DIY play mat. How to make toys with your own hands to develop fine motor skills in a child

The development of a baby at an early age is very important. To do this, it is not necessary to master complex techniques and devote a lot of time to classes: this will only tire the baby. It is much easier to purchase a mat for newborns. IN game form The child will develop vision, motor skills, sensory skills, and coordination of movements. And if you don’t have the money to buy this useful gadget in the store, then you can make it yourself.

The benefits of a developmental mat

Modern educational rugs for babies became known not so long ago. This is a full-fledged gaming complex that develops a child’s intelligence. If earlier mothers used a blanket as a regular bedding to make it warmer for the baby to play and crawl on the floor, today a simple bedding is no longer relevant.

It is better to choose a rug with arcs on which various toys are hung; this additionally develops coordination and stimulates the baby to focus his vision.

Musical elements and various tweeters are very good; they develop hearing. And to press a button, you need to build a logical chain in your head: button-press-music. Such actions will develop the baby's thinking.

• For sensory development, children's rugs should be equipped with various rustling elements, as well as fragments of fabrics with different textures.
• Often in such gadgets you can see a special “safe” mirror. This element is very useful. With its help, the child gets to know himself and examines his face. This mirror will not break, even if the baby drops it or starts gnawing on it.
• Well, another undeniable advantage of such a toy is that it can keep the child occupied for quite a long time, which gives the mother the opportunity to do something else.

All the necessary elements are already provided in purchased models. But such rugs are not cheap. For the simplest option with a minimum of development elements, you will have to pay at least 2000-3000 rubles. At the same time, it is not a fact that the baby will be interested in such a purchase for a long time with a small number of interesting “things”.

It will be much more interesting to experiment and make a similar toy for a newborn yourself. If there are older children in the family, you can involve them in creating such a gaming center too. This way, the younger family member will get an educational toy, and older children will have an interesting and creative time.

How to sew a developmental mat with your own hands

In fact, everything is not as difficult as it seems. To give such a gift to a baby, you only need a little patience, imagination and available materials.

Where to start

First you need to soberly assess your sewing capabilities and perseverance. If this is difficult, then there is no need to take on complex models. A simple option made from an old blanket, fabric appliqués and buttons is a good place to start. Although this gadget looks simple, it will be very interesting for the little ones.

Appliques are sewn onto an old blanket base different shapes and colors from thick fabric (you can take felt). It’s good to decorate everything with buttons, and make several elements detachable - this will develop motor skills. The more decor and color, the better!

To make such a rug for a baby, you will need a minimum of time and materials.

If you want to do something more complicated, then you need more thorough preparation. You need to stock up on materials in advance, find suitable ideas on the Internet, or come up with them yourself. It’s better to draw the future rug on paper in advance to have a clear idea of ​​what you should get. This step will help you select fabrics and accessories.

Selection of materials

The choice of source materials depends on the idea. But there is a general set that will definitely come in handy:

• Threads different colors for sewing and embroidery.
• Needle.
• Scissors.
• Sewing machine. Of course, you can limit yourself to using your hands, but with sewing equipment the rug will turn out neater and the work will go faster.
• Velcro tape.
• Zippers of short length and bright colors.
• Regular underwear elastic.
• Various types of braid.
• Buttons of different shapes, colors and sizes.
• Scraps of fabric of different textures and patterns.
• Candy wrappers for “rustling” elements.
• Squeakers from old toys to make a musical rug. You can use musical elements with buttons on batteries from books or toys.
• Plastic rings from old pacifiers and nipple holders.
• An old blanket for the base. Instead, padding polyester or any other insulation material that will not clump and dries quickly is suitable.
• Bright fabric for covering the rug. It is necessary to use hypoallergenic materials (cotton, fleece, flannel, etc.).

This kit is enough to make an amazing educational toy. Based on your intention, you can add to the list.

The main stages of making a developmental mat

1. It is necessary to think over the design and make patterns

This pattern is suitable for the base of the rug. It already provides for division into sectors. Each sector will carry its own meaning. When cutting, leave seam allowances

It is also better to make patterns for decorative elements in advance on paper in full size. You can take templates from the Internet or draw them yourself.
2. Then you need to cut the fabric for the base and sew it. An old blanket or padding polyester is placed inside to make the base warm and the child can play on the floor.
3. When the base is ready, you can begin the main work - decor. Game elements can be very different.

A house with an opening door. There is a bright applique hidden behind the door.

