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How to Build a Play Tool Set

A play tool set made with soft materials such as cotton or felt are ideal for young children to play with. These "tools" can help children to feel like they are helping mom or dad when they "fix" things up. A play tool set encourages important play skills in children. These skills are essential to development because they contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth, according the American Academy of Pediatrics. With a few simple materials, you can easily make a soft toy tool set for your child.

Things You'll Need

Sewing patterns
Colored felt
Pins
Scissors
Needle and thread
Fabric adhesive glue
Pinking shears (optional)
Polyester fiber fill or stuffing (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Draw out your tool patterns on a piece of paper. If needed, trace around real tools to create your patterns. If you trace real tools, add an extra 1/4 to 1/2 inch all the way around your pattern to accommodate your stitches later. You can also purchase felt tool patterns online or at a sewing supply store. If you are drawing your own patterns you have the flexibility of adding any tools you like.
- 2
  Cut out your paper tool patterns.
- 3
  Place the patterns on your felt pieces and cut them out. You can use pins to secure your pattern to the felt while you cut. You may want to use a gray colored felt for things such as the hammer head, saw blade, and nuts and bolts. Use a contrasting color such as red or orange for the tool handles.
- 4
  Lay out all your pieces on the table. If you have used a contrasting color for the tool handles, you can sew it on or you can use fabric adhesive glue for a no-sew approach. Allow ample time for the tools to dry if you are using fabric adhesive glue.
- 5
  Hand stitch around the edges of the tools for a finished look.

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