Love Language Soft Baby Blocks Tutorial

Baby toys are always fun to make and give, even more so when they have a personal touch.  Adding a special message of love makes them even better!  By using this American Sign Language alphabet print by Samarra Khaja these baby blocks actually spell out 

L-O-V-E:

Her Braille print alphabet fabric shows each English letter in a digital-looking font, and its Braille dot equivalent, in the same color to also spell love in another way on each block:

I also loved her coordinating balloon animal print and matching stripe print, so I used those for the alternating sides.  You could use any fun prints to make these blocks, but using these adds a little extra educational flair:)  Spell "Love" or the child's name for a unique & personal gift.  Ready to make some?  Here's how -

You'll Need:
- 1/4yd cuts of each of the 4 Samarra Khaja fabrics from Timeless Treasures
- 1 yd Pellon Fusible Fleece interfacing 
- Fiberfill stuffing
- Sewing Machine & Notions (iron, press cloth, pins, ruler, hand sewing needle, thread, scissors/rotary cutter)

First cut twenty-four (24) 4.25in x 4.25in squares from the fabrics and from the Fusible Fleece. Cut two squares of the fun prints for each block and a single letter block each of the Braille and the ASL prints (making sure to center each block on each chosen letter):

Next fuse the wrong side of a square of Fusible Fleece to the wrong side of each fabric square using an iron and damp press cloth.  By using Fusible Fleece interfacing these blocks will hold a firmer shape and last longer than just using plain fabric (which is what is needed with an item meant for a busy baby!).

Arrange the blocks in the following order so the letter prints and decorative prints alternate. I also made sure that the ASL letter and Braille letter was the same for each block so it would be easy for anyone to identify which block was which letter.

Then, starting at one end of the horizontal part of the "+" shape, and with right sides facing, sew together two block sides with a .25in seam allowance, starting and stopping .25in from the edge (this will make it easier to make the corners pointed later):

Next sew on the top and bottom as shown:

Then complete remaining side seams to complete the block (leaving a 2in gap on one side for turning the block right side out), making sure the seam cross at the corners:

The block should look like this when ready to turn:

Clip each corner as shown and turn right side out, using a knitting needle or pencil to gently poke out the corners.

Stuff with fiberfill until nice and full.  Hand stitch the opening closed with a slipstitch.

Repeat with the remaining blocks:

And get ready to share the love with baby!

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