Lovely childcare

Let's make it by hand-knitting: children's toys. Cute ideas.

Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

For babies and toddlers who’ve just started walking, you naturally worry about toys because of the risk of choking or injury.

That’s why I recommend hand-knit toys.

When you knit them yourself, you can freely choose the size to suit your child, and toys made with wool or cotton yarn are soft, so they can play safely.

In addition to classics like rattles and balls, this article also introduces ideas perfect for early learning.

You can find the necessary tools and materials at 100-yen shops, so give it a try!

[Let's Make by Hand-Knitting] Toys for Children: Cute Ideas (21–30)

Tokotoko doll

A toddling bunny made with a paper cup and batteries

Tokotoko doll

This is an adorable toddling toy made by combining a paper cup and a battery, and the way it scampers along is irresistibly cute.

Make small slits at two spots on the rim of the paper cup and at the two spots directly opposite them, then fold the slits outward.

Prepare a part by attaching a rubber band to a battery and securing it with cellophane tape.

Hook the rubber band into the slits so it sits inside the cup, and tape it in place.

After adding animal ears or legs to the cup, or drawing your favorite character on it, twist the battery and set the cup upside down.

You’ll be delighted to see it move faster and cuter than you imagined!

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felt ball

[Handmade Toy] How to Make Anpanman Felt Balls

felt ball

Felt balls, which can be played with in many ways, are also recommended.

First, download a pentagon template from the internet and use it to cut cardboard.

Next, cut felt to match the pentagons you’ve made and embroider the characters on them.

Once you have 12 pieces, assemble them, stuff them with filling, and you’re done.

I hope you’ll play freely—roll it to see which character shows up or toss it in the air.

You can also put a bell inside to enjoy the sound.

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picture book

Made with 100-yen shop items! Felt picture book! Let’s play with a pop-up/interactive book♪ Use it as design inspiration!

picture book

How about making a cloth picture book for babies out of felt? You can find colorful felt at 100-yen shops and craft stores, so try cutting, pasting, and sewing it to match your vision.

You can recreate a picture book your child loves, or add interactive elements they can play with.

There are many kinds of mechanisms: for example, motifs that can be peeled off with hook-and-loop tape, parts that fasten with buttons, and classics like puzzles or matching games.

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In conclusion

Was there a toy you wanted to try making? Knitting can be tough until you get used to it, so you might have some mistakes at first, but take your time and do a little bit at your own pace. Once you’ve got the hang of it, try adding your own touches and make a special toy just for your child. As your child grows, knitting together can be a fun activity too. These days there are toy knitting machines as well, so it might be nice to use one for certain parts.