DIY Felt Treasure Map for Quiet Books (and More!)

Updated at: 20/06/2025

Unleash your inner cartographer and create a captivating felt treasure map perfect for quiet books, sensory bins, or imaginative play! Felt is a wonderfully tactile and durable material, ideal for crafting engaging activities for children of all ages. Its soft texture and vibrant color possibilities make it a fantastic medium for bringing adventurous journeys to life. This charming treasure map offers endless possibilities, from sparking storytelling adventures to developing fine motor skills as little hands manipulate the various felt elements. The design is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit different themes and age groups, allowing you to tailor the complexity and details to your needs.

This delightful DIY project is surprisingly easy to achieve, even for beginners. Forget complicated sewing techniques – this guide provides a simple, step-by-step process to create your own unique felt treasure map, complete with customizable pathways, treasures, and hidden surprises. Let's embark on this crafting adventure together!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Felt (beige/cream, other colors as desired)
  • Threads (matching felt colors)
  • Scissors
  • Embroidery thread (blue recommended)
Safety Guidelines
  • Adult supervision is required, especially for young children, during all stages of crafting to prevent accidental ingestion of small felt pieces or choking hazards.
  • Use only non-toxic, child-safe felt, glue, and other materials. Always check labels before using any crafting supplies.
  • Ensure all edges of the felt are securely stitched or glued to prevent fraying and potential ingestion of loose fibers.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare and Arrange

    • Prepare your felt pieces according to the template. Arrange them as desired on your cream/beige felt base.
    Prepare your felt pieces according to the template. Arrange them as desired on your cream/beige felt base.
    Prepare and Arrange

  2. Add X and Wiggly Line

    • Sew on the 'X' and create the wiggly line using embroidery thread for a thicker, neater look.
    Sew on the 'X' and create the wiggly line using embroidery thread for a thicker, neater look.
    Add X and Wiggly Line

  3. Attach Island and Boat

    • Attach the island and boat pieces one at a time using a matching thread color. Use a felt stitch (shown in the video) for neatness and strength.
    Attach the island and boat pieces one at a time using a matching thread color. Use a felt stitch (shown in the video) for neatness and strength.
    Attach Island and Boat

  4. Attach Ship's Sail

    • Attach the final piece (ship's sail) using the felt stitch. The felt stitch involves bringing the needle up, knotting, going down under the fabric, leaving a small stitch, and repeating.
    Attach the final piece (ship's sail) using the felt stitch. The felt stitch involves bringing the needle up, knotting, going down under the fabric, leaving a small stitch, and repeating.
    Attach Ship's Sail

  5. Sewing Technique

    • Use a double thread for all sewing to give strength and better color.
    Use a double thread for all sewing to give strength and better color.
    Sewing Technique

  6. Attach Backing

    • Place your dark brown felt backing wrong-sides together with your assembled map. Use a blanket stitch with brown thread to attach the backing, enclosing all the previous needlework.
    Place your dark brown felt backing wrong-sides together with your assembled map. Use a blanket stitch with brown thread to attach the backing, enclosing all the previous needlework.
    Attach Backing

Read more: DIY Picture Frame from Oat Cartons and Fabric: A Simple & Unique Craft

Tips

  • Experiment with the arrangement of your felt pieces before sewing.
  • Using embroidery thread for the wiggly line makes a thicker, neater line and saves time.
  • Always use double thread when sewing for extra strength and a nicer look.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using the Wrong Type of Felt

Reason: Too thin felt can be easily torn, while too thick felt can be difficult to cut and sew neatly, resulting in a messy-looking map.
Solution: Choose a medium-weight felt that is durable yet easy to manipulate.

2. Inaccurate Cutting and Placement of Elements

Reason: Unevenly cut pieces or poorly positioned elements create a disorganized and unprofessional-looking map, detracting from the overall aesthetic appeal.
Solution: Use a sharp pair of scissors, carefully measure and mark your felt pieces before cutting, and use a glue stick for precise placement of smaller details.

FAQs

What type of felt is best for making a felt treasure map?
Wool felt is ideal for its durability and soft texture, but craft felt works well too. Choose felt that's at least 2-3mm thick for stability.
What kind of adhesive should I use to attach the felt pieces?
Fabric glue is recommended for a strong, flexible bond that won’t wrinkle the felt. Hot glue can also work, but use it sparingly to avoid burning yourself and ensure you’re working on a heat-resistant surface.
Can I use this treasure map for anything besides quiet books?
Absolutely! This felt treasure map is versatile. It's great for sensory bins, imaginative play, storytelling prompts, or even as a decorative element in a child's room.