Make these cute blocks and provide the children with some toys to play with.

Size
Large 20 x 20 x 20cm
Small 15 x 15 x 15cm

You will need
For one large block:
• 6 pieces of cotton fabric in a variety of prints each 23 x 23cm

For one small block
• 6 pieces of cotton fabric in a variety of prints each 18 x 18cm
• dressmaker’s pencil
• ruler
• cream heavyweight fabric for the motifs
• iron-on interfacing
• matching coloured sewing thread
• polyester toy stuffing

To make
NOTE A 1,5cm seam allowance is included in the meaurements.

1 Find suitable alphabet letters and numbers on your computer or on the internet and print them out to size. Apply iron-on interfacing to the wrong side of the cream fabric. Transfer the letters and numbers to the front of the cream fabric using a dressmaker’s pencil. Use a ruler for straight edges and draw the curves neatly. Cut out.

2 Place a letter or number onto the right side of one square of the print fabric, making sure it is centred. Using a wide satin stitch, appliqué the motif in place. Work in a matching coloured sewing thread and make sure the stitching covers the raw edges.

3 Place one piece of the print fabric wrong side uppermost on a flat surface. This will be the top of the block. Along each of the four sides place another square to work out a fabric design sequence of your choice. With the right sides together and working one side at a time, sew the squares in place.

4 Once the four squares are joined to the top square, join the side seams; this will form an open cube. Place the base in position and machine stitch closed, leaving an opening in one side for stuffing. Clip the corner seams diagonally to make a neat corner and turn through to the right side.

5 Insert the polyester stuffing into the opening. Push the stuffing into the corners with a knitting needle. Close the opening with neat hand stitches.