Looking for a super quick, super cute scrapbuster project? ✨ These soft sensory toys are perfect for little baby hands! They’re a great excuse to finally use up those scraps, orphan blocks, and random ribbons you’ve been saving “just in case.” (This is the case!)
They make sweet handmade baby gifts and are such a fun, fast sew. Bonus: They don’t require any fancy supplies—just your scrap bin, some trims, and your usual sewing setup.
What You’ll Need
Scraps: quilt leftovers, orphan blocks, or even worn-out clothes
Trims: labels, ric rac, velvet ribbon, patches, lace, or other tactile goodies
General sewing equipment (machine, pins, thread, scissors)
A small piece of batting (approx. 6″ x 6″)
How to make it
1. Find Some Scraps
If you’ve got orphan blocks lying around, they’re perfect! Otherwise, sew scraps together freestyle to form two squares about 6″ x 6″. (Any size works, but this is a good baby-hand-friendly starting point.)
Want to add extra fun? Insert labels, ric rac, fluffy selvages, or other bits between your scraps so they pop up in the finished toy.
2. Trim It
Stack your patchwork squares right sides together and trim around the edges so they match. Cut your batting to the same size. (You can even trim all three layers at once.)
3. Prepare Your Square
Take one patchwork square, right side up. Pin ribbons or trim pieces along the edges, pointing toward the center of the square. These will stick out when the toy is finished.
4. Sandwich Time
Layer your pieces in this order:
Batting (bottom)
Square #1, right side up
Square #2, right side down
Pin all the way around.
5. Sew It Up
Sew around all four sides with a ½″ seam allowance, leaving a 2–3″ gap on one side for turning. Trim corners to reduce bulk.
6. Turn & Poke
Turn the toy right side out through the gap. Use a blunt stick or chopstick to gently push out the corners.
7. Close It Up
Fold in the edges of the opening, pin, and topstitch all the way around. This secures your ribbons and gives the toy a neat finish. (I used a decorative leaf stitch, but a simple straight stitch works too!)
That’s It!
Your squishy, scrappy, sensory masterpiece is ready to delight a baby. 🎉
Important Safety Note
Skip buttons or small pieces that could come loose. Babies are professional chewers, and we want no choking hazards! Stick with securely sewn ribbons and trims.
Extra Tips
Don’t lose it: Fold a ribbon loop along one edge so you can clip the toy to a stroller with a carabiner.
Bonus shapes: Who said toys have to be square? Try a mushroom, cloud, or fish! (Download my free printable below!)
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