Keeping It Simple – In the Hoop - Happy Face Ribbon Toys

Our 5-year old granddaughter wanted to make something for a friend’s as a gift for her new little sister that is coming home soon. Now this granddaughter is one of those children who cannot sit still for more than 5 minutes at a time. Her focus is ever-changing and she has an energy level that is enviable. And she is only five. So we decided to make a happy face star ribbon toy. Of course ours had to be pink. Here is the one she made:

Here is what you need for the star ribbon toy:

Two squares of felt that are about 6

Five pieces of ribbon 4” long

Tear away stabilizer (for optional step 1)

Pinking shears

Soft Cut-away stabilizer

Embroidery thread

Happy Star design (you can download the design at the bottom of the blog)

Lapel stick or other temporary adhesive

Here is what you do:

1. This step is optional but makes it easier to cut the shape. Hoop stabilizer in a 5x7 hoop. Center one square of felt on top. Load the happy star design and embroider only the first run. Using the pinking shears cut outside the run. Remove the stabilizer and set aside. Save the other felt square for later.

2. Hoop cut-away stabilizer in a 5x7 hoop. Load the same color thread in both the top and bottom for best results with this project. Start the design over and embroider the first run on the stabilizer.

3. Fold your ribbon wrong sides together and place over first inside corner (top right) so that a half inch or so is inside the line. Adhere using a lapel stick if desired. Embroider the run. Repeat for all inside corners going clockwise around the star.

4. Lay the cut star on top aligning it over the star placement and embroider the tackdown run. Change the thread and bobbin if desired and then embroider the face run.

5. Remove the hoop and turn face down on a stable, flat surface. Use your square over the star placement lines. Change the thread and bobbin back to the original color if needed. (we were giggling and forgot to do this.) Carefully slide the hoop back onto the machine and embroider the final run.

6. Remove the design from the hoop. Using pinking shears cut around the back and stablizer matching up with the front star shape.