Ladybug with a zipper that trains motor skills

Volumetric sun, which can be supplemented with a “squeaker”

Tent made of smooth textured material (raincoat fabric can be used) with Velcro and zipper

A berry on a string that you can pull back and forth

Velcro bridge over the river

A cloud with a pocket from which you can pull out the “rain” from the braid

Volumetric clouds with padding polyester inside and tulle folds on the outside. They can be sewn to the base, or they can be made with Velcro

A flower made of textured fabric with a voluminous center where you can put a rustling element, a button with music or a beeper

There can be a lot of ideas for game elements. To begin with, all the decor is sewn separately. Then it is carefully sewn to the base. Here are just a few options for ready-made homemade rugs:

Idea with sectors designed according to the seasons

And this is how you can decorate the edges. With the help of braid they can be turned into sides. You can use buttons instead of ribbons

Bright rug “Parsley”

4. If you want to complicate the task and make a rug with arcs, you can make them using flexible plastic pipes of small diameter or a cheap plastic hoop.

Plastic pipes suitable for arcs. If you have a plastic hoop, you need to cut it in half

The arcs need to be wrapped with padding polyester. Foil insulation is also suitable. The entire structure is well wrapped with threads for fixation. Manipulation is carried out with both arcs

The top of the arcs is sheathed with material suitable for the base of the rug

To secure the toys, you need to sew these loops of braid into the arch covers

Another option for attaching toys is Velcro cuffs. This design can easily move along an arc

To secure the arcs to the base, you can use different methods. It is better to choose those with removable arches. This will make the mat easier to fold and store.

The first method is plastic carbines
You will need four carabiners; you can take those left over from old high chairs, strollers, sleds, etc. It will also not be difficult to buy them at a sewing accessories store.

One part of the carabiner is secured with inside rug on all four corners

The second part is fixed at the ends of the arcs. For fastening, a cover of the arches is used, which needs to be made a little longer for this purpose.

To secure the arches, you just need to fasten all four fasteners, and secure the crosspiece on top with ribbon or braid, tying it crosswise. The second part of the Velcro is sewn to the ends of the arches

The arcs are inserted into the holes crosswise and secured from the inside with Velcro. You need to tie a braid on top for additional fixation. Instead of tape, you can use the same Velcro tape, which is sewn on the bottom of the upper arc and on top of the bottom

You can choose any method of attaching the arches. Some people use buttons or simply sew arcs to the base.

5. All that remains is to hang the toys from the arcs. You can purchase them in advance at the store or sew them yourself. Hanging toys also need to be equipped with interesting details, for example, inserting a bell from a rattle inside.

This bunny can be an excellent hanging toy. No patterns are required for sewing. A couple of pieces for the head and dress, ribbon for the ears, and cord for the arms and legs are enough.

Using these instructions, you can sew an excellent developmental mat for a newborn, which will be even better than a store-bought one.

Buying a play mat is not difficult. But not all models sold in stores meet the necessary safety conditions. Why risk wasting your money? It is much better to make this useful gadget with your own hands. And you can be absolutely sure that all the materials are of high quality, and the item is made well and with love.

In addition, the item will be original and presented in a single copy - great option for a gift. As the baby grows, you can watch him and add play elements to the item in accordance with the baby’s interests. Better yet, make several rugs with elements of varying complexity. This way the baby will definitely not get bored, and mommy will have some free time for herself or for household chores.

Modern parents begin to engage in the development of their child literally from the first days of his life. Pediatricians and psychologists recommend paying special attention fine motor skills, as it is directly related to the formation of speech. Toy manufacturers have long picked up this idea and brought it to life, producing numerous educational toys. But many of them can be done with your own hands.

Why you need to develop fine motor skills

Many people are aware of the need for development fine motor skills children with early age. However, not everyone understands why this is needed and what such activities are.

Fine motor skills are the ability to perform precise movements with the hands and fingers. It is coordinated by the work of the nervous, muscular, skeletal and visual systems. Its development begins in the first months of a child’s life with looking at his own fingers and hands. Then the baby gradually learns to master them by picking up toys. Motor skills have a positive effect on manual dexterity, the formation of a student’s future handwriting, and reaction speed.

It has been established that the level of development of a child’s speech directly depends on the degree of formation of finger movements. In the human brain, the centers responsible for speech and motor skills are located nearby. Thus, when one area is stimulated, the other is also activated.

DIY toys for developing fine motor skills in children

The shelves of children's stores offer a wide range of educational aids. It's no secret that their cost is quite high. For interested moms, making your own fine motor toys is a no-brainer. But the main thing will remain uniqueness - after all, they will be made with great tenderness.

Sensory bags

Sewing sensory bags with your own hands is not difficult at all. You will need thick fabric of different colors and textures and filler, which can be used as:

• pasta (spirals, shells, bows, tubes);
• cereals (millet, buckwheat, pearl barley, rice, oats);
• flour and starch;
• legumes (beans, peas, soybeans, beans, corn);
• sweets;
• nuts;
• natural materials (acorns, chestnuts, shells, pebbles);
• erasers of different shapes;
• cotton wool or padding polyester;
• buttons and beads.

