Come and play

I love making toys. It doesn't matter which craft i use, making toys is a lot of fun because you can really let you imagination loose.Okay, i admit it can get fiddly and slightly confusing when you are surrounded by bear limbs or knee deep in polyester stuffing but nothing quite matches the satisfaction i feel when I see my kids playing with my homemade toys. I also favour more unusual projects such as a knitted rubber chicken or a socktopus (which is a knitted octopus with socks on its tentacles) and find it quite easy to adapt already existing patterns to my sometimes rather eccentric style. And here are my favourite free toy patterns out there. 





1. Teddy Bear
You want to make toys? You gotta make a teddy bear. Can't get past the classic although blimey, there are a lot of dodgy looking teddy bears out there.... I wanted a vintage style, knitted ted you can cuddle and squeeze til the cows come home. And here it is (Tiara optional). You have to register with Craftsy to get this pattern which is very easy to do and you won't get lots of junk mail either. 


http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/knitting/Toy/FREE-DIAMOND-JUBILEE-BEAR/17335












2. Sock monkey
Another classic. This is a very good pattern with lots and lots of pics and detailed instructions. Have a banana! 


http://www.craftpassion.com/2012/04/how-to-sew-sock-monkey.html/2










3. Soft blocks
Perfect for your precious little one. They could eat it, throw it, stack it, sit on it, hit you on the head with it, the possibilities are endless. 
And why stick to numbers? what about shapes, animals, or simply different colour sides? 


http://www.sewing.org/files/project/123-softblocks-Cranston.pdf






4. Flying Pig
A pig with wings? Yes, please! I am gonna have to try this one myself... 


http://www.allcrafts.net/fjs.htm?url=www.spudandchloe.com/blog/2011/04/oink-free-pattern/












5. Splat chicken
Is it a ball or is it a chicken? I really don't know! Straight forward sewing pattern for a very daft looking chicken. Tip: you can make it look even more confused by sewing the eyes closer together. 


http://www.craftbits.com/project/plushie-splat-chicken

6. Wooden stacking blocks
Okay, I am a complete novice when it comes to woodwork but I reckon I could do this with a jig saw, sanding paper, a drill, some paint and a great deal of patience (not to forget my first aid kit). Very good website with other project ideas too, not just toys. 



http://www.craftsmanspace.com/free-projects/shape-sorter-toy-plan.html












7. Cloth Doll
I am not really one for dolls. When I was little i got given a number of dolls and over time pulled their limbs out, painted their faces and cut their hair. The only doll i really took care of was one I made myself (I started to sew at the tender age of 9). So, here is a pattern for a cloth doll. Great project to do with kids. Tip: Attention to detail is everything when making a doll. 


http://oneredrobin.com/2007/03/28/how-to-make-a-simple-versatile-soft-doll/

8. Gold Fish
2 Gold fish in a tank, one says "How do you drive this thing?" (joke is courtesy of my 6 year old step son). Isn't it cute? Come fishy, fishy... blub blub blub... 


http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/Toy/Goldfish/10005










9. Knitted biscuits and cakes
Of course! Makes a nice change from plastic play food. From the queen of knitted toys, Jean Greenhowe, comes this free (yay) pattern for knitted cakes. I have purchased quite a few Greenhowe books in my lifetime because her patterns are very easy to follow.Trademark: Everything is knitted, even the plate. 


http://www.jeangreenhowe.com/Images/Tea_Party_Treats2.pdf






and last but certainly not least...

10.  Crochet ball
A vintage pattern for a crocheted ball. A classic which every child will thank you for. 


http://vintagetoychest.blogspot.co.uk/p/crochet-toy-patterns.html