Fabric Scrap Cloth Baby Ball

I love traditionally Inspired toys for kids, When my little boy was born I wanted him to have a soft ball to play with that was bright and colorful. I looked on the internet and couldn't find one I liked, Everything seems to have to make a noise these days or have things hanging off them to make them interactive or educational, I just wanted something simple. So I made one, All I had was a bag of scraps some no wider than a couple of inches,

It was not an exact science putting it together and it is not a perfect sphere but Its simple and My little boy loves his.Even now he still kicks it round our living room.

I'm now making one for my Little girl in the same way.

I'm not the best at sewing and I don't own a sewing machine.  I was even worse when I made Lucas'  I only knew three stitches at the time Back stitch, running stitch and over stitch so thats all the "skill" you will need to make it.

The lettering is obviously not required for it to work as a ball, I admit I got brave with that and i could have quite easily made a real mess of it. I had small iron on Butterflies I had bought on stand by if it needed unpicking again. 

Tools You Will Need

• Scraps of fabric
• Tape measure
• Scissors
• Fabric Pencil
• Needle and Cotton
• Pins + Safety pins
• Embroidery cotton or Top Stitch various colours (basically a thicker cotton for over stitching the seams and lettering)
• Stuffing 
• Old shirt or scrappy fabric plain and pale in colour

Step 1: Getting Started

First take the scraps of fabric and lay them out in the order you want them on your ball, If you are using stretchy fabrics I suggest you place them between rigid fabric else when its stuffed it might not hold its shape so well.

If you are lucky enough to have a Toddler living with you I suggest you do this after they have gone to bed, I made the mistake of trying it when he was up, It was made impossible by the attempts to help me (aka wear the pieces of fabric on his head.)

The shortest length you are using will determine the size of the ball, In my case it was the pink swirly piece third from the right, It measured just over 10 inches in length, This means you need enough strips for a circumference of 21 inches. I laid them out like on the image and ran a tape over it to be sure there was enough fabric, 

You will need a couple of pieces wide enough to cut the circular end pieces out of.

In fairness if some of the pieces are a little longer it doesn't really matter because the ends will be covered by the top and bottom peices.

Comments

[Sherlock69]

I love this! It's so simple yet really special. Everything you did on it is perfect! I wish i could hand sew as good as you do. But i'm gonna have to wing it with my sewing machine :-) Got a lil one on the way myself and i'm looking for All sorts of baby things that *I can make for her. Awesome job. Thanks for sharing

[Pixie Puddle]

Thanks and Congratulations :) I am currently making a spiral cot toy for My little girl, been at it couple of months now just moved house so had to put it on the back burner for a bit, Its not far off being done either, :) The instructable is half done too. :) The nicest thing I made for my Little boy was his patchwork blanket, Doing one for Devon too, The blanket was not just my creation tho it was my idea, I asked Lucas family members to make squares for it too, And my mum put it together for me, (I don't have a sewing machine.) He loves it. and its a lovely keep sake for him.

[smokeybear]

Have you thought about going the eBay route? I'll bet that you could get some 'nice -pin' money for what you describe from some folks wanting to get homemade, quality items. - the ball sounds great!

[Pixie Puddle]

It is something that crossed my mine, but time is always against me especially when I am back at work, :) I love making things like that but I just wish I had a few more hours in the day, Thanks tho I am glad you think that it is good enough to sell. :) x

[NaturalCrafter]

Your ball is a great one. I may just make one for my lab as he loves soft balls to catch with his teeth.

[Pixie Puddle]

There was a point were my little boy ran round with it in his mouth so It should work for your doggy. :)

[best mummy]

gets her talents from her mother x

[Pixie Puddle]

Yes you did good nurturing my creative side and my Imagination.:) x

[ChrysN]

Nice!

[Pixie Puddle]

Thank you.

[Pixie Puddle]

Thank You Dear Brother! :)

[gmjhowe]

Excellent work Sister!