An easy toy for a baby, toddler or even a puppy! You could even make a large version for a throw pillow or “mini” versions for a baby mobile. You can use a freezer paper stencil, a screenprint, or even just a fabric stamp to make these. Just make sure to use non-toxic, ACMI AP approved water-based ink products that are made in the USA if it might go into a mouth!
Step 1: One you have a fabric print finished and ironed, place the fabric wrong sides together onto a piece of fabric for the back of the toy. Cut out the image with a 1-inch border surrounding it so that you have a front and a back:
Step 2: Cut various 3″ mismatching pieces of scrap ribbon.
Step 3: On the front of the toy, fold each ribbon piece in half and pin in place as shown:
Step 4: Add as many ribbon pieces as you prefer:
Step 5: Using a 1/4″ seam, sew all the way around the front of the toy to attach the ribbon.
Step 6: Take out your pins and place the back of the toy face down onto the front. Sew all the way around using a 1/2″ seam and leaving a gap…..
….so that the toy can be turned right side out. (If you have curves in your design you will need to “notch” the seams before you turn it inside out so the edges look smooth)
Step 7: Top stitch all the way around the toy using an 1/8″ seam and making sure not to close the gap yet….you’ll need to add stuffing:
Step 8: Add your choice of stuffing:
Step 9: Carefully fold under the open section of the toy and top stitch it closed:
To make a crinkle tag toy:
Cut a piece of cellophane or plastic packaging (like from a microwave popcorn package):
Insert the cellophane or plastic flat up into the toy before closing:
So many different designs and prints you can use!
And they look so cute!
Here are some other scrap ribbon tutorials to check out!
Make a small one, add some catnip and you have a perfect kitty toy!
My sister-in-law bought one of these for my daughter, shaped in a plain rectangle but with cute colored ribbon and super soft fabric. My daughter loved it one of her favorite toys from about 5 months on.
Because she liked them so much I made these using super soft fleecy bumpy fabric, shaped in a heart, with various scrappy ribbon and mailed off to the babies in the family for valentines gifts.
Maybe I’ll have to make some for my almost 5 month grandson, he is chewing on everything now. I might use my fabric swatches printed at Spoonflower instead of stamping.
Thanks for a great tutorial! I love your blog and this inspired me to whip up a taggy toy yesterday evening when I was in real need of some fast results. I didn’t print the fabric though. I have lots of friends expecting at the moment and this’ll be a great gift…
Hi Ashley,
Love these little scrappy baby toys.
Thanks for writing up the tutorial.
I have featured it…along with some other gifts for babies here….
http://allysonadeney.wordpress.com/2011/12/06/17-handmade-gift-ideas-for-babies-teachers-with-tutorials/
….if you would like to take a look.
Thanks again for a super cute idea.
Ally on harrysdesk.
Hi! If you want hanging tags (not loops) is there a special kind of ribbon that won’t fray?
Thanks!
a project like this has been on my to-do list for a few weeks, these are perfect!! now i just need to make them! 🙂