How To Sew A Soft Ball - What about a perfect baby-welcoming gift you can make in a really short time? This is an easy, step-by-step beginner sewing tutorial that shows you how to make a soft toy for a baby. I included lots of photos to make it super easy for you to sew a handmade gift to a special baby in your life - it's a perfect beginner sewing project. And did I mention there is a free PDF sewing pattern waiting for you to download?
This post includes affiliate links. Thanks for your support. Now, off to sewing these softies: they are an all-time favorite with babies, so you cannot miss if you decide to make one yourself as a baby gift. In fact, I've made some as baby welcoming gifts myself - and they always, always turned out to be a great, personalized present.
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They are sooo easy to sew! Let me show you how.
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While you are at sewing, you can make an easy earwarmer headband in matching colors. You'll have a wonderful handmade present for your loved ones (aka 2-in-1!) – You can either use my free 3-size version (baby to 1 year) if you subscribe to newsletter, or get an 8-size PDF pattern in my shop (baby to adult). The latter comes complete with instructions and tips for easy sewing. Easy project, too!
Read on and learn how to make this softie by yourself, it's easy!
I usually use a 1/4 inch seam allowance here (=approximately 7 mm in metric), the usual one for soft toys.
1) Use the PDF pattern to cut 5 pieces for the soft baby ball. Also cut several pieces of ribbon, each 2 inch (5 cm) in length. Arrange the individual leaves for sewing.
2) Put the first two pieces with right sides of fabric together. Fold a ribbon in half and pin it between the two leaves. Note: the loop of the ribbon should be facing inwards (see the photo).
3) Sew along the entire side of the leaf and leave the other one open.
4) Add individual leaves as you sew, each time adding a satin-like ribbon (folded in half and facing inwards, as mentioned above). Each time you add a leaf, just sew along one side, as shown in the photos below.
5) When the 5th leaf has been attached, you'll need to stitch it together with the 1st leaf, but not entirely. Leave an opening for stuffing. Then turn the ball inside out.
6) Stuff it with some soft material and then close the opening.
Soooo, your soft and cuddly fabric ball is ready for playing. Happy gift giving!
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Lovely project! Thanks for sharing great tutorial!
Hope you have an awesome week!
This is adorable!! TFS!! Stopping by from Sew Crafty Angel's Wake Up Wednesday Linky Party and a co-host. I am also a follower now.
Very fun! A lot of my friends have new babies or are expecting. This would make a great gift!
A great toy for a little one.
Oh its so cute.. I am definitely going to make one for my 6 month old son.
so happy to hear that! This is why the tutorial was made. Happy sewing!
Great toy! And a great project to use scrap fabrics!
thank you, I agree - I love to use scrap fabrics for these type of projects too!
Love this tutorial was so easy, I do however am wondering how you closed the hole up after stuffing it ??
I haven't realized that I forgot to explain that in the tutorial: I just topstitched over the opening using the sewing machine. Hope this helps!
Hi Damjana. I love your blog and so happy to find your project on Pinterest. Just want to personally thank you and let you know that I featured this project on my blog in my sewing for babies post.
Please let me know if I missed something or if you want to change and add information about your blog and project.
thank you, that's so sweet of you! Let's stay in touch!
Is this washable with the stuffing material?
My seams get all skewed as I add leaves. What's the trick to keeping them straight?
does it help if you pin two leaves together (RST) before stitching?