Safety rules

Natural materials must be washed and dried thoroughly before use, and toys with food products must be stored in a dry place - pasta and cereals are afraid of moisture. The bags must be sewn or tied in such a way that the baby cannot get their contents under any circumstances.

Video: how to make sensory pads with your own hands

Photo gallery: homemade sensory bags

These bags are easy to make yourself, even without a sewing machine. Filling can be placed not only in fabric: dense balloons Tactile perception can be developed not only with the help of filler, but also by using fabrics of different textures Bags can be of different colors and sizes

Touch Cube

This toy is a cube, on the sides of which there are three-dimensional objects of different shapes and shades or applications made of various materials.

How to make a cube to develop fine motor skills

To make a sensory cube with your own hands, you will need:

• small pieces of fabric of different textures and colors;
• synthetic winterizer or foam rubber as filler;
• interlining;
• decorative elements (buttons, ribbons, ropes, rings, remnants of fabric, iron-on stickers);
• threads;
• iron;
• sewing machine.

From scraps of fabric (it can be cotton, silk, velvet and others) you need to cut out 6 squares with edges of the same size.

You need to cut squares from non-woven fabric with a side 1–1.5 cm smaller than from fabric. Non-woven blanks are placed on fabric ones and ironed - both parts will stick together, receive a rigid structure and will keep their shape well.

Each square is designed in accordance with an idea: these can be figures of animals and birds, geometric shapes made of fur or felt, thermal stickers, buttons, clasps and much more.

When the design is finished, you need to sew 4 squares into one strip.

The two remaining blanks are sewn to one of the squares at the top and bottom.

The seams are made along the contour of the non-woven edges and then secured. Next, the development is sewn together to form a cube.

On the last edge in the corner you need to leave a small hole and carefully turn the cube out through it. The toy is filled with foam rubber or padding polyester and sewn with a hidden seam. You can also place rustling paper or a bell in the cube along with the filler.

Video: how to make a developing cube with your own hands

Tactile pillow

Sensory (tactile) pillows are suitable for babies from 2–3 months to 3 years. It all depends on the set of elements that are placed on it. A small amount is suitable for the little ones simple materials. Before giving such a toy to a child, you need to make sure that all the elements are firmly attached: if the baby pulls one of them into his mouth, it should not come off.

For children from 1 year old, you can select and sew on more diverse and complex educational items: zippers, buttons, lacing, Velcro, bows and ropes that can be tied and pulled. You can make such a toy by using a ready-made pillow and sewing a pillowcase with decorative elements for it.

Photo gallery: sensory pillows of different shapes

This pillow is suitable for babies from 2-3 months. For the image on each of the squares, you can use a fabric of different texture This pillow is suitable for children from 1 year. It presents more complex elements: buttons, ribbons, bows, Velcro, clasp This turtle has several sides, each of which contains different developmental elements: carabiner, lacing, buttons. It is suitable for children from two years old

DIY pillow for developing fine motor skills

You can sew such a pillow at home.

To make it you will need:

• fabric - green (53x30 cm) and blue (83x20 cm);
• non-woven fabric (53×50 cm);
• fabric for the back side (50×55 cm);
• felt of different colors and floss threads to match;
• zipper 50 cm long;
• Velcro, buttons, braid, ribbons, hat elastic;
• Whatman paper, pencil;
• scissors;
• threads, needles and pins for sewing;
• pillow 45x50 cm.

Before you start sewing, you need to make a life-size sketch of the future pillow. You can use stencils for this.

Blue fabric is cut into two strips (the first - 30x20 cm for the pocket, the second - 53x20 cm for the base). A piece of green fabric and a blue flap prepared for the base are duplicated in size by non-woven fabric. The cutout for the pocket is folded in half.

A sun is made from yellow felt and ribbons: a circle with a diameter of 10 cm and 7–8 strips, each 10 cm long.

A felt sun with ribbon rays folded in half is pinned to the blue fabric prepared for the pocket.

The pieces are sewn together using a sewing machine or by hand using small, neat stitches.

The elements of the main part (blue and green) and the pocket are connected together.

The base made of green fabric is located at the bottom, and the base made of blue fabric is located at the top. A pocket with a sun is placed in the upper left corner

Then the base and non-woven backing are pinned together and then stitched together.

Elements from the drawn sketch are cut out of felt.

“Felt waves” connect with each other. For each fish you need two parts (can be of different colors) and an elastic band 10–15 cm long

Elastic bands with knots tied at the ends are placed between the elements of the fish and sewn together. The waves are laid out on the base (1–1.5 cm away from the edges for seam allowances).

