Kids Chore Chart

This Kid’s Chore Chart is a great option for how to get your kids wanting to complete their chores!

If you struggle like I do, with getting your kids to “get in and get done” with their chores, this chore chart might be the option for you.

Okay, I know what you’re thinking, this is NOT a chart! And you’re right, it isn’t. However, it IS an interactive way of making your kids chores somewhat fun for them. I don’t know about you, but I work better when I can see results. Kids tend to be the same way. This chore chart is great for kids!

 

Each morning, I get up and assign chores for each kid, and put these adorable chores pictures in the “to-do” pocket with their name on it. I instructed my kiddos on how it works: Once the chore is complete, they can move the picture to their “done” pocket. I have let them know that they cannot go out to play with their friends, watch any movies, or play any video games until ALL their chores are complete. Simply print these sheets out, and cut them into squares. Do this per child. I laminated mine, to get them to last longer. Also, if the corners are rounded, they will slide in and out of the pockets easier.

 

This worked out WAY better than I had expected it to! All 3 of my kids jump right in in the mornings and do as much as they are able to do before starting school. 

There are several great things about this fun chore chart:

1. It gets the chores done.

2. It teaches the kids responsibility. If they don’t get to play with friends or video games, they know it is because THEY didn’t do what they were supposed to. This, in turn, results in fewer fights with mom.(#winning)

3. I don’t have to ask them to do their chores as often. They know it is expected, and required, in able to have the freedom they want.

 

This is a DIY for MOM

 

This project shouldn’t cost much to make, and also shouldn’t take much time to complete.

 

You’ll need:

• 2 16W x 13H rectangles of fabric. (Walmart has Fat Quarters((18″x21″)) in their fabric section, that range from $.97- $1.97, depending on the print/s you choose, and they have some very cute prints!)
• Contrasting Fat Quarters, for the pockets. You can choose how many different prints you want to use for the pockets.
• Matching thread
• Strong magnets. (I found mine at Walmart. They have a 4-pack of extra strength, 1.48″,  for $2.52. This is what I used.)
• Puffy paint, fabric paint, fabric markers, or vinyl. (I used my Cricut to cut my vinyl, but it is NOT necessary. Any of the other options will work just fine!)
• Iron
• Ironing board
• Sewing machine
• Cutting mat(opt.)
• Rotary cutter or scissors
• Heat erase pens/markers or white chalk
• Sewing pins/clips

This project will make a chore chart for 3 kids. You’ll need to make it larger, or make more than one, if you have more than 3 kids.

Instructions:

1. Wash and iron all your fabric.

2. Using your main fabric, cut your two 16″x13″ rectangles. I was in a hurry, so my fabric didn’t get ironed before I cut it, but it makes the process so much more smooth!

3. Using your contrasting fabric, cut 4.5″x4.5″ squares, for your pockets. You will need two squares for each kid. The image below shows where everything will be placed. I do this, to make sure it all fits before continuing with the project. I REALLY don’t like unpicking thread.

4. At the top of one of the rectangles, mark 1.5″ & 3.5″ in from the sides, with pins(see below). This is where the magnets will be placed. We don’t want to sew these spots shut yet. (Ignore the red pin. I was testing something out, and it didn’t work.)

5. Place your two rectangles together, right sides together, and pin or clip. Make sure to mark the magnet spots on both pieces, with pins.

 

6. Sew the rectangles together, using a 1/2″ seam allowance, being sure not to sew either of the magnet openings.

7. Cut the corners off at an angle, being sure not to cut through any thread. This will help the corners not have a lump when turned right side out.

8. Very carefully, turn the fabric right side out, through the magnet openings.

Here is a video explaining how to sew perfect corners.

9. Once fully turned out, iron the fabric flat.

10. Measure 2″ down from the top of the rectangle, and draw a straight line across the length of the fabric. Then mark lines from the top down to the line you just drew, at the spots that you marked for the magnet openings.

 

11. Sew a straight stitch along each line, starting at the top. Stitch on either side of where the magnets will go, then once those 4 lines are finished, stitch the long line.

12. Fold the magnet openings in 1/2″ and iron. Then insert the magnets and pin/clip the openings shut.

13. Sew around the entire rectangle, at 1/8″, stitching the magnet openings shut. Be sure to backstitch when you start sewing and when you finish, going all the way around. Put your needle in the down position on the corners, then lift the presser foot and pivot your fabric.

Congratulations! You have finished this portion of the project. Now on to the pockets!

14. Placing the pocket piece wrong side up, fold one side in 1/4″ and iron flat. Rotate the pocket and repeat on the opposite side. Pin or clip in place.

15. Fold the bottom up 1/4″, iron flat, and pin or clip in place. Fold the top edge in 1/4″, then 1/4″ again. Iron flat and pin or clip in place.

*Repeat this process for all the pockets.*

16. Using a straight stitch, sew around each pocket, pivoting at the corners, being sure to backstitch at the beginning and end.

17. Once all the pockets are ready, arrange them on the main fabric, pinning them in place.

18. Using a heat erasable pen(or your choice of marker), mark the corners of the tops of each pocket, at an angle. I used my chore picture as a guide.

19. Sew each pocket onto the main fabric, starting at the black dot in the image below, and following the direction of the arrows. Make sure to backstitch at the beginning and end.

 

Test your chore pictures, to ensure they fit. If not, you may need to cut them down to fit in the pockets.

20. After all the pockets are attached, you’ll add the kids names to each pocket, as well as marking each pocket as “to-do” and “done”. You’ll also add “Chores” to the top of the chart, or whatever wording you would like to add.

And you’re finished! I hope this chart works as well for you as it has been for me!

 

The finished project is so cute! I love how this turned out!

Notes:

The finished product is 12″x15″. To add another kid, you’ll need to cut your length an extra 5″(instead of cutting your fabric 16″x13″, you’ll cut it 21″x13″). You’ll need to add 5″ per each additional child. If it ends up being really long, you’ll need to add additional magnets.

Be sure to pick fabric prints that you’ll enjoy looking at, since this will be going on your fridge.

If you don’t want to add magnets, you can cut some ribbon, maybe 5″ longer than the finished length of the chart. Sew each end of the ribbon to the top corners of the chart, and hang the chart on a doorknob or something.

If you don’t have a sewing machine, consider trying glue, hot glue, or even HeatNBond Hem Adhesive(can be purchased at Walmart or any craft store).

 

For chore ideas for your kiddos, check out this post about age-appropriate chores!

 

Download Chore Images