How to Sew Plushie Baby Blocks with Appliqué

If you want to learn how to sew plushie baby blocks with appliqué this is the tutorial for you.  There is nothing like watching a young child play with plushie baby blocks. They are so cute.  The appliqué allows you to place animals, letters, or numbers, just about anything.  I chose to add letters to my baby blocks because why not.  These baby blocks are a simple beginner sewing project that anyone with basic sewing skills can make.  Even the appliqué is easy to do once you learn how to do it.  This tutorial will walk you step by step how to do the appliqué as well as building the blocks. 

I used children’s fabric remnants that I had on hand for this project because the blocks do not require a lot of fabric to make.  Using a different fabric for each side of the block is way more fun than having them all the same.  I chose to use a solid colored remnant that I had on hand for the appliqué letters so they would stand out.  I purchased all of these products at JOANN Fabric & Craft Stores but you could head to Hobby Lobby, Fabric.com or onlinefabricstore.net to get exactly what you want for your baby blocks.  This post contains affiliate links that if you click on them and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.  As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  

If you would like a video tutorial of how to make this project head over to YouTube and check out my video and while you are there subscribe to may channel for more video tutorials.

What you will need: How to Sew Plushie Baby Blocks with Appliqué

• 6 different cotton fabrics
• Polyester fiberfill
• Heat n Bond
• Standard sewing supplies

Step 1:  Cut your Fabrics

Using a rotary cutter and mat cut 4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ squares from each of the fabrics.

Step 2:  Lay out your Squares

Lay out your squares in a cross design with one extra square as shown.

Step 3:  Cut your Appliqué

Print out your letters from your computer. I used 3″ letters.  Fuse one side of the Heat n Bond to the appliqué fabric.  If you have never worked with Heat n Bond you will find that it is a fusible mesh that has a paper backing and glue side.  Place the glue side on the wrong side of the fabric and press with a hot iron until the fabric and glue have fused together. Place your applique pattern onto the applique fabric in reverse and cut out the pattern.

Step 4: Place your Appliqué onto one of the Squares

Remove the paper backing from the applique piece.  Center the applique piece onto the square and iron.  The applique will be fused to the fabric.  Do this for all of your blocks.

Step 5: Stitch your Appliqué in Place

Place a piece of stabilizer on the back of the square and zig-zag stitch, straight stitch, or satin stitch around the appliqué piece.  You have finished your appliqué.

Step 6:  Stitch the Squares Together

Using a 1/4″ seam allowance stitch the six squares together the way you have them played out.  Start 1/4″ in and finish 1/4″ from the end.  This will be important when you stitch the squares together in the next step.  

Step 7:  Stitch the Baby Blocks

Start by stitching the side of one square that surrounds the center to the adjacent square that is attached to the center.  Continue to stitch the sides together until you have just the extra square left.  This will be the top of the blog at this stage.  

Step 8:  Stitch the Top of the Block

Stitch both sides of the top of the block.  The final side will be stitched part way on one side and part way on the other is that there is an opening left in the block.

Step 9:  Turn and Stuff the Block

Turn the block right sides out through the opening in the top poking out the corners using That Purple Thang or some other poking tool.  Stuff the block with Fiberfill.

Step 10:  Close the Opening

Close the opening using ladder stitch also called invisible stitch. If you are unfamiliar with ladder stitch check out this video.  You have finished your Baby Block with Appliqué.  

I hope you enjoyed these Plushie Baby Blocks with Appliqué. If you would like more sewing and crafting projects sign up for our newsletter and receive access to our free printables library.

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