Multi-colored fish are placed between the waves and fixed. The river elements are stitched first at the bottom, then along the entire perimeter.

The next element is wood. For each of them you need two crown blanks, one trunk and several apples or pears. The parts are sewn together, while the fruit is located inside between two crowns, and the trunk remains on top.

The blank for the railway is made of gray felt. Its size is 53x5 cm.

The railway is placed on a green clearing, which already has a river and trees.

To make a steam locomotive and a trailer, you will also need two elements each. The front parts are decorated using felt of different colors (wheels, windows, pipe). The parts are sewn at the top. A small button is attached to the rear edge of the train, and a small loop of ribbon is attached to the trailer. A 50 cm long ribbon is threaded through the unsewn edge, and knots are tied at the ends. The structure is located on the railway and fixed.

Clouds are made from blue felt - also two elements each. Through them, like through a train, a braid is passed, the ends of which are sewn to the blue part of the base.

Flowers are cut out of felt of different colors, Velcro is used for the middle, and placed in a green clearing next to the river. The seam is made along the edge of the Velcro, and the petals remain free.

Following the example of fish, a butterfly and a bee are made. On reverse side Velcro is sewn onto each figure so that insects can land on the flowers.

A lock is sewn into the middle of the piece of fabric that was chosen for the back of the pillowcase.

The front and back parts of the pillowcase are folded with the right sides inward and sewn around the perimeter, leaving seam allowances (1-1.5 cm on each side).

If you wish, you can make figurines of animals that will ride on the train. You can draw faces on them with a marker.

The pillowcase is ready. The baby can play with it, placing animals in a trailer, rolling a train along the rails, planting insects on flowers, looking for fruits on trees.

Testoplasty

Effectively promotes the development of motor ability of fingers. Plasticine, which all parents are familiar with since childhood, is dangerous to give to a one-year-old baby, because he tastes everything. Ordinary dough comes to the rescue. You can prepare it yourself from safe ingredients.

Play dough recipe

For it you will need finely ground salt and water (one part each), flour (2 parts).

1. Combine salt and flour in a deep bowl, add water.
2. Mix well.
3. Knead the mixture to the consistency of soft plasticine.

If after cooking the dough sticks to your hands, you can add salt and flour to it (observing the proportion). If you get a crumbly texture, just increase the amount of water.
If your baby loves to sculpt, you can make a lot of dough at once. You need to store it in the refrigerator, pinching off the “working” pieces as needed. But such material should not be stored for a long time - over time, the dough loses its elasticity. For older children, you can add food coloring during the cooking process. After drying, the dough figures become hard and durable. They can be colored and used for games.

Photo gallery: do-it-yourself dough figurines

You can make such a basket together with your baby - it’s a fun, creative and useful activity.
You can make figures of your child’s favorite animals from the dough. Dried crafts can be painted with acrylic paints From the figures you can create whole pictures and use them to decorate a child’s room.

Collapsible elements

Playing with small details develops motor skills very well.

Felt coats

All large parts on such samples (pockets, sleeves and even collar) are removable. The child himself will be able to create interesting models by combining colors. Such toys are suitable for children from two years old.

Math strings

When your baby begins to show interest in numbers, you can offer him math strings. They not only develop fine motor skills well, but also help to learn counting.

Video: didactic games with shurkas

Lacing

Such devices are great for improving motor activity fingers and arms. After all, you don’t just need to take a multi-colored rope - it must fall into a small hole.

Simple lacing can be made from any safe surface: a wooden plank, a plastic lid or regular thick cardboard. On them, using a screwdriver heated on a candle or an awl, you need to make holes with a diameter of 5 mm in a random order.

An even easier way to keep your child busy with lacing is to use a colander.

More complex lacing can be made in any shape. This will require a little more time, imagination and material.

Sorters

Sorters, in addition to fine motor skills, allow you to develop perseverance, attentiveness and intelligence in your baby. Making them yourself is also possible, although a little more difficult than lacing or mathematical laces.

For the sorter you will need carton and several small toys of different shapes. On one side of the box you need to cut holes corresponding to the shapes of the selected items, only a little larger in size.

Photo gallery: DIY sorters

Round holes are cut slightly larger than the plastic caps
This original large sorter is suitable for babies who can already walk. For the most simple option for a homemade sorter you will need a box and cardboard blanks

Educational stands - universal didactic devices

An educational stand can combine elements of all the described items and games.

To make such a board, you can attach any items that you find in the house to a sheet of fiberboard or an unnecessary tabletop:

• bolts,
• locks,
• sockets with plugs attached to them,
• switches of different sizes and shapes,
• door hooks,
• bolts,
• coat hooks,
• old rotary telephone
• bell on a string,
• glockenspiel.

