By Shira Berkovich, Founder of Craftiloo · Last updated: November 11, 2026
To use a lacing card, knot one end of the lace so it can't pull through, push the stiff tip into one hole and pull it out the next, and keep going around the picture. There are two ways to lace: in-and-out (up through one hole, down through the next) and over-the-edge (always in from the front, so the lace wraps around the edge). Start with whichever your child does naturally. Both build the same hand skills.
Quick answer
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| What age are lacing cards for? | Usually 3–5; check the kit's age range |
| Which stitch first? | Whatever she does on her own. Over-the-edge is often easiest |
| How do you stop the lace pulling out? | Tie a big knot at one end, or tape it to the back |
| What if it tangles? | Shorter lace, and pull it all the way through after each hole |
| What comes after lacing cards? | Felt sewing with a plastic needle, from around 5 |
The two lacing stitches
Over-the-edge (whip) stitch. The lace always goes in from the front and comes out the back, then wraps over the edge to the front again. Most 3-year-olds do this on their own first. It's the same movement as the whipstitch used in felt sewing later.
In-and-out (running) stitch. Up through one hole, down through the next, so the lace makes a dotted line around the picture. It takes a little more planning, because she has to remember which side the lace is on.
How to start, step by step
- Tie a large knot in one end of the lace, or tape the end to the back of the card.
- Start at a hole she can reach easily, not at the top of the card.
- Push the stiff tip through, then pull the lace all the way until the knot stops it.
- Go to the next hole, right beside it. Skipping holes is fine; it's still lacing.
- At the end, tie the two ends together behind the card, or unlace and start again.
How to stop tangles (the most common frustration)
- Pull the lace all the way through every time. Loose loops are what tangle.
- Hold the card, not the lace, while pulling.
- If a knot forms, loosen it by pushing the lace back toward the knot, rather than pulling the ends.
- Keep spare lace short. If she has a long tail, tie off and start the next section with a new piece.
6 lacing games for ages 3 to 5
- Color match: pick the lace that matches the picture's color.
- Count the holes: count out loud as she laces. Some cards show numbers for counting practice.
- Two-color lace: half the card in one color, half in another.
- Race the timer, gently: how many holes before the song ends?
- Decorate when done: add stickers to the finished picture. A sticker step gives her a reason to finish.
- Lace, then tell the story: once the princess or unicorn is laced, she tells you where it's going.
When to move from lacing cards to sewing
She's ready for a first felt sewing kit when she can:
- lace a whole card without help,
- do the in-and-out stitch on purpose, and
- pull the lace through without tangling most of the time.
For many kids that's around 5. The first sewing projects use the same stitches with a plastic needle and pre-punched felt.
Our lacing cards and next-step sewing kits
Princess Lacing Cards (Amazon) are made for ages 3–5. The box has 8 picture cards, 8 laces (two each of pink, purple and yellow, plus blue and green) and 4 sheets of stickers to decorate each finished card.
Fairy Sewing Kit (Amazon) is a good next step: 4 felt fairies and a mushroom, with needles, 2 needle threaders and stuffing. Ages 5–12.
Superhero Sewing Kit (Amazon) makes 5 felt superheroes and includes 2 plastic needles for the first stitches, plus 2 cross stitch needles for later.
When our kits aren't the right fit: for children under 3, choose chunky wooden lacing beads or toys with a thick lace instead of cards. Our lacing cards are for ages 3–5.
Other good options
Melissa & Doug wooden lacing cards and beads are a long-running choice for younger toddlers. Whatever you pick, look for large holes, laces with stiff tips and pictures your child likes.
FAQ
How do you use lacing cards with a 3-year-old? Knot the lace, show her one stitch, then let her lace any way she likes. Going around the edge counts.
What is the right way to lace a lacing card? There isn't one. In-and-out and over-the-edge are both correct.
How do you keep the lace from coming out? Tie a big knot at the end, or tape it to the back of the card.
What skills do lacing cards teach? Fine motor control and hand–eye coordination, plus colors and counting if you play with them.
When should kids move from lacing cards to sewing? When she can lace a whole card alone and pull the lace through without tangling, often around 5.
Can you reuse lacing cards? Yes. Unlace the card and start again. Stickers are a one-time finish, so save them for a card she's proud of.
Related Craft Guides: What Are Lacing Cards Good For? · What Age Can a Child Learn to Sew? · Best Craft Kit Gifts for Girls by Age
