This quick little toy can be whipped up in under an hour with some scraps of fabric and ribbon. The only other thing you need is some hobbyfill (stuffing). I chose ribbon and fabric with different textures and patterns to make it more interesting to play with. It would also be cool to put a rattle or bell in the middle of this…next time!
(The product tester)
Taggie Toy
You’ll need:
6 squares of fabric – I made my 13x13cm (this included 2cm for seams)
12 pieces of ribbon – at least 6cm long
Hobbyfill
Cut out your squares of fabric and pieces of ribbon. I used varying lengths and styles of ribbon to mix it up a bit.
Lay out your squares and ribbon pieces as shown below. You will use 2 of the squares as the top and bottom of the cube, sewing ribbon onto each side of these. The sides will each get 1 piece of ribbon sewn on.
Sew the ribbons to all the pieces 5mm from the edge of the fabric, with the ribbon going towards the centre of the square, on the right side of the fabric. This will reinforce the ribbons and save you pinning everything together.
Use 1cm seams for the rest of the cube.
(3 of the side seams sewn together)
Now, sew the sides of the cube together, right sides of the fabric together, taking care of the ribbon.
Sew the bottom square onto the cube.
(Left – All 4 sides sewn together, Right – The bottom is now sewn on)
Sew the top onto the cube leaving an opening about 3cm wide to turn the cube out. Trim the excess fabric from the corners.
(Opening for turning the cube right side out and stuffing)
Use a knitting needle or pen to poke the corners out so they sit nice. Stuff the cube with hobbyfill.
(Stuffed and ready to close up)
Handstitch the opening closed using a slipstitch.
Playtime!
I have since made another one of these, this time for my cousin’s son. It’s more of an activity cube, with some beads and fleece fringing on it. I also lined one of the sides with plastic so that it crinkles. I stamped his name on it too, because I can’t resist personalising things.
Anonymous says
Beautiful toy fun for any wee one! Also a very well written and informative tutorial! My only concern would be safety with the loops. Our pediatrician has warned us against older toys with loops and loop tags with concern for possible risk of injury to infants. I do not want to be a debbie downer but it might be worth looking into that danger before connecting loops. Thank you for your lovely post. I know I will be making one w/o loops asap!
ohbabylee says
Thanks Anon. I did some googling and could only find any safety information relating to longer (longer than 20cm (6″)) ribbons and possible strangulation. All the ribbons on the taggie are much shorter than that.
I’m wondering if your paediatrician is talking about fingers getting stuck in the loops? As you said, if you’re worried, don’t do loops, just strips of ribbon. I poked my finger into all the loops and twisted the taggie and they didn’t pinch my finger or anything, it just untwisted on it’s own.
EddieDuckling says
Just made some of these based on you great tutorial and shared your tutorial on my Pinterest board (http://pinterest.com/eddieduckling/creating-for-baby/) – hope that’s ok.
thingsforboys says
@EddieDuckling – always happy for you to share the love on pinterest 🙂 Hope your cubed turned out great!
Mamima says
We’ve found an opportunity to follow your tutorial to make two fantastic soft cubes for two little princess. we’re delighted with the result… they are already rolling here.
Thanks for sharing.
http://www.amamima.com
Kyelie Baxter says
I just came to find this tutorial as I’m planning to make a girly one for a friends new baby and saw your update with the one you made for Ty. He loves it! I’ve pretty much packed away all the other softies now but yours is in the play area because we love it so much.
Anonymous says
This tutorial looks great. My baby cousin’s christening is coming up and my mum wants me to sew something to go with the present(which we are yet to buy!). I’m sure he will love it. Thanks for the inspiration, I’m sure my family will be demanding more once I’ve made it, as they do with everything!
Meaghan says
I love the cubes you made. I made some for baby gifts and linked to your tutorial.
Amanda says
Very easy to follow pattern. But please be advised that Taggies is a registered trade mark. I know it seems silly but someone did register and was awarded the name. They come through pretty frequently on etsy slapping around cease and desist letters. You might consider changing the title to ribbon looped cubes, or something like that.
abby says
thanks Amanda