Over time, existing items can be replaced with new ones, maintaining the child’s interest in the game.

Educational books

Educational books are a great pleasure for children of any age, starting from the moment when the child can sit independently.

You can make a book based on your child’s favorite fairy tale

Video: handmade educational books

Foot massage mat

Fine motor skills are the development of not only hands, but also toes. Orthopedists talk about the positive effect of a child walking barefoot on different surfaces. In summer it is easier to do this - you can walk on sand, grass, pebbles. And in other seasons, miracle rugs will come in handy: small flat stones are sewn or glued onto thick fabric, plastic lids from bottles, buttons and much more.

Photo gallery: homemade massage mats

This rug combines materials that give different sensations children's feet
Pebbles are glued to a carpet base You can make a massage mat from many materials, including plastic covers.

The development of fine motor skills in a child is possible without expensive store-bought toys. There are always many objects in the house that are interesting to children. Joint family creativity gives an amazing feeling of closeness, and the child’s delight and success are even more pleasing.

Material (bright cotton fabric several colors),
- foam rubber,
- threads,
- sewing machine,
- applications,
- filler for hanging toys,
- safety mirror for the baby,
- foam rope,
- finishing materials (braid, bells, bells, rattles, rings for cutting, Velcro, zippers).

Instructions for sewing a developmental mat

1. Decide on the size of the rug. It will depend on the available space (not every mother will be able to allocate an area of ​​2x2 m in an ordinary apartment) and content. Basically, the sizes of developmental mats vary from 1x1 m to 1.5x1.5 m.


2. Draw a sketch of the rug. It’s better to immediately think about the color scheme and complementary details. Maybe your developmental mat will be divided into developmental zones or will be a transforming mat.


3. Calculate how much fabric you will need for the main fabric and additional parts (sewn on, attached with Velcro, buttons, snaps, etc.). The underside of the rug can be made of smooth, non-staining fabric or even oilcloth. In the latter case, it will be easy to wipe with a damp sponge. The main part of the rug should be made of natural, safe, bright fabrics of different textures. It can be flannel, velvet, fleece, silk fabrics. It is important that the fabrics do not fade, otherwise your rug will look pale after the first wash))


4. Select accessories. All accessories for a developmental mat must meet safety requirements. It is better to take beads unpainted; they should not be fragile, because a child can try them “by tooth.” Look for plastic tractor zippers, not metal ones. Choose larger pull tabs on the zippers (it will be easier for small fingers to remove them). It is possible that you will have to purchase some additional details: rattles, a mirror separately. All finished appliqués (even those with adhesive) will need to be sewn on.


5. Rug filler. You can use padding polyester as a filler for a rug, but then you will have to quilt it with the main fabric (when washed, non-quilted padding polyester tends to bunch up). It’s easier to choose thin foam rubber for the filler. It will keep its shape better.


6. Cut out the fabric. Baste and stitch the main pieces of the top of the rug. Sew all the additional details into the right places. Sew securely, kids manage to tear off even what an adult can’t do, so don’t skimp on threads.


7. Assemble the top and bottom parts of the development mat and place the padding polyester (foam rubber) inside.


8. Sew up the edge. Your mat is ready.

Addition:

If you can later hang the rug on the wall or want to attach it to the crib frame, then at the assembly stage, think about and sew loops to one side of the rug. If you want to make soft arcs on the rug for hanging toys, then you can use either halves of a children's plastic hoop or pipe insulation made of Porylex (a material similar to foam rubber in the form of a hose).

Ideas for educational elements on the mat

Clouds. It can be white or dark fabrics of any texture (fur, chintz, satin, shaggy fabric, etc.) Clouds can be attached with Velcro and block the sun. The clouds may have a pocket from which rain streams (strings with beads or sparkles) can be removed. You can sew rustling plastic bags inside the clouds.

Sun. Made from any bright fabric, trimmed with fringe or satin ribbons. The rays can be with Velcro, sewn on or equipped with buttons.

Rainbow.It is easy to organize a rainbow by sewing multi-colored satin ribbons in a row.

Little house.Door with lace. Inside there is a pocket where you can place character figures (Masha, bear, bunny, fox, cockerel, etc.).

Engine(ship, etc.). It is attached on a loop to the braid and moves along it. It can also accommodate passengers.

Trees(palm trees, apple trees, fir trees, etc.). There may be removable leaves or fruits (apples, cones, nuts). You can make several different trees and teach the child to relate the tree to the fruit. Mushrooms, forest dwellers, gnomes or woodland creatures can hide under the trees (what you like, it all depends on your imagination).

