These have become an instant hit in our house! My daughter just hasn’t stopped playing with them (she’s really getting into learning her abc’s and all now).
And, my husband like that these don’t hurt his feet like the wooden alphabet blocks she normally will have scattered all around the house. I have many ideas for rag letters in the future. I am going to make a Merry Christmas banner with them for sure and maybe a Happy Birthday one. Here is the quick how to. Mine aren’t firm at all, but if you wanted more stable ones you could add some interfacing to the layers as well. Also, you could add felt as the backing they could stick to a felted board, etc.
What you need:
-Letters to trace (Pattern Here Available for Download Now)
(Made with batting in middle)
(Made with felt in middle)
And lastly, the numbers pattern is available as well. Download here.
(Made with interfacing in middle)
1. Print out letters to trace. I used Microsoft Publisher to create the letters and made them all the same size and used the same font. You could do this in Word as well, or Photoshop. You could also just free style it, etc. Cut the letters out.
2. Trace the letters onto the fabric that you will use for the top.
3. Cut the letters out in square shapes.
4. Cut out squares of quilt batting and backing that will be the same size of the letter.
5. Make a sandwich of the fabrics and quilt batting. Place the back fabric right side down. Then place the piece of interfacing on top of that. Next, place the top fabric right side up. Pin together. Sew on the tracing.
6. If you desire, you can quilt it or just leave it.
7. Trim the edges of the three layers. Leave at least 1/4 inch around the edges of the letters.
8. Clip the raw edges. Make clips straight into every seam allowance. Stop before you reach the seam allowance.
9.Throw it in the washing machine and then the dryer. They will come out all raggedy around the edges.
What a great idea and tutorial! I love your fabrics too… 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing.
Your daughter’s adorable!
Lovin this I’m going to work on it today.
Great idea!! Really cute:)
What a great idea and fun mix of fabrics. I’m thinking of making a banner out of these when I turn Thomas’s room into a playroom. Thanks!
I think this is such a great idea! And kids learn things better when they can use as many of their senses while learning! I’m totally doing this one for my girls. Thanks!
these are too cute!! thanks for the tutorial too – can’t wait to make my own!
This is such a fun idea, for little ones and for grown-ups! I posted a link to your tutorial on Craft Gossip Sewing: http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-big-quilted-fabric-letters/2009/07/05/
–Anne
What a great idea! I might be doing a little pre-school for my daughter next year and these would be awesome! I linked at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com
These are just too cool! My oldest knows her ABC’s, but this would be a fun way to learn to read by spelling out words! I’m really going to make these! TFS!!
I love these. What a cute idea for a classroom.
Hi Jessica! I’ve been a reader of your blog for awhile now. You always have such lovely projects and tutorials! I’m thinking about making these for my niece who is 1 1/2. Do you think this would be age appropriate, or is she too young? I loved the idea! About how big would you say each letter is? I’m worried about not having enough scraps. Thanks!!
Sarah at http://www.comeandseetheseitz.com
Those are cool. I think I might make some to spell my baby’s name for her wall.
I’ve scoured the Internet for clever, non-obvious (bibs, burp cloths) handmade baby gifts and these are wonderful! Love that you can make the ABC’s, or personalize by spelling a baby’s name.
“…who is 1 1/2. Do you think this would be age appropriate, or is she too young? I loved the idea! About how big would you say each letter is? I’m worried about not having enough scraps.”
I printed out two letters on a page and they came out at almost 7″ tall and almost 4/5″ wide. You can make them as small as you like, or bigger! My daughter is 23 months and started getting some letters down around 1 1/2. It’s never to early to present letters, numbers, reading, etc. to little ones. They learn so much in their first four years of life.
Oh my I have been trying to figure out what to do with al the fabric I collect, what a great idea. Thanks
Superb idea!
Upper case letters may be traditional for tots learning their letters in the US, but lower case makes a lot of sense. The lower case shapes are more distinctive and help more when the time comes for books.
That’s a really great idea. Thanks for sharing, I already know a few things I could do this way.
~charly
Thanks Jessica – great idea!
Love love love love! Thank you for sharing this project and inspiring me to take on a new one 🙂
Wonderful idea, thanks! Would you please tell us what kind of interfacing you used? THANKS!
YAY! I am so, so, SO excited about this! Thanks so much for sharing, I’ll be linking.
“Wonderful idea, thanks! Would you please tell us what kind of interfacing you used?”
Thanks for catching this. I meant to write quilt batting, but if making a banner, I would suggest adding a craft interfacing (it’s stiff and will help hold up the letters like a G better).
love these! And I have some vintage chenille in a color that isn’t my favorite. It would be perfect to use up this way!
what a fun idea. and they are bigger than i thought they would be! thanks for sharing!
