DIY Network

Baby Bonanza: Book, Mobile and Rug Take a walk on the soft side with these baby-safe gifts. From "Uncommon Threads" episode DUCT-253

Allison Whitlock and her guests, members of Felt Club, share their ideas for some soft treasures that are sure to make any baby giggle with delight.

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Felt Baby Book

Wendy Jung uses felt and decorative stitching to create an adorable baby book.

Felt Baby Book

Materials:

rotary cutter
iron
iron-on adhesive
see-through ruler with grid markings
scissors
pinking shears
sewing machine
contrasting thread
fabric glue
buttons
googly eyes
jewels
3 felt squares cut 6''x12'': 1 brown and 2 blue
5 cotton fabric squares cut 6''x6'' in assorted patterns
embroidery thread in matching colors
embroidery needle
disappearing-ink pen
cardstock (for pattern)

1. Cut 6"x12" felt rectangle "pages" (figure A). You can use rotary scissors, a ruler and a cutting board, as shown on TV, or use a ruler, mark by hand and cut out with standard scissors.

2. Cut characters for the story, making a template from images provided online or "freestyling" the designs (figure B) (figure C).

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

Note: Your inspirations can come from stuffed animals, comics and coloring books.

3. Tack the characters to the pages with fabric glue; then attach them permanently with simple embroidery stitches (figure D).

4. Add details: buttons for eyes, faux jewels and so on (figure E).

Figure D

Figure E

Options: Embroider a title on the cover, use rickrack, apply your personal label or hand-stitch your initials and year.

5. Line the pages to cover the back of the embroidery work as well as add polish and interest, as follows:

	Figure F
	Figure G

• Cut 6"x " squares of Wonder Under or similar fusible material.

• Iron the adhesive to the wrong side of the cotton print in the desired position.

• Cut the fabric to the edge of the adhesive.

• Iron the fabric squares on the back of the desired page (figure F).

6. Trim the edges of the pages (sew the edges if you prefer, or leave them unfinished).

7. Bind the book using a straight machine stitch as shown on TV or a simple saddle stitch, commonly used in book binding (figure G).

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