This is probably the easiest diy baby sensory toy you've ever sewn. What's best, this soft and light baby toy will help your baby build tactile awareness, along with a few other benefits for the child. Take a look!
This baby toy sewing tutorial shows you how to sew squares and only requires sewing straight lines, so this is an ideal beginner sewing project for someone who's just learning how to use the sewing machine.
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Now, let's first see how to make the perfect baby sensory toy.
And if you're new to sewing, start at this how to sew guide, or take a look at the main list of easy sewing patterns for beginners. All free!
Baby Sensory Toy Tutorial
This soft and light baby toy is so much fun to play with!
One additional good thing about it: it's washable, since a lot of times these squares will end up in baby's mouth. Learn how to make it, it's an ideal sewing project for beginners!
This sewing tutorial shows you how to sew squares and only requires sewing straight lines, so this is an ideal beginner sewing project for someone who's just learning how to use the sewing machine.
Supplies
What you need are a few fabric scraps, preferably in white or non-dyed: 1) fabric scraps (scroll down to see ideas for fabric selection) 2) thread 3) the usual: sewing machine, scissors, possibly a rotary cutter with a cutting mat I used these with my project:
1. Fiskars Rotary Cutter 2. quilting ruler (I have a metric one as I live in Europe) 3. This Olfa self-healing Cutting Mat
What Fabric To Chose To Make a Baby Sensory Toy
- plain light-weight cotton - cotton gauze (the one you get in first aid kits) - jersey knit - terry cloth - linen - sheer voile (use silk if you have any - silk would be a way better choice) More options: - minky - velvet - wool - burlap - denim - lace - mesh - seersucker - flannel -etc See No 7 of the tutorial for a note on sewing really thin fabrics. See No 2 of the tutorial for a note on sewing with stretch fabric.
CUTTING:
Cut rectangles measuring 4x8 or 5x10 inch (10x20 cm or 13x26cm). Make sure to make 2 identical squares in each fabric you select, so for example 12 tactile squares will make up 6 matching sets. The cutting will go super quick if you use a rotary cutter, but scissors will do just fine, too.
How To Make Baby Tactile Toy
1) Cut a rectangle of 4x8 or 5x10 inch (10x20 cm or 13x26cm). You can choose your size, off course. Fold it in half, so the right sides will be facing (=RST).
2) Sew around using a straight stitch, make sure to leave an opening for turning in the middle of one side. NOTE! Sewing tip: when sewing stretchy fabric (jersey!), make sure to use a zig-zag or overlock stitch, otherwise the seams might tear.
3) Beginner sewing tip: see how the stitch ends on the spots where the opening for turning starts? (2 red lines) - it's because when you turn the fabric inside out, the fabric will straighten/align itself automatically to fit the already sewn area, making the topstitching piece-of-cake! Give it a try 😉
4) Clip the corners for a nice finish and to reduce the bulk.
5) Turn right sides out. Push the tips out using a point turner tool or another non-sharp object like a knitting needle. I had a chopstick at hand, it did quite alright. Don't use anything sharp since it might make holes in your fabric.
6) This is the opening left after turning.
7) Sewing tip: if sewing with a very thin fabric (cotton gauze, sheer foile), you might want to use a double layer of fabric for each fabric square. Not necessary, though.
8) Close the opening that had been left for turning. Press. Repeat 11 times, and you're done 🙂 You can make a larger set than the one I chose, off course.
OPTIONS:
- You can stuff them using batting. I wanted to be able to throw them in the washer, so I used none.
- Edgestitching? Your choice, but I prefer not to, to keep the edges as soft as possible.
This soft and light baby toy will help your baby build tactile awareness, along with a few other benefits for the child. I'f you've made these different textured fabric squares in pairs, you'll be able to use them for a fabric matching activity at a later point. It's a great lesson in tactile discrimination.
Make sure to grab ALL of the free baby sewing patterns on this site:
- Free baby hat pattern - NEW 3 SIZES!
- Diy Knotted Baby Headband - SWEET!
- Free Baby Bib Pattern - Comes in 3 Sizes!
- Bandana Bib Pattern - Cool And Free
- Free Pattern - Baby Burp Cloth
- Free Pattern - Fabric SailBoat Toy
- Free Baby Scarf Tutorial - With a Twist!
- Easy Baby Soft Ball free pattern
- Diy Flannel Baby Blanket - so soft!
And there are so many more!
Save For Later:
I have also seen this toy being recommended by autism experts, and it's a good toy for visually impaired children. For more DIY tactile toys and fun sensory activities for children, feel free to check out these tutorials (they have free PDF templates attached):
DIY Matching Scraps Memory Game with Template
Fabric Maze Tutorial + Free Pattern
Happy sewing!
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Betsy
Hi: I made several tactile blankets for babies who are born blind. I make them out of 7x7 inch squares of different textures until the blanket is the size of a regular baby blanket. Since the babies can't see, the different textures encourage them to feel the material. Once they feel one and their hands wander over to another texture, they start to feel around to check out what else is there. This helps them to learn to crawl, explore and discover. I back them with fleece, sewing right sides together, leaving an opening of about 9" to turn right side out and then sew that closed. I also use yarn to secure various spots in the corners of some of the blocks to keep the blanket from shifting.
Damjana
Betsy hi,
that's wonderful, what you have sewn. I'm posting your comment here in the hopes other readers will be inspired by you too. I certainly am. Thank you.
Warmly,Damjana
Julie Pedersen
I love the idea of a matching game. I may have to make some of these up for a couple of special ed classrooms as they couldn't demolish these like they can cards. They could also help teach colors and possibly numbers if the fabric was right. Thanks for the idea.
Damjana at AppleGreen Cottage
Julie,
all great ideas, thank you!
Sandy Thomas
Why do you need two of each if you are folding the pieces in half?
Damjana at AppleGreen Cottage
Hi Sandy,
and thanks for asking - you want to make 2 identical squares in each fabric you select, so these are also suitable for playing a matching game. Especially toddlers love it! (So, for example 12 tactile squares will make up 6 matching sets) I hope this answer works for you. Have a great day,
Anne
This is a great idea!! It would be easy to sew several sets in one sitting and stash them away for future baby gifts. Anne
Damjana at AppleGreen Cottage
Thanks, Anne!