A just for kids soft wall blocks This adaptation of our Snowball Baby Blocks is perfect for a nursery. Appliqué the blocks with the new arrival’s name for a unique gift. 32 thead & bobbin Fabric • 1⁄3 yard print fabric for each block • One coordinating print fat quarter for each block 1 • ⁄3 yard duck canvas (60" wide) • Fabric scraps for letters Supplies & Notions • Thread to match fabrics • Embroidery thread (optional) • Embroidery needle (optional) • 1⁄2 yard 17"-wide fusible web • Buttons • Two 16" lengths 3⁄4"-wide ribbon • Polyester fiberfill • Pointed object for poking out corners (knitting needle, chopstick, etc.) • Basic sewing supplies • Stabilizer Instructions Use a 1⁄4" seam allowance throughout. Make the Blocks Make a snowball block for each letter of the name by following the instructions in the Building Blocks box to the right. Appliqué the Blocks 1. Trace the desired letter on the paper side of the fusible web using the patterns given*. Cut out the letter, leaving 1⁄8"–1⁄4" all around. 2. Fuse the letter to the wrong side of a fabric scrap. Cut out on the drawn lines. 3. Remove the paper backing and fuse the letter to the center of the Snowball block. Building Blocks Make the Snowball Blocks 1. Draw a diagonal line on the back side of each B square. 2. Place a B square right sides together on each corner of an A square. B A 3. Stitch on the drawn lines. Trim seam allowances to 1⁄4". A Finished Size: 7"x 7" x 2" cube Finished Block Size: 7" Skill Level: Intermediate Cutting (for each letter) From fabric A: One 71⁄2" x 42" strip; recut into two 71⁄2" squares (for A piece in Snowball block and back) and four 21⁄2" x 71⁄2" pieces (for sides and bottom) 4. Press the B corners open to make one block. From fabric B: Four 3" Squares (for B pieces in Snowball block) From the duck canvas: One 71⁄2" x 60" strip; recut into two 71⁄2" squares and four 21⁄2" x 71⁄2" pieces (for lining) 5. Repeat to make enough blocks for the letters of the chosen name. *Available in book version only. just for kids 33 4. To appliqué by machine, cut a 51⁄2" square of fabric stabilizer. Pin on the wrong side of the center of the Snowball block. 5. Select an appliqué stitch, like a blanket stitch or a satin stitch. 6. Stitch around the edges of the letter. Refer to Appliqué in Sewing Basics on page 93*. 7. When stitching is complete, carefully remove the fabric stabilizer. 8. To appliqué by hand, use a blanket stitch (shown in photo), running stitch or backstitch around the edge of each letter. See Hand Embroidery Stitches in Sewing Basics on page 92*. 9. When appliqué is complete, add a button accent to represent the opening(s) in a letter, if the baby block will be used as a decoration. Do not add the button if the block will be used as a toy. Finish the Wall Blocks 1. Baste a 71⁄2" lining square to the wrong side of the block and the 71⁄2" fabric A square 1⁄8" from the edges. Repeat with the 21⁄2" x 71⁄2" lining and fabric side pieces. 2. Pin the ribbon pieces in the center of one short side of two 21⁄2" x 71⁄2" side pieces. *Available in book version only. 34 thead & bobbin 3. Stitch the four 21⁄2" x 71⁄2" side pieces together to make a strip, beginning and ending stitching 1⁄4" from the corners of the pieces. Backtack at the start and finish of each line of stitching. 4. Stitch the ends of the strip together in the same manner to form a loop. 5. Stitch the remaining two blocks into the open spaces to create the block, leaving a 3" opening in one side seam for turning. Double check your ribbon placement and make sure that the appliqué letter will be upright when hung on the wall. 3" opening 6. Clip corners and turn right side out through opening. Use your corner poker to push out the corners. 7. Fill with fiberfill until the block holds the shape that you desire. 8. Turn the opening edges in and slipstitch the opening closed. just for kids 35