Quilted Baby Blocks with Bag

One of the pleasures of getting older is watching your family grow. This year we welcome three new babies; two sweet girls born to my nieces in December, and another niece is due to have a boy in July! I wanted to make something decorative, yet useful, so I came up with these quilted baby blocks since others in my family are already making baby quilts.

(pssst...click on any of the pictures to enlarge)

The blocks are cuddly soft and can be played with or set on a shelf in the nursery to spell out his name. Yes, his name is "Caleb."

Other sides of the blocks have numbers. I was able to make five blocks and the matching bag in three evenings after work. I believe them to be an intermediate sewer/quilter level project.

Here's a summary of how they were made...

For 1 block:

1. Cut six 4 1/2" square pieces each of fabric in various colors and patterns, muslin and batting 
2. Cut letters and numbers to applique. (I printed a computer font as a pattern)
3. Applique letters and numbers to squares. (I used iron-on fusible web and finished the edges with machine zig-zag stitching)
4. Sew sides of four squares together to make a line with 1/4" seam allowance. (right sides together) Do same with four muslin squares.
5. Layer muslin and batting with squares. Quilt. I outlined the letters and then stippled the rest.
6. Sew the top and bottom squares to the line of four to make a block, right sides together. One side will be left open to turn.
7. Turn block to the finished side. Stuff with thick polyester batting.
8. Hand sew open seam with hidden whip stitches.
9. Wash in warm water, dry on medium in drier

I also made a lined bag to place them in. The bag can be used as a small pillow case or any number of other uses. Remember that the tie should be removed if it is placed close to a toddler or baby (hazard!) I placed a note to remove the tie, along with washing instructions, onto the bag with a cute baby diaper pin.

Feel free to email me if you have any questions or want more extensive directions.