Let’s create a play mat from fabric and felt that promotes sensory play for children. By adding batting between the layers of fabric, we can keep little ones cushioned on the floor while they play with toy animals and cars. Changing the design or theme of your mat will vary the play scene. You can make a farm scene, mountains, oceans or lakes. I decided on a road for little cars to zoom on, a river to swim in, a pond for fishing, gardens to grow plants, and green space to explore. Supplies Fabric Felt Coats & Clark All Purpose Sewing Thread Scissors Sewing Machine Thin batting Glue Stick Make a Play Mat 1. Cut the fabric for the base of your play mat and batting into large rectangles. I cut mine to measure 18” x 28” (46 x 71cm). 2. Place the wrong sides of fabric together and place the batting on top of these two layers, aligning the edges. Sew fabric and batting together around the perimeter of fabric. Make sure to leave a 4” gap so we can turn the project inside out. 3. Trim corners and then turn the project right side out. 4. Top stitch around the perimeter of the project, making sure to close the 4” gap. 5. Cut out shapes in felt to make a pond, stream, stepping stones, trees, bushes, and gardens. 6. Play around with the arrangement of the shapes and once you’re happy with the layout, glue felt pieces to play mat to hold in place while you sew. 7. Stitch felt onto the play mat using a sewing machine or hand stitching. Have fun creating a playmat that promotes sensory play. Amber Groen is a fashion designer located in Toronto, Canada. She loves to knit and mend clothing. She is a graduate of Parsons School of Design.
