Make Organic Soft Toys for Babies
This is also an Ideal Way to Allay Fears Over Toy Safety Standards
Aug 21, 2007
The increasing number of product recalls is a concern to any parent or guardian. Knowing exactly what material a toy has been made from, how it has been made right down to the contents of the stuffing is paramount. However many parents, feeling uncertain about many shop-bought soft toys, are looking for an alternative.
Making soft toys for babies and youngsters gives parents a guarantee over the quality of the materials used, and allows parents to make toys directly suited to their baby’s needs. The increase in availability of organic fabrics, yarns and stuffings means that toys with that added piece of reassurance can easily be made.
Finding Free Toy Patterns and Tutorials
For someone just starting out making baby toys, the Internet offers a wealth of good information. Some sites offer tutorials, clearly taking you through the process from beginning to end, with each step illustrated. This can be an ideal way to start making toys. Luckily for new sewers, the trend at the moment is for quirky unusual toys, therefore slightly oddly aligned eyes, or a skewed mouth will only add to the appeal and charm of the doll. Baby craft directories are a great source of free baby toy patterns and projects.
Sewing Soft Toys with Organic Cottons and Fabrics
It is worth using good quality materials for baby´s soft toys. Not only are they likely to require frequent washing, but they might also become favorite friends for years, if not decades, to come!
Some parents may feel that they wish to use organic cottons and fabrics to make toys for their little ones. Organic fabrics are made from fiber which has been grown without the use of harmful chemicals. The fibers will then be processed into fabric meeting organic standards, meaning the fabric will be kind to baby as well as to the environment. Typically, to meet organic standards, the fabrics will not be dyed, and will be available in a range of neutral colors.
Organic cotton batting and stuffing is becoming increasingly widely available from both online and high street stores. This is a useful choice when looking to make organic toys. Hemp fiber is also a good alternative, providing a firm stuffing for a soft toy. Organic wool is also suitable, although this can be more costly.
Selling Hand Made Toys
Whilst making simple toys and softies is not difficult, some people may just not have the time or the inclination to make them. This presents an opportunity for sewers who may consider making hand made and perhaps organic toys and selling them. Etsy.com is an excellent online outlet for hand made goods, however babies' clothes shops, or small toy shops might also be interested in selling a few hand made and unique dolls or softies.
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