Cuddle® Crinkle Squares: A Fun & Fast Baby Gift

Sometimes the best sewing projects are the simplest ones. I was looking for something fast, fun, and meaningful to make when I remembered a project I had sewn several years ago. Back then, I added crinkle paper to a Shannon Fabrics ABC Book for my nephew, and he absolutely loved the crinkly sounds and soft textures.

Now that he has a baby sister, I decided to create something special just for her: Cuddle® Crinkle Squares!

These little sensory squares are perfect for curious babies. The combination of ultra-soft Cuddle® fabric and the fun crinkly sound inside makes them irresistible for tiny hands to grab, squeeze, and explore. They're also a great way to use up smaller pieces of Cuddle® fabric while creating something that babies will enjoy again and again.

Watching my nephew enjoy his crinkly ABC Book years ago inspired this project, and now it's been so much fun making something similar for his little sister. There's something extra special about creating handmade gifts that can be loved by the next generation.

If you're looking for a beginner-friendly sewing project or a scrap buster to gift the littlest ones in your life, these Cuddle® Crinkle Squares are the perfect choice.

Materials

2 squares of Quilting Cuddle® fabric, 6½"
One 6½" square of crinkle paper
6½" Omnigrid® Square Ruler
OLFA® Rotating Cutting Mat
OLFA® Rotary Cutter
Clover Mini Wonder Clips
Shannon Fabrics Made with Love Label

Instructions

Cut two 6½" squares of Quilting Cuddle® and one 6½" square of crinkle paper.
Lay the Cuddle® pieces wrong side up with the nap running in the same direction, side by side. On the edges that will meet, mark 2" and 4½" down from the top to indicate the turning opening.
Stay stitch on the single thickness of fabric between the two marks made in the previous step.
Pin a Shannon Fabrics Made with Love Label to a different side on the right side of one piece of Cuddle®. Sew the label in place to secure it.
With the nap running in the same direction, layer the two pieces of Cuddle® right sides together and place the crinkle paper on top. Secure the layers with clips or pins.
Using a ½" seam allowance, begin sewing at one opening mark with the crinkle paper facing up. Backstitch to secure your stitches, sew around the square, and stop at the second opening mark. Backstitch again to secure. For easier turning, sew two stitches across each corner before pivoting.
Trim small triangles from each corner to reduce bulk, being careful not to cut through the stitching.
Carefully turn the crinkle square right side out through the opening. Use a point turner to gently push out the corners.
Fold the raw edges of the opening to the inside and clip around all sides of the crinkle square.
Topstitch approximately ⅛" from the edge around the entire square, making sure the crinkle paper remains beneath the top layer of Cuddle®. This will close the opening and give the square a finished look.
Your Cuddle® Crinkle Square is ready for little hands to squeeze, crinkle, and cuddle!