Stack-able Soft Blocks Tutorial
Stitch up some fun with these stack-able soft blocks. Just like real gifts these felt soft blocks hide a surprise inside. Each block features a rattle, squeaker, jingle or crinkle sound. They make an adorable gift and are super easy to stitch up. The blocks are shown in 5 different styles but it’s easy to play with the styles and colors to come up with something completely your own. As with any hand sewn item please monitor kids during play. The dots are both glued using felt glue and stitched for durability. The felt should keep the blocks square but using lower quality felt or over stuffing may make the blocks less stable.
You will need:
1 sheet of each gift color – you should have enough scrap left from each to make the ribbon and bow pieces for an additional gift block.
I used:
1 9″ x 12″- sheet each:
*Matching thread
Noisemakers: Rattle, Mini Rattle, Crinkle Material, Jingle Ball and Squeaker
Stuffing
Gift A: Begin by cutting out 6 block pieces, 6 coordinating ribbon sides and 1 bow A piece. It is important each block piece be as straight and even as possible so I would recommend Andie’s method for cutting pieces out as precisely as possible.
Stitch 1 ribbon side to the exact center of each block piece using coordinating thread and either an overcast or running stitch. Leave ribbon accents off of the bottom for stackability, which may or may not be a real word. I don’t know – I haven’t had time to google it I’m busy making blocks here.
Repeat with all sides. Create a top piece by crossing 2 ribbon pieces along the one of your block pieces.
Create a bow by sewing bow A into a loop.
Turn piece and stitch through the center of the piece.
Stitch to the cross piece in the center and through the bottom of the bow for added security. You can also use felt glue to help secure the piece.
Assemble block as shown.
Sew up the sides using an overcast stitch to form box shape. Leave the top open to add noisemaker.
Stuff the box shape lightly. If you over stuff the block will become rounded on the sides and won’t stack up properly.
Add noisemaker to block.
Sew closed.
Gift B: Begin by cutting out 6 block pieces, 3 coordinating ribbon sides and 1 bow B piece.
Sew ribbon pieces down as shown. Sew bow down and accent with small running stitches.
Finish in the same way as the previous block.
Gift C: Begin by cutting out 6 block pieces, 6 coordinating ribbon sides and 1 bow C piece.
Sew ribbon top off center as shown.
Sew Bow C down and accent.
Line up sides on each piece before sewing down with an overcast stitch and matching thread.
Sew all the pieces together.
Variations:
Gift D: Begin by cutting out 6 block pieces, 6 coordinating ribbon sides and 1 bow B piece.
Sew a running stitch down the center of each ribbon side and secure with overcast stitch along the sides. Add accents to bow piece.
Sew box together.
To add crinkle cut a length of crinkle material and fold it to a two inch width. Add to the box as shown and stuff lightly before closing.
Gift E: Begin by cutting out 6 block pieces, 20 dot pieces (10 of each color) and 1 bow C piece.
Secure dots with a small drop of felt glue in the center and randomly attach to sides using a running stitch.
Using scraps sew a small square to the inner side.
Sew pocket shut. And assemble the block. As you did with the previous versions.
Happy Crafting!
~Andie
~American Felt & Craft ~ Blog 
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