Sewing Tutorial: Marble Maze Mats

 These are great sensory/fidget toys, especially for people with special needs or who need help with attention spans.

SUPPLIES

Two pieces of fabric, an inch wider and an inch longer than your desired finished size
Two or three marbles
Ruler
FriXion or similar pen (the ink disappears with heat)
Optional: ribbon to sew in a corner to make a loop for attaching to keychain or similar

I like fleece on one side and flannel on the other, but it's up to you what you prefer to work with and what tactile sensitivities your recipient might have. Depending on what types of fabric you choose, you might or might not need to prewash it--fleece doesn't really need prewashing, but flannel does. Test your FriXion pen on the fabric to be sure it will disappear, too. As for size, that's up to your preference and the stability or "stiffness" of the fabric. I wouldn't make one smaller than 4x6 inches (10x15 cm) or larger than about 9x14 inches (23x36 cm). 

I like two marbles, because even numbers are
superior to odd numbers.

DIRECTIONS

Cut the two pieces of fabric one inch longer and one inch (2.54 cm) wider than you want the finished product to be. For example, these two marble maze mats are six inches by ten inches (15x25.5 cm), so I started with pieces of fabric seven inches by eleven inches (17.5x28cm). Right sides together, sew around the perimeter with about a 3/8 inch (0.95 cm) seam allowance, leaving open a spot for turning. If you're adding a ribbon loop so the maze can be attached to something, do this now by folding a loop, putting the loop between the right sides of the fabric with the ends sticking out on the edge, and sewing over the ends.

Probably iron the fabric better than I did, too.

Trim the edges and turn right side out. Before you top stitch, put your marble inside.

Don't forget this; it's super annoying to rip out 
stitches to put the marbles in.

Top stitch around the perimeter with a narrow zig zag, being sure to catch both fabrics especially on the opening you left for turning.

Now for the fun part!

Using your ruler and pen, draw the maze. I use a FriXion pen because disappearing ink pens disappear too quickly, well before I can sew the maze lines. You don't have to use disappearing ink, because you'll be sewing over them. If you don't mind the lines showing through or you know you can wash out the lines (e.g.; if you're using washable markers), then a FriXion pen isn't necessary. I just find them really convenient for marking fabric, so I already have them on hand. The lines do come back in very cold temperatures, but I mean cold: 14F/-10C. Plus, the lines disappear again with a quick trip through the dryer or a swipe of an iron. Your choice of fabric is important here, too: some designs make it very hard to see markings. That's why I like at least one side to be fairly plain!

To draw the maze, use your ruler to keep the lines straight and let your creativity take over. There are only two rules for drawing the maze lines: don't leave a part of the maze cut off from the rest, because the marbles won't be able to get to that spot; and keep the lines about an inch (2.54 cm) apart to let the marbles pass through.

I stuck with right angles, but you could also make lines
at 45 degree angles to others.

Now, sew along the lines. Make sure to back stitch to prevent the thread from unraveling! I like to use sparkly thread, but anything that gives a bit of contrast to the fabric will work. Even if the thread blends in in places, whoever you're making the maze for will be able to feel where the lines are. 

Just don't get distracted and sew past your lines!

Then trim the threads.

Be sure to check both sides for threads.

Do what you need to in order to get rid of the marker lines--wash, iron, etc. And you're done!

They're really fun to make, and the people I've given them to have really appreciated them. Find some nice fabric, decide what size you want, and in just a little while, you'll be done!

Bigger mats allow for more lines, but are "floppier"

Smaller ones are studier and easier to carry around, but 
have room for fewer lines.

Making Gifts with Kids

Most hand-made gifts that an adult might make can also be made by a child, given enough patience on the part both the child and the adult helping. Here are some ideas for gifts more with children in mind.

Check the library or a book store for ideas too; 
there are tons of craft books for kids.

