Nap mats are a requirement for many daycare and preschool programs that cater to toddlers, and while you can buy toddler nap mats, making your own is a sweet way to remind your favorite toddler that your thoughts are with him even when you aren't. Choose fabrics with your toddler's favorite colors, patterns or characters to create a nap mat. You'll need basic sewing skills and a couple of hours to make a toddler nap mat.
Step 1
Wash and dry your fabric according to its recommended care instructions. Press fabric with a warm iron.
Step 2
Cut out two 3-foot squares of soft fabric. Pin together on three sides so that the wrong sides of the fabric are facing out. Sew along the three sides with your sewing machine, using a straight stitch and a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Turn the fabric right side out and sew up the remaining side.
Step 3
Use scissors to cut out two 22-inch by 52-inch rectangles from the washable fabric. Line up the soft fabric square along the length of one of the fabric rectangles with the right sides together, leaving about a 4-inch gap along the lower edge of the rectangle, where the soft square doesn't reach. Pin the fabric together; use a straight stitch with a 1/4-inch seam allowance to sew the edge of the fabric square to the edge of the rectangle.
Step 4
Put the second rectangle on top of the one you've just sewn the soft square to so that the right sides are touching. Pin the top, bottom and the side with the attached blanket together, and use a straight stitch with 1/4-inch seam allowance to sew up the three sides. Leave the fourth side open. Turn the mat right side out.
Step 5
Measure 10 inches down from the top of the mat. Mark the line with tailor's chalk, pins or string, and sew a straight line across the mat at the line. Stuff the small opening with fiberfill, pin and stitch the opening closed to make a pillow.
Step 6
Sew Velcro along the remaining unsewn edge of the rectangle. Press a 1/4-inch fold before sewing on the Velcro fasteners for a neater look. This will allow you to remove--and wash--the nap mat's cover.
Step 7
Slip the foam pad into the mat. Fasten it shut with Velcro closures.
Things You'll Need
- 1 2/3 yards of washable fabric, such as cotton
- 2 yards of soft fabric, such as minky
- Scissors
- All-purpose thread, in coordinating color
- Sewing machine
- 20-inch by 40-inch rectangle of 1-inch thick foam padding
- 40 inches of sew-in Velcro tape
- 8 oz. of fiberfill or foam stuffing
References
- "Seams to Me: 24 New Reasons to Love Sewing"; Anna Maria Horner; 2008
- "French General Home Sewn: 30 Projects for Every Room in the House"; Kaari Meng; 2008
