We present a range of gorgeous handmade gifts to make for baby -from a cute knitted hat with pompom trim to a wrist rattle (designed to amuse a little one the go) and a fabulous playmat.

Materials 2.3m x 90cm wide felt (purple)
1.2m x 90cm wide thin wadding
15 x 90cm lengths of ribbon or ric-rac braid in various colours and widths
Fabric scraps of fake fur, felt, cotton, corduroy and suede fabrics (or your own scraps)
Lace motifs
Matching and contrasting threads
Non-toxic fabric glue


Finished size: 15cm x 85cm

Method Prepare appliques:
(Use the colours desired, we have listed our colours to assist you with assembly.)

Cut three 7cm x 4.5cm rectangles of cotton and stitch them in the centre of three 14cm diameter circles of pink felt. Take two of the circles and stitch them onto two 25cm squares of fur fabric. Cut three 9cm diameter orange felt circles and stitch lace motifs on two pieces and a 6cm x 5cm suede rectangle on the other. Cut two 15cm squares of yellow felt and two 15cm squares of orange felt (cut these squares in half to form four triangles).

Cut three plain and or patterned fabric 10cm diameter circles and stitch them in the centre of three 15cm squares of green felt.

Assembling the mat:
Cut two 117cm x 78cm rectangles of purple felt. Cut a piece of wadding the same size.

Place your appliques on the top of one of the pieces of purple felt and arrange them following our photograph or as desired. (Allow room for placing lengths of ribbons and braids between each line of appliques). Stitch them in place then stitch on the ribbon and braid trims.

Place the wadding on the top of the appliques, then place the remaining rectangle of purple felt on top. Pin then stitch around the edge leaving a 10cm opening in one side. Trim and clip your seams, cutting into the corners. Turn your mat out to the right side and slipstitch the opening closed.