Flower.The stem is usually sewn on, but the petals are attached at one end (like a chamomile). The center of the flower can be a pocket in which a bee (butterfly, caterpillar, beetle, etc.) “lives” on an elastic band.

Garden(beds). The beds can be made from braid on which you can attach vegetables (a bed with carrots, a bed with cabbage, onions, etc.) or in the form of pockets.

Lake(any body of water).

For very young children, you can sew a thick transparent film, behind which flat parts (fish, pebbles, snails) will be placed. Small flat pieces are not so easy to move, and this is the basis of the game - to move the fish or the snail or the seahorse.

You can come up with any themes for your rug and use your creative imagination to create something truly original and unique.
This rug will not only be remembered by you, but will also be your child’s favorite toy.

Well, rug options

Making a children's rug with your own hands is quite simple. All that is needed for this is material, desire and opportunity. Below we invite you to familiarize yourself with some models of such rugs for children.

Bedside braids

The purpose of such small rugs is to protect your feet from the cold floor and have a slight massage effect. Carpets come in a variety of shapes - both round and rectangular. It all depends on your taste. You can read more about massage mats for children in another article.

To make such a bedside foot mat, you just need to perform a few simple steps with some old knitted item.

First you need to cut the item into wide strips of equal length. To finish the edges, fold the scraps along the long side. Divide them into three piles - later we will make three ribbons from them.

Sew the top of the strips and braid to the very end. After this, it must be rolled into a spiral, sewing the sides.

For a long service life of such a patchwork rug, it is better to sew dense fabric on the reverse side.

Tactile tracks or mats

Intended for the prevention of flat feet in young children.

A child’s foot begins to form from the first days of his life, and this process ends by the age of 6-7 years. At this time we can positively contribute normal development the child's feet with the help of such rugs.

For toddlers, paths with small dimensions are perfect: 40x60 cm. Material: whatever comes to hand. It is, of course, advisable to use denim as a base - it is quite durable. You can come up with any design using beads and leftover fabric.

You can do two various types such rugs: single-layer and in the form of bags with filling.

The bags are usually filled with cereal or peas. To prevent the cereal from falling apart, you can additionally use adhesive tape - it holds well.

Single-layer rugs are used together with decor in the form of pebbles, flowers or rings. Round pebbles are sewn into them.

Rugs for newborns

They help the child's development and are very convenient in everyday life.

Such products are used as a simulator for training memory, concentration and learning to think logically. As the main elements, you can take the simplest figures that come to mind.

Also, interchangeable elements that can be thought through additionally will help parents bring fairy-tale characters to life by staging fairy tales or performances for their child.

The product is usually made round. However, you should not get hung up on this; it is better to create an original design of the rug - a more complex one. Thus, your baby will be able to learn to perceive non-standard elements, exploring the world through play.

It is better to choose the craft material from natural fibers, for example, natural cotton. Synthetics can cause allergic reactions in a child.

For ease of use, you can equip the baby product with a zipper or adhesive tape - this way you can remove the filler from the mat without any problems. For the inside, the ideal option would be natural wool or another equally dense material.

Decor in the form of appliques is a great idea

Knitted rug options

From the mass of options for knitted rugs, we will choose, perhaps, the most interesting and easy one. More detailed description You can read how to do this below. In the meantime, we’ll tell you what you need for this.

Every housewife has several unnecessary holey tights and socks - with their help we will make a useful product. For this task you will need about 15-20 tights and the same number of socks.

The result is an interesting carpet design made from unnecessary things, consisting of a tetrahedral chain with a total length of more than 12 meters.

While knitting, the entire process is done automatically, so you can watch TV at the same time.

Volumetric rug made of pompoms

Children will especially like this option for floor decoration. After all, this is not only a beautiful decor, but also a soft toy. To make a cool rug, you need to make pom-poms and a base. The material can be: fabric fibers, bags or yarn. This mat can be used for baby crawling.

Pompoms can be used to make not only beautiful rugs. They are also used to make pillows, blankets, and bedspreads. Acrylic yarn – best option for this. Using the most simple circuits for embroidery will simplify your work and save your nerves.

You can read more about this unique specimen below.

Sensory

This rug helps the child perceive the world around us through sensations. There must be new unusual ones and his favorite ones soft toys. A variety of stripes that he could touch with his hands are also welcome.

With the help of such a product, the baby will learn to concentrate his attention and develop independently, while being in constant motion.

Massage

There are many options for creating such a carpet. This could be a rug with buttons, a gymnastics option, an option for walking or for hardening.

Such a thing consists of a base made of some material and elements protruding above the surface. In the store you can find rubber products with pimples - this is a massage mat. The height of the protruding parts will determine how you feel when walking on it.

