Handmade fabric toy ideas: toys that make babies happy
Babies are full of curiosity and love to put toys in their mouths or toss them around for fun.
You want to let them play freely, but watching them can make you worry they might get hurt.
So in this article, I’ll introduce some fabric toy ideas.
Fabric toys are less likely to cause injury even if they hit something, and toys made entirely of fabric can be washed, so they’re hygienic too!
I’ve gathered a variety of ideas that kids will love, so please use them as inspiration and give them a try!
Handmade fabric toy ideas: toys that make babies happy (1–10)
Buttoning & threading a string
When making cloth toys, many people give up because they don’t have a sewing machine, but this toy can be made by hand.
Since it’s mainly felt, there’s no need to finish the raw edges, so it’s recommended.
You can thread a string through the hole in the middle or connect the mascots with buttons—there’s lots of room for creativity—so it’s nice to make the mascots in various colors for a colorful set.
It’s also perfect for children who are at the stage of practicing buttoning.
You could even make them in your child’s favorite animals.
Ice cream shop
How about making a deluxe set for playing ice cream shop using felt? First, sew pieces of felt together to make the ice cream scoops.
Stuff them with cotton and attach the bottoms—be sure to insert a magnet into the base or sew on hook-and-loop tape.
Make the cone parts as well, matching the number of ice cream scoops you’ve made.
Using an empty box to hold the cones will give it a real ice cream shop feel.
Try using different felt colors to make lots of flavors like strawberry and chocolate!
Magnet snap
Let’s make a fun “magnet snap” that clicks together with a satisfying snap when two magnets meet.
Do a running stitch around the edge of a round piece of fabric, then pull the thread tight at the end and stuff it with batting.
Once the stuffing is in, tighten the thread, knot it off, and sew felt onto the finished side.
Sew a magnetic clasp onto the side opposite the felt, and you’re done.
Try using colorful fabrics and felt, or make vegetables and fruits so they can be used for pretend play.
Connect lots of them and have fun!
Infinite spin
Let’s make an “endless spin” toy that makes you want to pull the fabric out over and over because it’s so fun! It’s handy to use a box for toilet paper rolls sold at 100-yen shops.
Use tenugui cloths or fabric scraps to make several long, narrow strips, and attach snap buttons or similar fasteners.
Once you’ve made one long piece of fabric, wrap it around a toilet paper core and place it inside the box—that’s it.
It’s fun to pull the fabric out to play, and also to undo the buttons on the fabric you’ve pulled out.
Kicking ball
At first glance, the kicking ball looks like a complex shape, but it’s actually surprisingly simple, and you can even make the base using things you already have at home.
Use a round object like a rice bowl to trace your pattern.
You only need two pattern pieces.
There are many fabric pieces, but you just make identical ones and combine them.
Connect four identical, stuffing-filled pieces to form a sphere, then combine three of those spheres to finish.
It’s also fun to take it apart and play with it.
Since there are many pieces, a sewing machine will save time, but you can make it by hand, too.
Animal Ring Toss
https://www.instagram.com/p/C2R1HLMpMdQ/Here’s a cute ring toss idea that even babies can enjoy.
Each ring has an animal face on it, and when you hook them all on, it looks like a gathering of animals—super cute.
It’s best to stuff them with cotton or fabric scraps.
Since babies put everything in their mouths and play by hitting and throwing, soft rings are reassuring.
Also, if you make them entirely out of fabric, you can wash them, making them hygienic and safe.
Try using colorful fabrics and create your favorite animals!
Pup-pu! A toy that makes a sound when you press it.
Here’s how to make a fabric toy for infants that makes a “poo-poo!” squeaking sound when pressed.
The sound-making insert is available at craft stores.
Prepare some scrap fabric, place two pieces right sides together, sew around, turn it right side out, insert the sound-making material, and stitch the opening closed—that’s all there is to it.
You can also sew on a strip of fabric with elastic so your child can slip their hand through, and using worn-in gauze makes it pleasantly soft to the touch, which is recommended.
You can also try variations, like adding a small bell inside, or making different versions.
beanbags
Otedama (beanbags) are classic toys that have been loved for generations.
While many are sold in stores, they’re easy to make by hand—so try creating your own with fabric you like! First, prepare one rectangular piece of fabric.
Fold it in half and do a running stitch along the side opposite the fold.
Next, sew one of the left or right sides with a running stitch, pull the thread tight, wrap it around about three times, and knot it off.
Turn the fabric inside out, fill it with azuki beans, then close the opening—and you’re done! It’s very simple, so make a few and have fun playing with your kids or friends!
Fishing for fish
A fishing game that even small children and older adults can enjoy.
To keep it safe and easy for little ones to play, the idea is to embed magnets inside.
Use felt to make your favorite fish and sea creatures.
If you temporarily fix small parts with fabric glue before sewing around the edges, it’s easier to stitch.
Stuff them with cotton, and tuck a magnet into the stuffing as well.
Attach a magnet to the fishing rod too, and you’ll have a fun fishing game where the fish snap on with a satisfying click.
playmat
A play mat that you can enjoy using with toy cars and stuffed animals.
There are many store-bought options, but how about making that play mat yourself? Use large sheets of felt from a 100-yen shop for the materials.
Create roads on the base felt, and if you like, also make houses, trees, and parking lots out of felt.
Use fabric glue to attach them to the base felt.
For more durability, sew along the edges of the felt with a sewing machine.
Sew on the backing felt, and it’s complete.