How to Make a Kids Applique Toolbelt (Embroidery Project)

Tired of looking for a toy your child will love that won’t break the bank? Why not make one!

Although embroidering an applique design can seem intimidating, creating them is easier than you think! You get to further customize your project by selecting your thread color and fabric. Plus, you also get to reduce your stitch count and run time on your machine, while still creating something visually appealing. Get more information on how to sew an applique embroidery design.

Expand your embroidery world and have fun doing it with our new & improved Fun Effects Embroidery Course by learning 14 popular techniques, including applique, to skyrocket your creative potential.

One of the many wonderful things about having young children is that they don’t know the difference between a $500 toy or a $5 toy. So, why not make something for them yourself that is both cute and gets their imaginations going? These lovable applique toolbelt designs are the perfect accessory for young builders!

In terms of you the embroiderer, embroidering this applique toolbelt encourages you to be creative. Now keep in mind that you don’t only have to use the tool designs highlighted in this project. The fabrics and designs you choose to embroider are limitless. You can apply our tutorial steps to any applique designs, although when it comes to any of our project tutorials we recommend using our quality embroidery designs, for best results. Of course, just keep in mind what your child would enjoy playing with, as the purpose of this project is for their play use.

Don’t forget to check out our applique embroidery design categories. These designs are also included in the Embroidery Legacy Design Club.

Now if you’re really looking for something fun to keep the kids entertained, try getting your child involved in the embroidery process! Kids love to watch and learn new things. They also love to help out, and including their input would make this toolbelt project more memorable and personal for them (which will likely make them want to play with it more if they “made” it).

Although sometimes children aren’t the most productive “helpers,” spending time together can be the highlight of this project, and who knows, maybe this would be the start of their love for embroidery!

This child applique toolbelt would also be a great gift for a birthday, Christmas, or just because. If you’ve shopped for children before, you’ve seen the outrageous prices of children’s toys. Not only can you personalize this toy and get your child involved, but it’s also budget-friendly! You can use leftover fabric from previous embroidery projects and buy all the other materials needed at a low cost. 

** It might go without saying but please remember to keep your kids away from your embroidery machine while it’s running.

This project is excellent for play and imagination, and best of all it doesn’t break the bank.

• Choice of fabrics
• Applique tool embroidery designs: wrench, screwdriver, saw, hammer
• Water-soluble stabilizer or tear-away (to decide which stabilizer is right for different embroidery projects, check out our complete guide to embroidery stabilizers)
• Buckle

Step 1 -Prepare fabric

Step 2 -Hoop water soluble stabilizer. Tear away can also be used, but I would suggest not stitching all of the designs at the same time in this case.

Step 3 -Stitch placement stitch. Adhere fabric on top and bottom of the stabilizer/placement line.

Step 4 -Stitch tack-down stitch.

Step 5 -Cut excess fabric on top and bottom.

Step 6 -Stitch the remaining details.

Step 7 -Cut out excess stabilizer.

Step 8 -Carefully remove the remaining stabilizer. I do not suggest submerging in water, as this may result in a puckered mess. Instead, you can use either Q tip, or for an expert solution use a “solvy-ball”… To learn more and create your own “solvy-ball” check out our tutorial on how to properly remove the water soluble stabilizer here.

Step 9 -Sew buckle to the ribbon. If you want to get fancy, I would suggest webbing.

Step 10 -Attach velcro to tools, then attach to the belt.

Now that you know how easy it is to create your own kids’ applique toolbelt, why not start on that next birthday present or early Christmas gift? With no limit to your creativeness, your options are limitless! Your child will enjoy this applique toolbelt, and it’ll keep them entertained while also sparking their imagination.

P.S. If you need an applique design for any of your projects, be sure to browse our giant collection of  machine-friendly embroidery designs, and don’t forget to learn the secrets, tips & tricks behind the most popular embroidery techniques and have fun doing it with our new & improved Fun Effects Embroidery Course.

Happy stitching!