DIY Lacing Boards for Kids

These DIY Lacing Boards were originally published in February 2017
and updated as of May 2022.

If you are looking for a fun kids activity—whether it’s to beat cabin fever, entertain during a road trip, or pass some time without screens—these DIY lacing boards are just the thing! Keep reading to learn how to make your own!

Lacing boards were one of my favorites toys as a kid, so when I got the idea to make my own set, I couldn’t wait to get started! They were so fun to make, and my kids have loved stitching on them, following patterns or making their own.

These DIY Lacing Boards are great for little ones developing motor skills and fun for older kids who love being creative with colors and shapes. Plus, using these little wood boards makes them completely reusable!

Supplies needed to make DIY Lacing Boards

Unfinished Wood Rectangles (you can find these in the wood section of any craft store)
Craft Paint (I love Folk Art Acrylics)
Paint Brush
Colorful Yarn
Plastic Yarn Needles
Power Drill
Sand Paper
Painter’s Tape
Ruler
Pencil

How to make DIY Lacing Boards

Step 1: Draw your designs with a pencil on your rectangle. I used a ruler to make them all straight as possible. Then, mark the spots on your design where you plan to drill your holes.

Step 2: Using a bit that is just larger than your needle head (plastic yarn needles are great for little kids to use because they aren’t sharp, but they are large so make sure you compare your drill bit to the needle head so that it’s easy for the needle to pass through the hole), drill the holes in the places you marked.

Step 3: Using sand paper, sand all around the rectangles, smoothing out around the holes and getting rid of any rough places that may have been created by the drill.

Step 4: Using painter’s tape, tape off the sections of the rectangles that you want painted. Then, apply two coats of paint. Let dry completely.

That’s it! Your boards are made and it’s time to start stitching! This project is so great because you can combine so many colors and patterns to make the boards super fun. I had so much fun picking out coordinating paint and yarn colors with my kids, and they loved creating shapes on the different colored boards.

Plastic yarn needles are great for this project because you don’t have to worry about your kiddos poking any eyes out. My kids love feeling being totally in control of a project and it’s nice when you don’t have to hover and make sure they aren’t stabbing each other. Motherhood is the best, isn’t it?

Happy crafting!
ox. Liz

Take a look at these other fun and simple DIY activities for kids!

Colorful Kid’s Fishing Game

Reversible Play Rug

Nesting Dolls