As a new mother, I have had my fair share of noticing the genius in some baby items (being able to pump directly into milk bags? Awesome!), or the lack thereof (who thought babies need batteries in their toys?). Since my baby is only about six months old, one of her favorite types of toys is a hanging toy that can clip onto her play gym or infant seat. The toy doesn’t fall to the ground every 30 seconds and both mother and child are happy. I foresee this being especially useful once my daughter learns how fun it is to throw toys purposefully onto the ground.
However, most of her favorite hanging toys have plastic attachment rings, making it impossible to connect them to the car seat. As an innovator, I set out to design a toy leash that could help attach my baby’s favorite toys to the car seat to keep her entertained when we are on walks or running errands.
My husband has also used this toy leash to attach a toy to a shopping cart or around the side of a high chair, so depending on how long you make it, you could use this leash to prevent fallen toys anywhere!
This design works up super quickly and is the perfect stash-buster for any worsted weight yarn. I used a 2 inch wooden teether ring I had purchased previously, since it gives the leash some structure, though you could easily crochet a chain instead if you don’t have one. I highly recommend using the wooden ring though since it gives the item more stability and longevity, especially when yanked on by a baby exploring their surroundings!
Materials
G/4.0 mm hook. I used a smaller hook than my yarn typically calls for in order for the stitches to be tighter and have more structure. This prevents the weight of the toy from stretching the toy leash too much.
Approximately 20 yards of worsted weight yarn. I chose to use cotton for durability. This is a great way to use up scraps!
2-inch wooden ring
Tapestry needle and scissors for weaving in ends
Abbreviations
SC: single crochet
Sl st: slip stitch
Ch: chain
St(s): stitch(es)
FO: fasten off
Toy Lease
Row 1: Starting with a slip knot on your hook, SC 36 around the wooden ring, Sl st to first SC, turn (36)
Row 2: Ch 1, SC 6, turn (6)
Rows 3-32: Repeat Row 2
FO, leave a long tail for sewing.
You can make your toy lease strap as long or short as you want. I recommend making sure the length you choose is long enough to go around whatever you plan to strap it to, with at least an inch of extra strap that will be sewn down.
Fold over approximately 6 rows of the strap and sew the end to the point in the strap where it touches (approximately 12 rows from the end). This will create a loop that is perpendicular to the wooden ring.
You can make this folded over portion bigger or smaller, depending on the toy(s) you plan to attach to the lease.
Weave in ends, and enjoy hanging toys falling no more!
These make a great unique baby shower gift that will surely be used! Share with me on Instagram @crowchetcreations or through the hashtag #crowchetcreations if you make one of these, I would love to see it in action.
XO, Emily
