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Dear Sewfie,
Can you show me an easy way to make a fabric cube? I want to make some soft fabric blocks for my son.
- Marcia
Dear Marcia,
You can make cute fabric baby blocks from a foam cube and six fabric squares. We used 4″ foam and an adorable fabric panel called “Baby Geniuses Grow Up!” by Linda Carlson & Diana Henage from Benartex.
You can make these cute fabric baby blocks!
One 5/8 yard panel has 30 colorful squares (enough to make 5 blocks) featuring letters of the alphabet and adorable cartoon animals. You could also use the 3″ number squares to make smaller number blocks.
Baby Geniuses Grow Up! 5/8 yard panel
You can use any size foam, simply cut your fabric squares 1/2″ wider than your foam. You can cut your foam block to shape using any sharp kitchen knife.
Materials: 4" foam cube and six 4.5" fabric squares
Note: To make nice square corners, do not stitch all the way to the edge of the fabric. Be sure to start and stop stitching 1/4″ from all edges.
Sew in 1/4" seam allowances
Sew six squares into cross shape
So far… so good!
Fold the bottom square on a diagonal angle, then sew the side seam (where scissors are pointing). Repeat for each of the four side seams
Now you have a box with a flap top
Sew two sides of the top flap, leave one side open
Turn right side out and square corners gently with chopstick
Squeeze foam cube through opening
Stitch opening shut
Finished!
Baby approves!
Baby Puzzle Ball by Sew Fun
I just love the blocks! What a cute idea.
I love these blocks! And your tutorial makes them seem very doable. I have been trying to find the fabric on-line but can’t…Any assistance/suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Sam,
As of 8/10/2011 this ETSY shop had this fabric in stock:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/42854685/baby-geniuses-grow-up-fabric-panel
-Jennifer
Jennifer –
Thank you so much! I ordered it right away.
Now I’m one step closer to making your cute blocks. Yea!
Stefanie
Where did you buy the foam for the blocks? I love this idea but can’t figure out where to buy it.
Jenn,
I bought the foam at Jo Anne’s. If you don’t have a Jo Anne near you, try any large chain fabrics/crafts store or any place that sells home dec supplies. This foam is used for making seat cushions. Get the “high density” foam, it’s a light green color and more firm than the regular white foam. It’s very expensive but you can buy it by the inch, you only need a 4″ ‘slice’ to make all 5 blocks, to cover the whole alphabet. I think it comes in 24″ or 36″ widths, you’d only need the 24″ to make all 5 blocks. I think when I bought mine it ended up costing me about $6. If you can’t find 4″ foam, buy a 2″ seat cushion and double up!
I hope this helps.
Best,
Jen @ SewFun
Jenn,
Thank you so much for your illustrated instructions. I have struggled to make foam cubes for over a year, and thanks to you, I finally made one successfully! Your photos really helped! I also had a difficult time finding the right foam. I found 4” high density foam at an upholstery supply store in Los Angeles called Norm’s Foam & Fabric Center. They were really helpful. I even had a choice of extra firm and firm foam. A 48x12x4” piece of high density firm foam cost only $15! Now I can complete the set of cubes for my friend’s kids. Thanks again!!!
Sincerely,
Miki
I can’t find this Baby Geniuses Grow Up alphabet fabric. Does anyone know where to get it?
how can you wash these blocks if a baby spits up on them? Can the high density foam go in the washing machine? thanks, Jane
Yes, you can just pop them in the washer, then let them air-dry! The foam is very springy – it washes easily and maintains its shape. You can also spot-clean with a damp cloth and let air dry if the mess is small.
thanks so much. I will buy the foam at Joann’s tomorrow!
This was the 3rd set of instructions I tried working from to make a baby block. I guess 3rd time is the charm!!! Very easy and simple instructions to understand and the pictures do help. I especially like the picture which shows you to start stitching the sides together on a diagonal. That was the most helpful tip because it made the cube go together so much easier. Thank you so very much for these instructions.
I am a grandmother who traditionally has made some special valentine treat for my 17.yr. old granddaughter. Usually specially decorated cookies or cupcakes, etc. This year I have a new 6 mo. old granddaughter. A new tradition has also begun for her. I am making her your precious foam blocks! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for your clear instructions! I am trying to sew a bench cushion and was looking for good directions on how to make the perfect corners! So glad I found your tutorial… same concept just on a smaller object!
I just made one. Looks perfect. Baby happy
Thanks a lot 
I really want these but of course they are out of fabric. Does anyone still have their set and not using anymore that I could buy? Thanks!
Thank you for the adorable pattern! I had a hard time finding this fabric at first, but I was able to find some for sale on Ebay! I have already ordered it and now just have to find the foam. I can’t wait to make these blocks for my little one that we are expecting in July!