LOVE LOVE IT! It looks like your daughter is the same age as my son. Thanks! I’ll have fun following your blog. Come check mine out!
http://cuegly.blogspot.com/
Thank you for sharing this cool idea! My friends are in baby boom mode and I’ve been looking for interesting gift ideas. Love this one!
What a great idea! I’m definitively going to make fabric letters for my youngest son!
These are gorgeous. thanks so much for sharing the idea.
what a great idea! this would make a good birthday gift for a toddler. Thanks!
I absolutely love these! They are now on my list of what to sew next. These would be a perfect present for my daughter’s preschool teacher, too. Thanks for sharing.
what a lovely blog! congratulations! and thanks for sharing! 🙂
You’re a genius! (Your mom must have made fabric letters for you when you were young.) This is great! My kids are gonna be so smart now…
These are so stinkin’ cute!
May I ask what kind of font you used in Publisher? I have publisher and would love to make some. Thanks
“May I ask what kind of font you used in Publisher?”
I did it using word art and chose the Arial Black font. I think it’s the default one, but I liked it the best.
Happy,
This is the cutest, most clever idea I’ve come across in a long time. I have many grand nieces and nephews at the ages that would love these. Thanks so much for sharing the tutorial.
those are adorable!
Oh I love love love this idea!!!!
These are such a great idea! I’ve already made a couple, I’ll get some pics in the flickr pool soon!
I think I’ll have to make a couple of banners! There’s never enough selection in the party store for me. And then they’ll be customizable too!
Where did you get the clothespins? I’ve been looking for wooden clothespins in stores, and it seems like most stores only sell plastic ones nowadays, if they even sell clothespins at all.
“Where did you get the clothespins?”
My husband picked them up at a local grocery store (Publix). Does Walmart of Home Depot not have any wooden ones? Interesting. Maybe look in the craft section for some?
I got my wooden clothespins from the $ store!
Hey Jessica, I’ve been following your blog for a while, and given how awesome you were at making up that ruffle top, I thought I’d ask for help now… I’m offering a giveaway as incentive…
http://burkeshires.blogspot.com/2009/07/shirring-help-my-first-givaway.html
thanks!
Ramona
These are soooooo awesome!!! I wish I knew a little kid who would use them lol! I’m gonna make them anyways! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Jessica, these are so nice. I’m going to add a link to the instructions from my Web site at About.com. I hope that’s ok. My readers will love these. -Janet Wickell
I love this idea!! I linked to it on my weekly roundup here). Thanks!!
Hello!
I really like your how to. I was wondering if I could translate it in French and add it to my list of how to as explained in my french post (http://www.petitcitron.com/index.php/form_howto.html)
Of course, your website would be quoted and there would be a link!
Thank you,
Perrine
What a fantastic idea! I am a former teacher, now stay-at-home-momma to a 19-month old little boy. I can’t wait to make these! 🙂
mjsmith723(at)gmail.com
“I was wondering if I could translate it in French and add it to my list of how to as explained in my french post (http://www.petitcitron.com/index.php/form_howto.html)”
Not a problem at all! Thanks for asking and letting me know 🙂
What a wonderful idea! so cute! it can double as decoration too! 🙂 loves it!
i love this idea!!!!!!!!!
So cute! I love it!
Oh my gosh this is the best idea!!! I just stumbled on your blog…thanks so much for sharing…I MUST make these!
I just found your blog today, and I absolutely love it! I have to make these letters for my daughter. I know she will spend hours with them.
I just love this! I am visiting from “For The Love Of My Home And Life” and just had to let you know that I am off to my sewing machine right now! :o)
Sincerely ~ Tricia Anne
Thanks for the tutorial on the rag quilt letters. I think this one is more useful for us and the main thing which i like the most that is the detail explanation how to make them.
I’m working on these now. A Christmas gift for my niece (who is only a few months old right now!) I think I made them a little too small – just 3″ high – but it will do! I’m going to make numbers for her too!
I’ll post pics to Flickr when I’m done! Thanks for the idea!
LOVE this. Want to make them immediately for my daughters…what is the height of your letters?
“what is the height of your letters?”
7″ tall and almost 4/5″ wide
These are so cool…I have a TON of old chenille and I was wondering what to do with it…. Genius!
Thanks for the AWESOME idea! I just finished mine for my daughter…and uploaded a pic to you flicr group!
Those are fantastic! Thanks for the tutorial.
Linked back to you from my blog. I love, love, LOVE this tut! Just too adorable!!