CRAFT KITS

You can find craft kits just about anywhere, from dollar stores to craft stores to impulse buy sections of grocery stores. Suncatchers; modeling kits for soaps, candles, ornaments, candies; stepping stones; beading and jewelry; yarn, sewing, and other needlecraft; even baking kits--baked goods are an excellent gift for kids to help make, because even a very young child can help put sprinkles on cookies or stir a batter. Craft kits come with everything you need already in them, making them a convenient way to get all your supplies. Well, everything except patience and cleaning supplies...

You can also get ideas from the kits--maybe you have the supplies on hand already! 

TOOTHPICKS, POPSICLE STICKS, CLOTHESPINS, AND OTHER WOOD IDEAS

Little pieces of wood are great for crafts. Provided they're smooth (i.e.; no splinters), your child can use them to make flowers, butterflies (with dyed coffee filters), model planes, bookmarks, frames, and even 3D shapes like bird feeders or pencil holders. You'll also need things like paint, glue, and twine for lots of projects. Let your child's creativity lead the way!

SALT DOUGH, CLAY, PLASTER, AND OTHER SCULPTING MATERIALS

Most kids love molding and sculping shapes. While it can get messy (have them work outside, in a garage, or over spread out newspaper or junk mail ads), it's a fun way to help kids create a gift. Materials that will harden and be water-proof are good for coasters, stepping stones, and even cups, plates, and bowls so long as there are no toxic materials that can leach into food. Be sure to give these sorts of creations with instructions to hand-wash!

You can buy ready-made clay or make your own. Salt dough is popular and easy: 1 part salt, 4 parts flour, 1.5 parts water; bake the creations for two to three hours at 250F; let cool; paint. A tip: kneading salt dough is an excellent way to find paper cuts you didn't know you had. Wear gloves if you have any scratches!

Good for handprints, paw prints, any shape you have a 
cookie cutter for, and 3D objects.

There are also pottery studios that can fire higher-quality clay in a kiln, and place to paint sculptures and other pottery. At both types, you'll need to be able to get back to the studio in a week or two to pick up your finished pieces.

FILLING CLEAR VESSELS

I've most commonly seen this idea used for Christmas ornaments, but you can also make suncatchers and curios. All you need is a clear glass or plastic item and something pretty to put inside. They can be filled with ribbon, fabric, crinkle paper, silk flowers, Easter grass, colored sand, or glitter. You can drip some acrylic paint in the bottom and tip them upside-down over a paper cup until dry, letting the paint swirl around the inside. You can also paint the outside or help kids make designs with their fingerprints.

There are more shapes available that spheres,
and other sorts of containers like fancy jars.

You can also fill a jar or other container with dry ingredients for cookies or other recipes. This past Christmas, one of my kid's friends gave us plastic Christmas ornaments filled with hot chocolate powder, crushed candy canes, mini chocolate chips, and marshmallows: fancy hot chocolate!

JEWLERY AND SIMILAR DECORATIONS

Beads made from various materials, ribbon, charms, embroidery floss, jewelry wire, fishing line, maybe some chain links or earring hooks and needle-nosed pliers: have some on hand, and your child can make something as simple as a necklace with a single charm on it, or weave an elaborate friendship bracelet, or make a hair bow, craft a keychain, or even create a windchime. Be aware of choking hazards and keep an eye on things to avoid spills, and see what creations your child comes up with!

KEEP IT SIMPLE

Maybe you want something easy, something that can be done in few minutes and that your young child can handle without making a mess or getting frustrated. There's nothing wrong with a simple wildflower bouquet or a card with a picture your child drew. A painting on a piece of cardstock, felt, or thin foam makes a nice bookmark or frame for a picture! If you're already making cookies, let your child add some food coloring to part of the dough, cut some shapes, or add sprinkles or frosting. 

If your child wants to make a present for someone, gauge your child's patience, attention span, and motor skills and help guide toward a suitable craft. It might get messy, but your child will have fun and enjoy making something special to give to someone special.