Star Tag Toy Tutorial

I recently made a new baby blanket (very soon to be released!) and wanted to use up some of the left over fabric so decided to whip up this easy little tag toy.  It is so quick and easy to create and makes for a great handmade gift.  Toni from Make it Perfect kindly allowed me to use her little cutie Harvey as a model for my photo shoot and he just makes everything so much cuter (or maybe its just him ;p) either way 

Requirements:

Approximately 10 assorted ribbons and ric rac 2" -3" in length each

two, 9" squares of scrap fabric  (I used 'Super Star' available here)

toy fill

2-3 bells/rattles (these are optional!  Warning can be a choking hazard if not enclosed in toy properly)

needle

thread

sewing machine

scissors

chopsticks

pins

Star template - download here

Instructions:

Place star template on top of the wrong side of one piece of fabric.

Trace around the outside edge of the star template, transfer markings. 

Place two pieces of fabric right sides together. 

Fold ribbons/ric rac in half (right side facing outwards) and position around the edge of the star markings as desired BETWEEN the two layers of fabric.  Make sure the ends of the ribbon extend beyond the lines as so it will be caught when stitched (see below for example - but remember to place the ribbons between the fabric NOT on top) 

 

Pin ribbons and fabric layers together making sure you leave a gap for turning and stuffing.

Sew the star together 1/4" inside the markings, using the star outline as a guide.  Reinforce the start and end of stitching (opening) by back stitching. 

Trim fabric to 1/4" outside the seam and clip corners so they turn easily.

Turn the star through the opening.

Using chopsticks to push out the fabric in the points to get a nice finish.  (I carefully used scissors instead of a chopstick)

Part stuff the star with toy fill, making sure it gets to the ends of the star points.  

Put (optional) bells or rattle in the centre of the toy and continue to stuff with toy fill until it is filled as desired.

Slip stitch the opening closed.  

It is now ready for little hands to play with :)   

 See I told you he is cute! :)

TIP:  You could make the toy slightly larger by stitching directly on the line instead of 1/4" inside.  You will need to make sure that the fabric extends 1/4" or more beyond the line markings so as the toy doesnt come apart when stitched.

Now the not so fun stuff:  Feel free to make and  sell items made from this tutorial provided:

• The item is made by you and you alone.
• Items cannot be mass produced.
• You give credit to the designer Clare Horsman on either the swing tag attached to the item (for instance at a market) or in the item listing if you are selling online. This must include a direct link to where this tutorial can be viewed.
• Re-sale and/or distribution of pattern pieces and instructions is expressly prohibited.
  The pattern and tutorial (Star Tag Toy) was designed by me Clare Horsman and is copyrighted 2013. It is illegal to distribute this pattern electronically or in hard copy without my permission.

 

Manners Baby Burp Cloth Tutorial

With Baby number two on the way I thought it was time to start getting a few things organised.  I am very blessed to be having another little girl so we have the clothes sorted but many of the burp cloths and bibs have seen better days so late one night (unable to sleep) I came up with the 'manners burp cloth' idea and the lovely Jessica at Me Sew Crazy kindly allowed me to blog sit and share the tutorial with her readers and now I bring it to you here at Clare's Place. 

Burp cloths are essential for new babies and this applique design makes for a unique handmade baby gift.  So with out further ado I give you my version of a baby burp cloth...

DOWNLOAD BABY BURP CLOTH TEMPLATES HERE

Before you begin:

• Please be sure to read instructions all the way through before commencing project.
• All seam allowances are included in measurements and are ¼ inch unless otherwise stated.
• This pattern is intended for personal use only. Please respect my work and do not reproduce this pattern or any part thereof for any purpose.

Materials:

• 8” X 18“ towelling fleese or other soft absorbent fabric,
• 8“ x 18” Cotton fabric for burp cloth,
• Scraps of cotton fabric for applique letters,
• Fusable webbing (or heavy duty heat and bond – you may not need to stitch around your letters if using heavy duty heat and bond),
• Sewing machine,
• Pins,
• Co-ordinating thread,
• Cutting ruler,
• Fabric scissors,
• Pencil,
• Air dry or water erasable marker,
• Rotary cutter,
• Cutting mat.

Instructions:

• Fold your cotton fabric in half – right sides together. Place template on folded fabric, lining up the fold.
• Trace around template and cut along traced line (I used a rotary cutter and ruler along the straight lines to achieve a more accurate cut and used scissors on the curves.).
• Repeat for towelling.

Appliqué:

• Trace your required appliqué letters onto the paper side of fusible webbing / heat and bond 
• Cut around outside of traced designs being sure not to cut directly on line.
• Press onto wrong side of chosen fabric, paper side facing up.
• Cut out appliqué pieces along the traced lines.
• Peel backing paper off. Position onto the right side of the cotton burp coth 1” from edges as desired, Press into position.
• Freehand Machine stitch around the edge of the letters using a straight stitch 2-3 times, varying the position you stitch each time. Alternatively you can Blanket stitch around the designs either by hand or machine in a coordinating thread to your fabric (I have found the heavy duty heat and bond does not reqire any stitching and doing so may blunt or break your needle).

• Pin the two rectangles together right sides facing.
• Sew your pieces together using a ¼” seam. Be sure to leave a 3” gap at one end to turn your cloth the correct way.

• Clip the corners being sure not to cut your stitching. 
• Turn the right way out and press (cotton side not to towelling side).
• Close the opening by tucking the fabric inside the burp cloth and pin.

• Topstitch 1/8” from the edge around the perimeter of the burp cloth. Trim any stray threads.

I hope you enjoy the burp cloth tutorial as much as I enjoyed making it.  I know that the 'manners' burp cloth concept has proven quite popular and has been featured on Tot Craft and Craft Gossip also, so I hope you like it too!  If you use this pattern I would love to see photos of your work!  Now over to you to sew up a storm ;)