The advantages of such a carpet:

• Correct development of the baby's feet.
• Improving the functioning of the immune system.
• Stimulation of speech development.
• Relaxes and relieves stress.

Do it yourself: master classes

We'll tell you how to make some interesting rugs with your own hands.

Knitted from tights

So, above we talked about what it is and what material is needed for the craft. Now let’s try to describe in more detail how to make this quite interesting carpet design element.

After assembling everything required material(tights, socks, needle, thread) we begin to produce the carpet.

• Step one is cutting off the socks of the tights.
• Step two is cutting the tights into strips.
• The third step is to make a ring from the cut part. You should get several such rings.
• The fourth step is coils. A ring with 2-3 turns in a crosshair is wound around the thumb and index finger.
• Fifth step - use the remaining three fingers of the hand. Having wound the next ring on them in several turns, with a crosshair we throw it over the thumb and index fingers.
• Step six - remove the bottom loop from the thumb, leaving the top loop in place. We do the same with the index finger.
• Seventh step - we do this until we run out of tights and socks.

This is such an interesting and very easy technology.

Pompom mat

Making pompoms

There are several ways:

• Using table legs. The yarn is wound around the legs and tied with threads. It is cut in the middle between the dressing elements. The yarn is straightened out and the pompoms are trimmed. This way you can get a huge number of pompoms.
• Using a fork. This item is used to make small pompoms. A piece of thread should be left for tying. So, let's wind the yarn. The ends need to be crossed and tied. We cut the side windings and trim the ball itself. This method is good for a large product. The result is neat, dense balls that can be used to make a rug in the shape of a bear, butterfly or flower.
• Using cardboard. Two circles of the same size are drawn. Cut out a small circle in the middle. A thread is placed between them and crossed. It is the tying link of the pompom. The yarn is then wound tightly around the template. Please note that the rigidity of the pompom ball depends on the thickness of the winding. The threads are cut at the top, the cardboard templates are pulled apart, the ends are pulled together, and a pompom is tied. This method is cheap, but labor intensive.
• Using a tool. You can purchase templates of different sizes in specialized stores. The yarn is wound and cut to form a ball. Such a device is quite expensive, but it pays for itself.

To check the density of the balls, you need to squeeze them. If the shape remains the same, then the pompom can be used. The ends of the threads that you use for dressing should not be cut off - they are needed for tying to the base.

Preparing the basis

To do this, you can purchase a special canvas, a mesh for greenhouses, or knit fillet mesh made of polypropylene.

Now let's move on to making the rug. Let's make a beautiful product in the shape of a bear.

To do this, first perform a test pompom.

We measure the dimensions

Now let’s draw the following elements on the fabric:

• The body is in the form of a trapezoid.
• Hind oval legs.
• Two semi-ovals - front paws.
• The circle is for the head.
• Two semicircles are for the ears.

According to the templates, we knit the patterns and sew all the details except the body to the fabric base. We sew eyes and a nose to the head, and 4 fingers in the form of circles to the front paws. On the body you need to tie 9 rows of pompoms in the following order: 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 9, 8, 9, 8. Next you need to sew all the parts.

This principle can be used for almost every animal or insect.

Many craftswomen love to invent and sew interesting products for young children. It’s so nice if a child has something made with his own hands, because it has a special warmth and energy. You can make not only clothes, but also nice accessories for your baby. A great idea is to learn and understand how to sew a voluminous rug for a child. It’s not at all difficult to make such a patchwork and textured fabric with your own hands, although you will need to stock up on time and perseverance.

A little about the product

What is such a soft accessory for a child? A blanket or rug consists of a base fabric onto which square pieces of fabric are sewn in a special way. They are filled with padding, and the rug acquires volume and incredible softness. This technique is called “bombon”. In addition, it is also known under the terms “biscuit” and “ottomans”.

Important! To add brightness and a childish theme to the rug, pieces of fabric are used various colors or ornaments.

The product can be used for a variety of purposes:

• As a blanket.
• A warm and soft rug for your baby to play with.
• Decorative blanket for the crib.
• Convenient and comfortable cover for a children's high chair.

You can decorate a rug made from voluminous squares with your own hands in a wide variety of ways - it all depends only on your imagination and taste. Let us outline several ideas for making a rug:

• Plain fabric of any color. If you are sewing such a rug for a newborn boy, you can make it soft blue, and for a little princess - pink.
• Contrasting tones. Bright, catchy and fun.
• Incredible rainbow combination. Some product models are decorated with multi-colored diagonal stripes.
• Rugs that combine two or three related shades look very interesting and stylish.
• Choose colors that match bed linen baby, and then you will get a single textile composition.
• Decorate the outer edge of the rug around the entire perimeter with a strip of poufs in a contrasting color. You can continue the idea and make a rectangle from the same shade in the center of the product.
• You can also arrange bombons of different shades and patterns in different ways: chaotic, symmetrical, diagonal, checkerboard.

