A growth chart is a great way to keep up with the growth of a child. What a great memory tool for parents or grandparents alike! Traditionally, writing on a designated wall was the way to record a child’s growth progress. However, for some, writing on the walls is altogether inappropriate. And if a home is ever sold, this treasured information is most likely lost forever.
There is a more creative way to have and keep such a cherished memory. By creating a simple children’s growth chart, this precious information stays with you at all times.
Start by selecting a lightweight material according to the preferred lengths and widths. Length, of course, is the slightly more important measurement, as you will certainly want enough material to accommodate the growth the children will surely experience.
Consider a good canvas material. Patterns and prints reflective of children’s themes are a good choice, too, but keep in mind that colors should be lighter so that the markings can be read. For extra special memories, consider getting the children involved in this project by selecting a plain, unprinted material. Once the edges of the material are securely in place (next step), allow the children to put their own creative touches on the material by painting, stenciling, using iron-ons, etc.
Next, prepare the material to be used by lightly ironing, if so desired, then folding the lengthwise edges and the bottom edge. This is merely to give the edges a clean, straight look. If you enjoy sewing or have access to a sewing machine, you may choose to sew the stitching into place. However, if you want to stick with the overall simplicity of this project, use a no-sew fabric glue.
Place the material right-side-down, apply the glue to the outer edges of the two lengthwise sides and the crosswise bottom side, fold the material over onto itself, folding the two lengthwise sides first and the crosswise bottom side last, and allow the glue time to dry according to any instructions. Keep in mind that, unless you choose to make specific cuts to the material that circumvent it, the crosswise bottom section will also fold slightly over onto the lengthwise sections.
The crosswise top will also need to be folded over and secured with no-sew fabric glue. However, be certain to allow some crosswise space. Do so by insuring that the fabric glue is applied in such a way that the space is achieved. Again, allow the fabric glue time to dry according to the instructions.
It is in this crosswise top section that a wood dowel will be inserted, so be certain to select a dowel that will support the hanging weight of the material you’ve selected to work with, and to make a crosswise space that will accommodate the circumference of the dowel.
Using a permanent marker, paint or other writing source, label the growth chart in increments of inches, identifying the next progressive foot every twelfth inch and allow time to dry, if applicable. Additionally, if you decide to allow the children to creatively paint, stencil or apply iron-ons or other materials to the material, be certain to allow ample time for these decorations to dry before proceeding with inserting the dowel and hanging the growth chart.
Insert an appropriately-sized dowel into the crosswise top section of the material. Then, use twine to tie to either outer edge of the hardwood dowel. If desired, apply hot glue to help hold the twine in place and prevent slipping from the dowel.