I love this idea and wouldn’t they look great on a child’s quilt- spelling her/his name or BABY or just A B C. Too cute!
Thanks for the tutorial!
Paulette
Great idea, great tutorial and so delightful to see your happy little, picture perfect girl!
Hugs – Lurline♥
What a brilliant idea and a wonderful tutorial! These are so cute! Thank you for your generosity in sharing!
Greetings from Spain.
What a great tutorial. I will make one for my small daughter.
Thank you very much for sharing this wonderful idea.
These are great and they are saving the day. I tried to make some another way and it did not work out. Thank you for sharing a great idea!!
great tutorial! i made it http://macamacam.wordpress.com/2009/10/23/fabric-abc/yesterday with knit fabric. thanks for the tute!
Thank you so much for this! I now know what I’m going to make all the little ones in the family for Christmas. 🙂
I was born in 1975 and my Aunt made those those for me when I was 4 years old. They were just a little puffier.
Hi Jessica! I found you through Sew, Mama, Sew!
This is a great tutorial. Thank you for sharing it. ♥
These ae absolutely adorable! cute blog too! I will be back to visit again. 🙂
These are really cute. Someone gave us a store bought set for my son when he was a younger but I’d really like to make a set for little brother. Much more personal to make it yourself, and you can chose the fabric!
Eighty-seven kinds of brilliant you are. Thank you for sharing–they will be perfect for my boy. And another little pink set for my niece for Christmas. I’ve been looking for a little something to to go with the books she loves and this fits the bill perfectly.
Jessica, Just found your blog and I am loving it. I am working on my letters and having a hard time finding a pen/pencil that will write dark enough so I can see it when I sew the letters. Do you have any suggestions for that? I’ve got light and dark fabrics! Thanks
“I am working on my letters and having a hard time finding a pen/pencil that will write dark enough so I can see it when I sew the letters. Do you have any suggestions for that?”
For the fabrics I couldn’t see the fabric pencil I had, I just used a ball point pen. But maybe chalk? I know quilters sometimes use soap leftovers to make their quilting lines. It does work and washed right out.
Thanks for a great idea! I found you tonight and whipped up a set of letters to spell the name of a special little girl I know. She’ll love them!
this is sooo cute! Im totally going to make a blanket with these letters on it!
LOVE this idea! Thank you so much for posting it! I will have to make some of these for my boys. Your daughter is adorable 🙂
What a fabulous idea & than king you for sharing it. Your little one is just so cute.
And I just threw away small batting scraps that would be perfect for this…
I love your project and finished the lower case letters the other day. My two yea old loves them. I adapted the directions slightly making it even easier. And on my upper case letters, that are almost finished, for the batting, I used washed organic baby wipes that I would just throw into the wash with the dirty diapers. Check them out here: http://tamarathomas.blogspot.com/2010/01/lower-case-fabric-letter-finished.html
Thanks for this great tutorial…it made a lovely gift and I will be setting out to have our own set for home too.
What a great idea! How did you do the lower case “i” and “j” with the dot?
I have been struggling to teach my almost five year old his letter sounds. One of my friends made these letters and referred me to your blog. Thank you for this great tutorial! I can’t wait to get started!
“How did you do the lower case “i” and “j” with the dot?”
It’s completely seperate, so they just have to be put together when going over them on the floor, etc.
I just made these, and the lower case and my twin girls LOVE them! Thanks so much for sharing!!!
I LOVE these….just got them as a gift for Sienna’s birthday! Linked it up today!
http://lilblueboo.blogspot.com/2010/02/handmade-birthday-presents.html
I have had SO much fun making these letters for my little girl with your tutorial. Thanks SO much! I’m now on the hunt for new fabrics for the lowercase letters. I posted my attempt (and a link here) in my new blog. http://delilahsmomma.blogspot.com/
THANKS for the awesome tutorial!
I love these and I’m gonna make em for my daughter but I was wondering for the back piece can it be any fabric?
Karin Marie 🙂
These are amazing! Thank u!
That is great I will have to try that project!
These are fantastic! I featured them on my blog today!
http://sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com
These are great! So simple and the possibilities are endless. Thanks for sharing x
So I just finished mine and posted about them (of course giving you much credit) but I can’t figure out how to post a picture in the flickr group. I guess I am not flickr savvy yet lol
Hi, Jessica! These letters are so adorable! I made one as an applique for a shirt and I would love your thoughts on it…search for me on facebook at Fiddle ‘N’ Bow and check it out in my For the Prince album!
