How to Make Toys Out of Baby Clothes
The clothes worn by your infant throughout his developmental years can hold lasting memories. Articles of clothing worn on special occasions can be reminders of family experiences or mileposts such as first steps or first words. Once a child has outgrown his clothes, it is easy to recycle favorite outfits into plush toys for you and your child to enjoy for years to come.
- Choose an article of clothing that holds sentimental value and is the proper shape and size to alter. Rompers, dresses and onsies all offer ample fabric to work with. Be sure to select pieces that don't have loose buttons, brads or any sort of attachments a child could pull off and swallow.
- Find a pattern for a plush toy that can be sewn with the fabric you have to use. Patterns can be easily located at craft stores or for free online. Bears, bunnies and pigs can be great projects that even non-sewers can undertake with ease.
- Cut your fabric to match the patterns and begin to sew. Although a sewing machine might aid in the speed and simplicity of the project, stuffed animals can generally be sewn by hand. Use threads in bright colors that match the print of your fabric to add some extra flair.
- Fill the toy with flame-retardant stuffing when appropriate. Stuffing can be purchased inexpensively at craft or fabric stores.
- Attach fun details like ribbons, buttons for eyes, or patches of other fabric to make your stuffed toy unique and personal. If you choose to add such details to your creation, be sure to sew them firmly in place so as not to create a choking hazard. If you are satisfied with your creation and enjoyed the experience, experiment with different fabrics, textures, and patterns to see what possibilities are in store.
- Share your toy with your child once the sewing, stuffing and decorating is complete. You now have a one of a kind, handmade treasure for playtime that will keep early memories alive as your baby grows and develops.