How to Make a Padded Play Mat for Your Baby

Sometimes, you have to take your baby with you, whether it is to the kitchen while you cook, or to your office while you work. Floors can be hard and uncomfortable for babies, and blankets just aren't soft enough. Padded play mats are a great option, because they give your baby a soft area to play in while you work. Instead of buying one, however, why not make one?

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Making a Simple Padded Play Mat

  1. This will be the visible part of the play mat, so choose a pattern that appeals to you. It might be a good idea to use an easily-washable fabric, such as cotton. Something with a pattern would work especially well.
  2. Fold it in half top-to-bottom first. Next, fold it again, this time left-to-right. Make sure that all of your edges align.
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  3. Pin a piece of string to the corner where all of the folds meet. Measure 22 inches (56 centimeters), then tie the string to a dressmaker's pen or pencil. Use the string like a compass to draw an arc from top corner to bottom corner.
  4. Use a sharp pair of fabric scissors for this, and be sure to cut through all layers of fabric. Unfold the fabric when you are done and discard the scraps (or save them for a future project). You should have a circle.
  5. Spread your desired quilted backing fabric on the floor. Place the circle you just out on top of the quilted backing fabric and pin it in place. Use a dressmaker's pen or pencil to trace around the circle.
    • You can match your quilted backing to your main fabric. You can also use a contrasting color instead.
  6. Remove the pins and the main fabric first. Cut the quilted backing along the lines that you drew using a pair of fabric scissors. Discard the scraps.
  7. Place the quilted backing fabric circle right side down. The wrong side should be facing you. Place the main fabric circle wrong side down. The right side should be facing you. Pin the circles together along the edges.
    • You are doing this because you won't be turning the fabric inside out. You will be covering the hem with trim instead.
  8. Use a ¼-inch (0.64-centimeter) seam allowance. You can co back over the edges with a zigzag stitch when you are done. Alternatively, you can use an over lock stitch if your sewing machine has that option.
  9. The trim needs to be wider than your hem, so at least ¼-inch (0.64-centimeters). Great options include double-fold hem tape, lace, and fringe. Choose a color that coordinates nicely with your fabric. Because of the size of your play mat, a wider trim would look better than a thinner one, but the final choice is up to you.
    • Pin lace and fringe around the edges of your circle. Overlap the stitching by a little bit.
    • Fold double-fold bias tape around the edges. Make sure that the fabric tucks right into the crease of your bias tape. Fold the ends under by ½ inch (1.27 centimeters) to conceal any raw edges. Pin it in place.
  10. Sew as close to the inner edge as you can, about ⅛-inch (0.32-centimeter). Use a thread color that matches your trim. Backstitch at the start and end of your sewing so that the stitching doesn't come undone. Be sure to remove the pins as you sew.
    • If you are using lace or fringe, choose a bobbin color that matches your quilted backing.
    • If you are using double-fold bias tape, choose a bobbin color that matches your bias tape.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Making a Reversible Padded Play Mat

  1. You will need two different pieces of fabric, each 1 meter (1.09 yards) long. Choose two different colors or patterns that work well together. Great fabric choices include knit jersey (t-shirt fabric), flannel, and cotton.
    • Consider using a print for one side and a solid color for the other.
  2. Fold the fabric in half from top to bottom first. Then, fold it in half again from side to side. [1]
    • Do this step for both pieces of fabric.
  3. Pin some string to the corner where all folds meet. Measure 20 inches (50 centimeters) and tie the string around a dressmaker's pen or pencil. Use the string like a compass to draw an arc from corner to corner. [2]
    • Do this step for both pieces of fabric.
  4. Use a sharp pair of fabric scissors to do this, and be sure to cut through all layers of fabric. Cut the two circles out separately. Do not attempt to cut through both pieces of fabric at once; it will be too thick. Discard the scraps or save them for another project.
    • Keep your scissors at a slight angle and make smaller cuts. It will take longer, but your circle will be neater in the end. [3]
  5. Pin one of your fabric circles to the batting of your choice. Make sure that the right side of the fabric is facing up. Use a sharp pair of scissors to cut around the batting. Do not remove the pins just yet.
  6. Make sure that the right side of the fabric circle is facing up, and the edges are aligned. Use a ¼-inch (0.64-centimeter) seam allowance.
  7. Set your second circle down with the right side facing up. Measure out your desired trim, and pin it around the circle. Make sure that the trim's edges are aligned with the circle's edges, and that the fancy part is facing inwards. It may look weird now, but when you are down sewing, the fancy part will be sticking out.
  8. Use a ¼-inch (0.64-centimeter) seam allowance. Be sure to remove the pins as you sew.
  9. Place the first circle down on the floor, right side up and batting side down. Place the second circle down on top of it, right side down. Make sure that the edges match up and that the trim is tucked inside. Pin the circles together.
    • It may look weird at the moment, but the batting will be on the inside once you turn the circle inside out.
  10. Use a ¼-inch (0.64-centimeter) seam allowance. Leave a 3 to 4-inch (8 to 10-centimeter) gap for turning. If you'd like, you can go over the edges again with a zigzag stitch, but don't go over the gap. Be sure to remove the pins as you sew. [4]
    • If you are using jersey knit fabric, use a ball point needle. This will prevent the needle from pulling on the fabric and breaking the thread. [5]
  11. If you'd like a neater finish, cut notches into the hem all the way around the circle every couple of inches/centimeters. This will help reduce buckling and bulk.
  12. Focus on the edges of the circle, and try to avoid the fringe. When you reach the gap, tuck the hem inside; secure it with sewing pins if needed. Be sure to use a setting suitable for the type of fabric you are working with.
  13. Sew ⅛ inch (0.32 centimeter) from the edge of the circle (where the trim begins). This time, go over the gap that you made. Backstitch at the start and end of your sewing so that the stitching doesn't come undone.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I make a baby mat? I have cut out the fabric into square.
    Community Answer
    To make a tummy time mat, assuming you are padding it with batting, cut the batting to match your square. Sew fabric right sides together along 3 sides. On the fourth side, sew about 1/4 of the way, then turn right side out. Insert your batting, then hand stitch the opening closed. To secure the batting to the fabric, make out a grid using a ruler across your square. Where lines cross is where you will stitch through. You can make these small stitches with matching or contrasting fabric depending on the look you would like to achieve. Depending on the size of your mat, you'll need to decide the distance between each stitch. Using two rulers may be helpful for working your way across the mat.
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      Tips

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      Things You'll Need

      Simple Padded Play Mat

      • 44 inches (112 centimeters) main fabric
      • 44 inches (112 centimeters) quilted backing fabric
      • Fringe, lace, or double-fold bias tape
      • Dressmaker's pen or pencil
      • Fabric scissors
      • Thread
      • Sewing machine
      • Sewing pins

      Reversible Padded Play Mat

      • 1 meter (1.09 yards) main fabric
      • 1 meter (1.09 yards) coordinating fabric
      • 1 meter (1.09 yards) batting
      • Dressmaker's pen or pencil
      • Fabric scissors
      • Thread
      • Sewing machine
      • Sewing pins
      • Fringe, lace, or double-fold bias tape


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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/life-style/family-home/diy-fringed-play-mat-20160926-groct5
      2. ↑ http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/life-style/family-home/diy-fringed-play-mat-20160926-groct5
      3. ↑ http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/life-style/family-home/diy-fringed-play-mat-20160926-groct5
      4. ↑ http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/life-style/family-home/diy-fringed-play-mat-20160926-groct5
      5. ↑ http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/life-style/family-home/diy-fringed-play-mat-20160926-groct5

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