Hi Jessica,
Thanks so much for the tutorial. I made a Wall Hanging with my first grandson’s name. I wanted something better than the traditional wooden letters, so you inspired me. I posted a picture on your flicker group as well as on my blog. Of course I gave credit to your wonderful idea. Again thank you!
Thank you so much for this wonderful inspiration. I made this garland for my friends birthday…
http://joskey.com/jules/2010/02/28/happy-birthday-looby-lou/
We are adopting a little boy from China and are making a 100 good wishes quilt where 100 people send you a piece of fabric and a wish. This would make a great quilt, and he could learn his ABC’s. I thought I could put 1-9 on it as well! Great idea!
You are so creative and inspiring! I love these letters, what a great idea. I started making some this weekend, but my letters seem to be smaller than yours and I couldn’t figure out how to make them larger with the pdf file. Did you stitch and extra layer around them to make them bigger?
Thanks again for sharing, so excited to see the end result 🙂
“Did you stitch and extra layer around them to make them bigger?”
The sewing line is the exact line of the leters. Maybe you are sewing further in than this? You could make your own letters in Word, Publisher, etc. by using Word Art if you want to make them bigger. Hope it all works out for you 🙂
Maybe they are the same size and I was just getting confused. Either way I’m almost done and they are looking great! So excited for my daughter to play with them. Thanks again for the tutorial, you have wonderful ideas!
Amazing Jessica!!!
Congratulations and Thank You!!!
I posted a link to it on Feltro-Aholic, at http://feltroaholic.blogspot.com
Best Regards,
Carine
Thanks for the “oohs” and “ahhs” I got at a shower last fall with these.:) And I only did four letters! (“Quin.” I just put pics up on my blog with a link to your tutorial. http://bit.ly/bwPxC6 ) I LOVE the pics of your daughter playing with them! What a fab toy. And a cute kid.:)
What could you use instead of quilt batting? I’m trying not to buy any more supplies this month.
Jenny, You can use felt or interfacing if you like. That would make them stiffer as well. Or just more fabric if you have enough?
I’m kind of a beginner so I had to ask- I know you said to throw them all in the wash together when you are done, but do you recommend still washing all the fabrics separately before sewing? Or is washing the fabrics for the first time what helps give them the ‘rag’ effect? Thanks so much, I can’t wait to make them for my daughter!
“I know you said to throw them all in the wash together when you are done, but do you recommend still washing all the fabrics separately before sewing? Or is washing the fabrics for the first time what helps give them the ‘rag’ effect?”
There is really no reason to wash the fabrics prior. It’s washing them after you have made them and clipped the edges that the wash will make them raggy. The more washed the more raggier. The seam you sewed will keep the fabric from fraying no more than the edges. I only worry about washing the fabrics prior to making clothing, because I don’t want to make something and then it shrink and I can’t wear it any more. 🙂
What a great project for my 6 yr old to make for her little brother!
Just found this today – thanks so much!!! I’ve got a 2 year old’s birthday party in 2 days and my tutu idea went south (south to the trash can, so sad…). These letters will be a great gift!
Just now found these and can’t wait to make my own! Featured them on my blog today at http://onmycraftlist.blogspot.com
Thanks for sharing this idea with your fellow bloggers! What a GREAT idea! I am a mommy of five boys 10,9,7,3 and 1. We’re homeschooling next year and I was looking for some fun ” educational things ” to do for my youngest boys. This is perfect!!! Thank you so much. I can’t wait to tackle these letters and even numbers!
Thanks so much for this really cute idea. 🙂
I used pinking shears to cut around the edges and it saved me a bit of time. They still came out frayed in the wash.
My 2 1/2 yr old son loves letters and calls them all “I’s” or “E’s” or “S’s” so hopefully this will help him get them straight. 🙂
I LOVE this idea!!! I’m going to try them soon, but I am also interested in these types of fabric letters as bean bags. Have you ever tried these with some sort of filler inside? I’m just curious to hear your thoughts on it. Thanks!
Katie,
You could try to stuff them, I don’t see why not. Let me know how it goes if you give it a go 🙂
Hey girlie, I saw these when you first posted them and loved them. I came back in search of the post so I could share it on my new blog. So I’ll be linking up. It’s a blog dedicated to early literacy at home and I think these are perfect. Thanks so much!
Visit sometime http://www.onthelap.blogspot.com
Graciously,
Aimee
I love these so much that I made some for my son. I teach at a Montessori school and we teach the d’nealian form of the letters, so I made mine in that form. My son loves them! I just posted pics of them on my blog, weareteamreed.blogspot.com
I made these for my son and have a post scheduled with a link to your blog on 8/25.
