DIY Play Bandages
I set up a Doctor dramatic play and needed some play bandages the children could easily use. Whenever possible, I like to use real props for play provocations but the bandage clips available were sharp and not safe for little fingers.
I know Velcro sticks easily to felt so I thought I could use Velcro as a clip for some homemade felt bandages. They turned out really well and the children had so much fun bandaging each other and all the injured dolls and stuffed animals.
If you would like to make some safe play bandages too, check out the tutorial below.
You will need:
- felt sheets 25x30cm in the colours you would like your bandages. I used acrylic craft felt but you could use pure wool or a blend. Each sheet makes 4 bandages.
- 25cm of sew-on Velcro for each felt sheet. You only need the hook edge.
1. Sew the 25cm strip of the hook Velcro along one of the short sides of the felt sheet.
Sew the Velcro on using the straight stitch on a sewing machine. Sew along both the top and bottom 25cm side edges of the Velcro for added strength.
2. Cut the felt sheet lengthwise into 4 strips. Cut the strips different widths to make different sized bandages.
3. To ensure the Velcro will withstand the continuous pulling from the little doctors, sew along the short edges of the Velcro cuts. Knot this little seam top and bottom.
4. Trim off any loose threads and roll each bandage so they will be ready for play.
Let me know if you make some of these play bandages. I would love to know it they are a success with your children too.