What you'll need:
Tailor's chalk or pencil
Scissors
Pinking Shears
12 x Ribbon
6 x fabric (prewashed and ironed)
Pins (preferably with pearled/beaded end)
Ruler
Set Square
25mm Bell
hobby fill
needle & thread
Optional - Rotary cutter and mat (not pictured)
Using prewashed and ironed fabric cut 6 squares 5" x 5". This is quickly and easily done using a rotary cutter however a pair of sharp scissors will do the job as well. Use the set square to make sure that your squares are exactly that, square!Then from the ribbon cut 4" lengths. You can use the same ribbon more that once, if that is your personal preference. The aim is to have a variety of colours and textures for baby to play with. You don't want them to be too long though as then baby's fingers may get entangled.
On the back of each square mark another square approximately 3/4" inside. This is the line that you will be sewing on. A slightly larger seam allowance due to it being a child's toy, an extra insurance against fraying edges.
If you like you can layout your blocks to see the desired end pattern. (Obviously I didn't take my own ironing advice). You may also like to lay down the individual ribbons, one on each side seam, to decide where each will go, or, you can fly by the seat of your pants and make it up as you go!
Fold in half a length of ribbon, wrong sides together, pin this in the center of the edge to be sewn, lining up the raw edge of the ribbon to the raw edge of the fabric. With right sides together, pin two squares aligning corners and lines.
So that when the fabric is turned to face right side up, it has a small ribbon poking out.
When sewing, reinforce the beginning and ending of the row, also back stitching over the ribbon for strength. Make sure that you begin and end where the sides intersect.
Continue going in the same way until all sides are together to form a cross. Then pin together the sides, right side together still. Continue until all sides are together, forming a box. On the final side sew until the ribbon and stop, leaving an opening for filling.
Once all edges are sewn, use the pinking shears on the exposed edges. Turn in right way.
Once turned, half fill the cube, then add the little bell. Depending on the size of the opening you may need an extra pair of hands to squeeze it through. The continue to fill until desired firmness is reached. Ensuring bell remains in centre.
Voila! One taggy cube with rattle! Fun and easy to make!Please note that toy should be used with adult supervision.