I love these! Thanks for posting!
This is great! Thank you so much! Now hopefully I can sew them together 🙂
You have a great mind and have come up with a fantastic idea. Just AWESOME! Where were these when my own children were small??? I might have to make some of these for my Granddaughter soon. I LOVE this idea. Thank you so much.
Wonderful idea!!! I´ll feature your blog on mine….so you can leave the credit.
Hugs from Brazil
Oh my goodness these are so cute, I need to make my girls a set or two!!!
This is so great! I totally am new to sewing and tried this out. I am proud that I actually could do it. Check it out on my blog http://www.blameitonthestork.com/2010/10/tot-school.html
Thanks again for such a creative idea 🙂
These are so great Thank you for the template I am going to make these instead of sandpaper letters for my 2 year old who only loves fleece. I will add a link to you when I blog it. tammy from middleofthemitten.blogspot.com
I love the fabric you used for the back. but I can’t find it ANYWHERE. can you please help me!!!!!
“I love the fabric you used for the back. but I can’t find it ANYWHERE. can you please help me!!!!”
I used vintage chenille which I found on Ebay. Most fabric stores sell new chenille fabric too. It’s usually with the “baby” fabric stuff. Most people use it for blankets. I hope you are able to find some 🙂
I found your quilt letters a few months ago. the very same day I set out gathering my fabric scraps, cutting out letters, singing zippity do da day! I have two sets of the capital letters and two sets of the lower case, washed, frizzy and done! I enjoyed the entire process!
thank you for sharing!
I want to wait to post photos after my niece’s birthday(2yrs. old) in early December.
Thank you so much for offering these letters and numbers with the tutorial!!! These will make perfect baby gifts! I appreciate your generosity and your creativeness.
June – NJ
I LOVE these! I think I’ll have to make a set for my little niece. Thanks so much for sharing!
Thanks for this tutorial. They turned out so cute!!
http://kelsimad.wordpress.com/2011/01/14/homemade-christmas-2010/
Thank you for alowing people to copy your great idea’s.
This is a great project…
I have a quick question since I am NEW to sewing…
I made one number (#7 – easiest!), and the quilt batting is sticking out between the last stitch and the edges. Is this correct? I have an eight month old – worried about her putting the batting in her mouth! I am not sure if I cut the batting to wide?
“made one number (#7 – easiest!), and the quilt batting is sticking out between the last stitch and the edges. Is this correct? I have an eight month old – worried about her putting the batting in her mouth! I am not sure if I cut the batting to wide?”
It does stick out the way I did it. If you are worried, you can just trim the batting before clipping the edges or cut the batting smaller before sewing the three pieces together. It will just take a little more time 🙂
So cute! I have a question. Did you backstitch at the beginning and end of your stitching or did you pull the thread through and tie a knot? I backstitched and can’t help but think that the threads will come loose someday. Also, I just made a set and wanted to suggest that you trace (backwards) the letters on the fabric that will be the BACKSIDE. That way, you can see it better than on the front of the printed fabric.
“Did you backstitch at the beginning and end of your stitching or did you pull the thread through and tie a knot? I backstitched and can’t help but think that the threads will come loose someday.”
Yes, I just backstitched. If you do it a few times, it won’t come undone. You could even hold it in place and let it go up and down a few times for even more hold. Great suggestion on the tracing too!
These are amazing! Hoping to make for my girls’ birthday/Christmas presents. I shared and linked to you here http://www.apurposedrivenhome.com/?p=986
I shared these on my blog today – thanks for the great idea! My 3-yr-old has loved them!
http://radicalcrafts.blogspot.com/2011/04/preschooler-playtime-or-how-to-stay.html
Finished my alphabet yesterday, it’s so cute and colorful. I would love to send you a picture but I don’t use Microsoft Outlook Express, Facebook nor do I have a Flicker account.
If you want a pic., and have an alternate e-mail act., just e-mail me and I’ll send it to you.
sharron5@yahoo.com
On to the numbers !!!!!
Great project! I just wanted to let you know that we featured this project on our Facebook page with almost 12,000 fans. We’d love it if you’d use our Featured Blogger button, available at: http://www.dailycraft.com/thank-you-for-crafting/. Our audience loved the project and we look forward to sharing more from you. Please let us know if you have any questions or projects you’d love us to feature! Thanks!
merci beaucoup
je vais en faire une série de chaque pour mon fils!!!
what does “quilt it” mean? i’m kind of a new sewer…does it mean to sew more lines in the middle of the letters to help keep everything in place? did you quilt yours? can’t wait to get started!!!
