DIY Soft Fabric Ball for Toddlers: Easy Craft Tutorial

Updated at: 06/06/2025

Toddlers are naturally drawn to soft, engaging textures, and few things satisfy this more than a cuddly, homemade ball. This easy-to-follow tutorial guides you through creating a delightful, soft fabric ball perfect for your little one, offering a safe and stimulating alternative to store-bought toys. Made from simple materials you likely already have at home, this project is not only budget-friendly but also a fantastic opportunity for creative expression. You can customize the colours, fabrics, and even add embellishments to make it truly unique.

Forget expensive, potentially hazardous toys! This DIY soft fabric ball project offers a chance to create a cherished, personalized item for your toddler. The result is a wonderful sensory experience, perfect for grasping, throwing, and cuddling. Ready to get started and transform simple fabric scraps into a treasured plaything? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Paper
  • Scissors
  • Needle
  • Thread
  • Cotton filling
Safety Guidelines
  • Adult supervision is required at all times while the toddler is playing with the soft ball. Small parts could pose a choking hazard if detached.
  • Ensure all seams are securely stitched and there are no loose threads that could be pulled and ingested.
  • Choose fabrics that are soft, non-toxic, and washable. Avoid using fabrics with small embellishments that could easily detach.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Create Fabric Pieces

    • Draw a 5.5-inch circle on paper. Cut it out, ensuring the circle is neatly cut.
    • Fold the circle in half, then in half again to create quarters. Mark the center point.
    • Cut from the center point to each quarter fold, creating four sections.
    • Fold each section in half, creating a smaller, triangular shape.
    Fold each section in half, creating a smaller, triangular shape.Fold each section in half, creating a smaller, triangular shape.Fold each section in half, creating a smaller, triangular shape.Fold each section in half, creating a smaller, triangular shape.
    Create Fabric Pieces
    • Stitch together the two straight edges of each folded triangle.
    • Leave a small opening at one end of the stitched triangles. Turn them right side out.
    • Stuff the fabric triangles with cotton filling.
    • Hand-stitch the opening closed.
    Hand-stitch the opening closed.Hand-stitch the opening closed.Hand-stitch the opening closed.Hand-stitch the opening closed.
    Create Fabric Pieces

  2. Make More Pieces

    • Repeat steps 1-8 to create 11 more identical fabric pieces.
    Repeat steps 1-8 to create 11 more identical fabric pieces.
    Make More Pieces

  3. Assemble Squares

    • Join four of the fabric pieces together by stitching their corners to form a larger square. Repeat this for the remaining pieces to create three more squares.
    Join four of the fabric pieces together by stitching their corners to form a larger square. Repeat this for the remaining pieces to create three more squares.
    Assemble Squares

  4. Assemble the Ball

    • Join all four squares together by stitching their edges, forming the final ball shape.
    Join all four squares together by stitching their edges, forming the final ball shape.
    Assemble the Ball

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

Tips

  • Use strong thread for sewing to ensure durability.
  • Securely fasten the knots to prevent the seams from coming undone.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Filling the ball too tightly

Reason: An overly tight fill makes the ball hard and less enjoyable for a toddler to play with; it can also make sewing the opening more difficult.
Solution: Use a medium-firm stuffing level for optimal softness and easy sewing.

2. Leaving a large opening while sewing

Reason: A large opening can cause the stuffing to spill out and make the ball less durable; it can also look messy.
Solution: Use small, even stitches and close the opening completely before turning the ball right side out.

FAQs

What kind of fabric is best for making a soft fabric ball for a toddler?
Soft, washable fabrics like cotton flannel, fleece, or felt are ideal. Avoid anything with small, detachable parts that could pose a choking hazard.
How can I make sure the ball is securely stitched and won't come apart easily?
Use a strong thread and double stitch all seams. Consider using a sewing machine for added durability, and you can also reinforce seams by hand-stitching over the machine stitching.