How to Insert Rattles & Bells in to Softies
I recently received an email from Karyn regarding rattles, bells, and squeakers for handmade infant softies. Her question was more about suppliers and in my limited experience, it has been rather hit and miss. I have found rattles and bells at my local Spotlight but no squeakers. If you have any recommendations for suppliers (online or in your local area) of rattles, bells and squeakers that you can insert into soft toys, please do leave them in the comments!
Her email did trigger a related subject in my mind and that is: what is the best method of inserting rattles and bells into soft toys? This is especially important when making softies for infants but safety is key no matter what age the recipient is.
I found this excellent method on Origami Snail’s website for rattles/bells. She uses either a bell or some beads, fishing wire, and a small plastic egg-shaped container.
{image credit: Origami Snail}
She writes:
“To make the rattle you will need a small light hollow plastic container that can be separated into halves (I used the toy container from a Kinder Egg although I am sure that you could get some kind of purpose made thing), a bell or some beads (I re-purposed a few links from a jingly anklet I had around), 8 inches of strong gauge fishing line, and a needle.
Take your bell or beads or what ever and string them on the fishing line such that they hang in the middle of the length. You will have two lengths of line either side.
Poke two holes at the top of one half of your container. Thread each length of line through a hole from the inside and tie a tight knot on the outside of the container so that your beads or whatever hang down.
Make sure that when they hang down on the inside that they have room to move and won’t touch the other end of your container when you put it back together. If they do then it won’t make as nice a noise, especially if you use a bell.
Put the container back together and your rattle is done.”
I would add that the final step is to tape around the plastic container to ensure that it stays shut.
By the way, she also has a free pattern for a very cute amigurumi bunny baby rattle, which incorporates the rattle described above, available here.
If you’ve got any tips on inserting rattles, bells and squeakers, please feel free to leave those in the comments too.
Make A Comment: ( 9 so far )
9 Responses to “How to Insert Rattles & Bells in to Softies”
Rachel
October 30th, 2008
Several years back while still working, I had collected the small egg containers pantyhose came in. When I acquired a step-grandaughter, I finally figured out a use for them! Place jingle bell or whatever inside the egg and tape or glue securely shut. Then finish off softie or item of choice.
Patty Fairbairn
November 9th, 2008
some grocery stores sell squeakers to refill dog toys. not the best resource if you’re planning to sell but works if you want one or two toys to squeak.
robin
December 8th, 2008
American Felt and Craft http://www.feltandcraft.com has rattle inserts, and squeakers! I looked everywhere because homemade methods gave me nightmares, I felt like I won the lottery when I finally found them and I ordered like 15 of them! As a bonus they have TONS of brilliantly colored felt!
EmilyH
May 14th, 2009
I found squeakers on ebay and 50 cents each? Look up dog toy squeaker
heather
August 5th, 2009
I’m just amazed that these are so hard to find. I found the ones from American
craft & Felt but I sure would have thought that they would be easier to find and
frankly, cheaper. I’m going to check out the $1 store and see if I can find some
baby shower favors that are little rattles and break off the handle. I want to use
them to make whimsey balls and the sections are really small.
Thanks,
Susan
Susan Gardner
October 19th, 2009
petsmart sells squeaker refills in 6 packs (sm) and 4 packs (lg) for 1.99 each. 
Manda
December 20th, 2009
Found a site that carries both rattle and squeaker inserts…just ordered them, so we will see.
http://www.nationalartcraft.com/subcategory.asp?gid=12&cid=93&scid=1416#item
Above is the link to the rattles, just put squeakers into the search part of the site and they come up too.
Quita
June 3rd, 2010
Me again, I just got my order from American Craft of rattles and squeakers and they are perfect and the prices were awesome. website and info is listed in my comment above, just wanted to let you know the quality is good and they arrived very promptly.
Quita
June 12th, 2010
Great information! I’ll be linking!