Quilting is basically sewing the layers together. I just used straight lines, but some people use free motion quilting. If you search quilting techniques, I’m sure all kinds will show up and you can decide on what you would like to do.
I happened to stumble upon this page a little while ago, and now I am hooked on your blog! There are so many things in your tutorials that I can’t wait to make. I’m kind of new to sewing, but think this would be a good place to start. I can’t wait to work my way up to making the sailor dress!! You are so talented I can’t stand it!
I did a second post over my blog linking to your blog.Thanks for the printable and thank you for sharing your wonderful ideas.
Patty
http://olivesandpickles.blogspot.com/2011/10/handmade-christmas-present.html
Love these! We made some similar ones to put in a bakery basket gift set for a toddler. I posted about it here and linked back to your site! http://theeducatorsspinonit.blogspot.com/2011/12/diy-handmade-gifts-for-toddlers-are-as.html
May I feature this tutorial on SewCanShe.com? Please drop me a line at caroline@sewcanshe.com to let me know. Thanks!
Fabulous idea!!! Thanks for sharing. I’m pinning this…
I LOVE it and I mentioned it in my latest post:
http://www.sewlavie.com/2012/03/hand-stitching-on-skirt.html
To use the patterns, I just print them out on old paper and pin the letters directly onto the fabric and sew along the lines, then tear the paper away. Seems to work fine.
Also, after washing the letters, they are frayed (naturally) and there are often strings hanging off. I trim them, but do people have to worry about these threads coming off and possibly getting in a child’s mouth when they are washed a second time?
Love this idea!! I was just thinking of creative and hands-on ideas for introducing the alphabet to my son. Also, a neat idea to sew onto a quilt. Thank you for sharing this!!
THESE ARE GREAT – CAN’T WAIT TO MAKE THEM
I love this idea, and have made them – about 75 or so all up!
I loved this idea for my granddaughter! I used fat quarters that I found on sale. Also, I made each upper and lower case “match” by using the same fabric. As a teacher, I thought it would help her learn both caes more quickly! Thanks for sharing your idea!
I just found these today and LOVE them! Went and got the things I needed… I haven’t sewn in YEARS so I am hoping I can do a half way decent job on them!!!
Thanks for the great idea!!! My daughter is quite young but I am super excited about making them!
I want to make these as a gift for my soon to be 2 year old granddaughter. I love the idea! I have a couple of questions. How much fraying and loose threads are there after some time of being played with? And what about trimming with a pinking sheers to help with preventing fraying?
Hi Gretchen 🙂 Good questions! These are now played with by #2 and I can say neither have ever gotten any threads or batting off. I would suggest cutting close to the seam, so if a child did get some off, it wouldn’t be long or thick pieces. Pinking sheers are a good idea or even sew a zig zag stitch around the edges to encase the raw edges. I was worried about this with my first as she was awful about putting everything in her mouth. At first, I only let her play with them when I was able to sit down with her. Once she got a bit older she could use them whenever, but she really liked them best when we played games with them together.
Thanks for your reply! The pinking sheers didn’t work with that many layers. (It may be that mine is dull as it is very old.) I am doing the zig zag edging instead, as you suggested. My concern was not so much for them being put in the mouth but for the overall look and longevity of the letters. So far I love the way they are turning out. I’m about 1/2 done! Thanks again.
Thank you for sharing your experience with the sheers 🙂 As for the longevity, ours still look the same. They have been washed a few times too. So glad you are liking the outcome so far 🙂 You are welcome.
Did you snip only the fabric or the felt too? Also, any advantage to using felt versus batting on the capital letters? Also, did you cut the batting just size of letter or larger like the fabric pieces. I’m a new to sewing so I have lots of questions.
Hi Corrie 🙂 I snipped the fabric and felt. The batting just makes it softer and the felt makes it firmer. I liked both ways. I cut the batting larger like the fabric pieces, although, you could do smaller and maybe try to avoid it sticking out on the edges. I just didn’t want to put that extra work into it 😉 And please, feel free to ask as many questions as you need.
Hope this isn’t duplicated:
Considering felt for capital letters too? Any reason to using batting instead? Did you snip felt or only fabric edges? Finally, (Sorry new to sewing) did you cut batting to just size of letter or same square size as fabrics? Thannks LOVE LOVE this…Christmas idea.
Hello!
I’ve just used your wonderful tutorial for a (german) xmas banner:
http://casachaotica.blogspot.de/2012/12/jedes-jahr-ein-kind-jedes-jahr-ein-kind.html
For the batting I used a felt-like wiping cloth for floors which you can buy at any supermarket here.
Wishing you a nice xmas!
