DIY kids mobile

Lull little ’uns off to sleep with Melissa Snyder’s moon and stars DIY kids mobile.

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Melissa Snyder

Published: January 25, 2021 at 9:05 am

We love making gifts to welcome a new baby, especially when they’re as sweet as this easy-sew moon and stars mobile. Designed to catch the attention of inquisitive eyes, this night sky display will keep little ones entertained by day and soothe them to sleep at bedtime. Pick similar felt shades for your version, or stay true to the stargazing experience with blues and greys.

When hanging this mobile in a nursery or young child’s bedroom, always make sure it’s kept well out of reach. Avoid suspending it over cot or crib, and always make sure it’s properly secured to the ceiling. Now you know all the basics lets get making your DIY kids mobile!

This project was created by Melissa for Mollie Makes magazine – for more easy-make craft projects and creative inspiration, subscribe to Mollie or click here to find out more.

Materials

Templates from Mollie Makes issue 76
Mobile hanger
Different coloured felt
Metallic faux leather
Matching sewing thread
White embroidery thread
Hot glue gun
Soft toy stuffing
Tapestry needle

DIY kids mobile

You will need:

Felt
Stuffing
Needle

Step 1

Using the templates, cut out all the pattern pieces – you’ll need two for each shape.

Step 2

Pin the two felt pieces for your first shape together, aligning the edges. Sew around the outside, as close to the edge as possible, leaving a gap for stuffing as

Step 3

Repeat Step 2 with your remaining felt shapes, then stuff each one to roughly the same thickness. To join the metallic faux leather stars, glue the pairs together with wrong sides facing.

Step 4

DIY kids mobile step4

To hang the shapes, you’ll need to suspend your mobile hanger from a shelf or similar to balance it. Tie a long length of embroidery thread from each of the four hanger arms, then thread the needle with the hanging end of one thread.

Step 5

DIY kids mobile step5

Using the main image as a guide, sew through the top of the shape that’ll sit nearest the mobile arm. You’ll only need to thread the needle through once or twice – enough to hold it in place, but loose enough so you can adjust its position on the thread if needed.

Step 6

DIY kids mobile step6

Continue adding the rest of the shapes in the same way, adding or taking away stuffing where necessary to keep the mobile level.

DIY kids mobile step6b

Step 7

DIY kids mobile step7

Once you’re happy with the positioning of the shapes, neatly sew the gaps on each one closed, checking each time to make sure the mobile is still balanced.

Step 8

DIY kids mobile step8

Firmly sew each shape in place, adding a tiny bead of hot glue where the hanging thread meets a shape. You can also glue the thread to the hanger arms to help secure it.

We hope you enjoyed making Melissa’s project. If you like this scrap-busting sewing project, you might also like our guide to How to make bunting. Or, if you’re up for a challenge, why not learn how to make balloon animals for beginners?

Share a picture of your DIY kids mobile with us on Instagram using #molliemakers, and don’t forget to subscribe to Mollie Makes to get creative inspiration delivered to your door every month!

DIY kids mobile

Craft Designer

Melissa never thought her artistic family’s craft genes had passed down to her until she made a mobile for her daughter’s nursery. Her hobby quickly grew, and Melissa now sells her handmade designs worldwide. You can find her adorable felt creations over on her Etsy https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/JuniperStreetDesigns and Instagram @juniperstreetdesigns