Preparatory stage

At this stage you need to determine:

• Rug design. Come up with a pattern and layout of multi-colored patches.

Important! A drawing made on paper helps a lot with this.

• Fabrics used. Based on the idea, you need to select the material from which the children's canvas will be made. It is necessary not only to choose the fabric, but also its shades, designs and patterns. In addition, the material is used for different purposes: fabric for the base, fabric for poufs, and, if necessary, fabric for the lower base.

Important! For children's clothes, it is better to choose fabrics that are hypoallergenic and pleasant to the touch. It is desirable that they be natural.

• Stuffing material. It is optimal to use padding polyester or holofiber.
• Availability of decor and its execution.

Important! You can complement the original blanket with a beautiful ruffle along the outer perimeter of the canvas, bright satin ribbon or an interesting braid.

Tools and materials

So, before starting work, prepare the following materials and tools:

1. Cotton for the top of the elements: you will need 16 patches measuring 50 by 50 cm.
2. Cotton for making 144 patches measuring 11 by 11 cm. The color of these elements can be anything, since they are not visible.
3. Cotton for the base of the canvas measuring 90 by 160 cm. Choose a fairly dense material and not too easily soiled.
4. To match the base shade, select bias tape approximately 5 meters long.
5. To fill the poufs you will need holofiber.
6. Threads, pins, needles.
7. Sharp scissors.
8. Sewing machine.

Preparing fabric and cutting out parts

If you want a voluminous rug for a child with your own hands to be smooth, symmetrical and beautiful, pre-decorate the fabric.

Important! This procedure consists of wet and heat treatment of the material, which consists of washing, drying, and ironing cotton. These manipulations eliminate shrinkage natural fabric, distortion of parts.

After this, we proceed to cutting out the parts. We cut the front bright fabric into 144 squares measuring 15 by 15 cm, and additional cotton into the same number of elements, but measuring 11 by 11 cm.

Stitching and stuffing

• We take two parts of different sizes: one square is 11 by 11 cm, and the second is 15 by 15 cm. On a large flap on each side we create an opposing fold measuring 2 cm. As a result of such manipulations, the parameters of the parts will be equal. We fix the folds with pins.
• We connect both parts facing outwards and secure them with pins again. We sew it on a machine, leaving a small hole for stuffing.
• We prepare 144 elements of the rug in this way. That is why at the beginning we mentioned some time investment and perseverance, since the work is quite painstaking.
• We fill all the elements with holofiber.

Important! Do not stuff the poufs too tightly, as the parts will shrink during the assembly process.

• After stuffing, sew the hole using a machine.

Product assembly

After you have prepared all 144 parts, all that remains is to assemble a three-dimensional rug for a child with your own hands. How to do this? The technique is as follows:

• Two finished squares are placed facing each other, that is, with the convex side.
• We combine the parts on one of the sides in the most careful way.
• Secure with pins.
• We sew the elements on a machine along this side.
• We gradually connect all 144 parts.

Important! Assembly must be carried out in sequence, according to your product design.

• We fold the resulting convex canvas and the base under it facing each other.
• We machine stitch around the perimeter, leaving a small hole.
• Turn it right side out and sew up the remaining gap.
• We decorate the rug from volumetric squares with our own hands along the entire edge with bias tape.

And now the beautiful, bright rug is ready! The baby will certainly be delighted with such a wonderful soft canvas and will happily play on it or sleep sweetly, covered with a blanket.

Another sewing technique:

1. We draw the fabric for the base of the rug into squares.
2. Cut out the appropriate number of squares for the bombons.
3. We lay out the parts on the base and grind them horizontally. As a result, you will get a kind of ribbon of squares.
4. Next, we apply the first such strip face up to the top line drawn on the base. We fix the parts together with pins.
5. After this, we combine the remaining sides of the strip and the line.
6. The next step is stitching the top and vertical lines. In the process, you need to make folds on each square.
7. The result was pockets.
8. We fill them with padding polyester or holofiber.
9. We apply the second strip to the already sewn first strip, wrong side up, and secure with pins.
10. We sew on a machine, forming the same folds as the previous time.
    Turn the second strip right side out.
11. We correlate all its edges with the drawn diagram, fasten it with pins, and sew it together on a typewriter.
12. We fill the pockets and repeat all steps the required number of times.
13. In the end, all that remains is to decorate the canvas with beautiful ruffles along the edges of the product.