Daniela
I love this idea! I’m starting to make them right now, but it’s difficult for me because I’m a beginner sewer. But I refuse to give up!
Good for you!!!! Beginning to sew can be a very daunting process. I remember throwing many a project in the trash can. It will get easier and soon you will be a pro 🙂
Sewing fabric letters and numbers are my first project using ideas and instructions found on Pinterest. Your tutorial, with
it’s clear instructions and wonderful photos are just what I needed! I hope the babies in our extended family will enjoy
playing with the ones I make as much as your precious little one appears to have done. Happy Holidays!
Margie
I recently did a quilt for one of my granddaughters. I used the alphabet theme and used fabric for each piece with pictures of something starting with that letter, ie A with apple fabric, B with balloons. I think I have enough scraps to do the same with your letters. What a great idea…..
Kathy
Is there a reason u used batting felt interfacing. ? Could u use all batting for all three?
I just wanted to try different things and see how they held up 🙂 I did prefer the batting over the others but some might not.
These are gorgeous! So simple yet such a talented idea you had. Thanks so much for sharing your pattern t make these wonderful learning gifts for kids!
Hi, I love these and am making the upper case letters this weekend! Super excited. I was also looking at making the lower case letters, but how did you deal with the dots above the i and j? Did you just leave connecting fabric between them or omit the dots all together? Thanks again for the wonderful tutorial!
I love this idea! I made the capital letter ones and wrote about them here: http://twoclevermoms.com/letters-fabric-stash-project/
Thanks!
Sarah
I cannot tell you how much I love this idea. I am making them and showing them on my blog but making sure you get the credit for the idea! Thanks so much!
http://www.chicagonow.com/quilting-sewing-creating/2013/06/fabric-alphabet-toy-letters-tutorial-diy/
Thank you!!
To those who made these – what did you find was the best way to get the center pieces out of letters like B, A, O .. etc. I’m having a rough time getting them to look nice. Tried regular scissors and Exacto knife but its not looking too hot
I suggest manicure scissors 🙂 They are tiny and have sharp pointy ends. That is what I used.
What size of batting did you use? (1/4, 1/2, etc…) Also, I found cheap muslin with batting attached, kind of like the back of a quilt, and wondered if it would make it easier to just sew the fabric to the front of that and eliminate one step… any suggestions?
I really have no idea what size the batting was. To be honest, it was whatever was cheapest from JoAnn’s! If you have any scraps, you could always try it out and see which thickness you prefer. I see no reason why you couldn’t use that muslin/batting material. I think that’s awesome! I’m all for making things easier 🙂
I made two sets of these for my nieces for their birthdays, and put fleece on the back instead of quilt backing, and they turned out perfect. They stick to felt like storyboard figures!
http://starb37.blogspot.com/2013/08/im-making-progress.html
Hi from the MO Ozarks. Do you have a lower case alphabet to match your upper case? Thanks, Kathy
Hello 🙂 I sure do! If you look up there under the “what you need” section, it is listed right after the upper case letters.
I just made these, they turned out pretty good. Tough project for beginners.
Oh my gosh, thank you! I can’t wait to make these for my grandchildren!
I’m right in the middle of making a whole uppercase set for my daughter. I’m using fun cotton prints/bright solids for the top side and some bright fleece for the back. Each vowel has the same color combo and the rest of the letters will be an alternating pattern of 3 other color combos. As for sewing, I have just been putting the paper pattern piece right on top of the fabric and then gently removing the paper afterwards. Thanks for the idea! I’m having so much fun with it 🙂
I am working on two sets of these for my 2 and 3 year old niece and nephew. I’m pleasantly surprised at how quickly I am getting them done. I am gonna have to make another set for my baby, though I am contemplating placing the baby-safe crinkle paper in some of mine! Question, have you made them bigger than the pattern? For some reason the ones in the pic look slightly larger than the ones in the pics, but maybe because the girl is young the letters seem like they’d be bigger?
Crinkle paper would be fun! I have only made them using the pattern I share. The only thing I can think of is if you are opening it in something other than Adobe Acrobat to view and it’s shrinking it. I know that the preview on Mac computers messes up sizing and pattern makers are always saying make sure to print it out when it is open in Adobe. So maybe that is what it is? You can always create your own letters very quickly using word art in Word and make them any size you like 🙂 Just use a boxy font to make for easier cutting.
love love love this idea – thank you so much 🙂
I love these letters and am making them for my grandson’s second birthday. Do you have a pattern for the cute bag shown holding the letters? I’m so excited to see them and have a fun project for these cold winter days.
