How to make your own interactive play mats for kids

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Handmade play mats for kids can be a great way to create an interactive and engaging play space for children. Here's how you can make one using felt and fabric just like the ones I've made.




Materials:

Felt sheets in various colors
Fabric in fun prints
Scissors
Sewing machine or needle and thread
Hot glue gun
Buttons, beads, or other embellishments


Instructions:

Choose a theme for your play mat, such as a farm, zoo, or dinosaurs. You could even sketch out a rough design on a piece of paper.

Cut a large piece of felt to serve as the base of your play mat. The size will depend on your desired finished size. You could use a 9x12 sheet that's already cut.

Cut out shapes and details from felt to represent various elements of your theme, such as animals, buildings, or vehicles. Crate finger puppets to use a well. Use fabric markers to add details and embellishments to your shapes. 

Arrange your felt shapes and details on your base to create your scene to be sure it all fits to your liking. 

Sew or hot glue any pieces you want to remain in place. Create pockets that aline with your theme to hold loose pieces. 



Choose the fabric you want use for the outside of your play mat. Line up the fabric with your felt mat and place the ribbon you'll use to tie up the mat once it's rolled up and stitch around the edges. I like to fold the fabric over to frame the mat. 



And just like that you have a travel play mat that's great to keep kids entertained while using their imagination and fine motor skills.



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