as their practice one.
Why it matters
Old, soft fabric with stretched holes gives way easily, which is what makes an old shirt far easier than a new one.
What they're learning
- Soft fabric
- Worn fabric gives way so their fingers don't have to force it.
- Undoing and doing up
- Both halves of the job on the same shirt.
- Their own shirt
- One shirt kept for practice makes it familiar.
What to look for
Watch for them going back to the same shirt on their own.
A tip
Use big buttons sewn firmly on, and keep loose ones away. Stay with them while they practise.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: stretch each hole with your fingers first
Harder: try a newer shirt with firmer holes