Hi 🙂 I actually don’t have a bag for them, but many people have sewed one up to hold them. I have seen many people create a simple drawstring bag for them. If you do an internet search for “drawstring bag tutorial” I know you will find one that will be perfect 🙂
WOW, look at the age of this original post, but look at us still finding it! These are PRECIOUS! I babysit for a 4 year old, and it would take me a while to make all of these (and I can’t sew very well in a circle, so I may have to do mine more squared off) but I could SOOOOO make these for her birthday or for next Christmas. Take my time, give me some room for trial and error, that sort of thing. Or make her one of her name for the playroom she is getting here. I have a friend having a baby. Once she gets a name picked out, I would LOVE to make her these letters, and make a banner for her nursery! ADORABLE!
“Who am I at 48″…I was just thinking, what if you bought an inexpensive canvas tote and then make a colorful matching liner for the bag. Once he is “too old” for the letters, the bag would be a great book tote or overnight bag! Or even a “green” grocery bag for mom 🙂
I was looking for letter templates as I’m making bunting for my friend’s daughter’s room and I wanted to personalise it. She’s 18 months old – the daughter, not my friend – and they’ve just moved to a new house. I came across your tutorial and now I have another project to make for her 2nd birthday, what a good idea! I also have a friend who does quilting and has small grandchildren, so I passed the link on to her. The word is spreading around the south London area now…… Thank you so much!
Awww how sweet! Thank you for sharing 🙂 The letters I made have now been passed down to my youngest and she’s loving them now.
Hello,
I realize this is an old post but I really want to make this asap. I’m new to sewing and would really appreciate a detailed supply list. I dont want to buy too much or too little fabric, for example(and no, I don’t already have scraps because I don’t sew). It’s also greatly appreciated if you would let me know of the least expensive place to purchase items needed. I want it to hold out, so quality is a must. But of course I don’t want to break the bank either. And I guess it would be smart to say how much I want: I would like 2 sets of capital, lower case, and numbers 0-9. So I guess that’s 4 sets in total and about 124 “pieces”.
Thanks in advance.
Love the idea, can use scrap fabrics, and beginner project.
Not to mention quiet and safety conscious.
If you wanted to put a little money into it you could buy fabric with a print that goes with each letter. For example use fabric with airplanes to make the letter A. Fabric with balls on it for the letter B. Make the lower case letter from the same fabric to help them learn that they go together.
Great idea!
I saved this post years ago to my Pinterest board and printed out the pdfs today. Will be making them for my two small great granddaughters (Riley 17 months and Haylie 5 days). Of course that will lead to bunches of sets because once my granddaughter-in-law shows them to her sister military wives I always get a call with orders. I’m sure my little girls will get many happy hours playing with them. Thanks so much!
That’s so cool 🙂 I’m glad you are able to use it. After all these years my kids still play with them! -jess
I am making flannel stuff sacks for my grandsons, and will make “Merry Christmas” to put in one bag, and “Happy New Year” for the other. I am using leftover flannel from their cousin’s quilt I made a few years back. 🙂 Great directions, thanks so much!!
Oh how fun! What a great idea 🙂
I had this tutorial pinned on pinterest and decided to make them for my granddaughters second birthday. What a great way to use up scraps!! Thank you for sharing this.
So happy it was useful for you! How sweet your made them for your granddaughter 🙂
Made these this weekend! Super easy and my kiddo loves them!
Has anyone tried these without quilting them? How did they turn out? Trying to decide if I should learn this new skill for them or if they will hold up without it.
Thanks so much for this, my grandkids will love them.
You are very welcome 🙂 My littles absolutely loved them! and it helped them learn their letters.
Thank you for sharing this tutorial. I made the “uppers” for my grandsons who live overseas. It’s nice for me to be able to send something that was 1, adorable and easy to complete and 2, did not cost an arm and leg to send! Postage is insane! My daughter let me know the boys are starting to work with numbers so guess what my current project is!!!!
Hi! Do you now what font your letter templates are? Thanks so much!
Hi 🙂 It’s such an old pattern I only have the pdf file, but it appears it could be font Abadi MT Condensed Extra Bold.
Thank you for the great directions and pattern! These were quite easy to make, but time consuming. I would suggest tracing with a friction pen that will disappear when ironed. As an early childhood teacher I did two things specific for learners- 1. Each letter has a white back so the child knows the correct facing of the letter. 2- I quilted each letter the way it would be written. This way the child has a tactile way to trace the letter and prepare for early writing.
Love this idea.
I’m goin to use different kind of fabric that my nephews two girls can feel the difference as well such as fur, some kind of slick fabric and so on.