Hot air balloon mobile: How to make a baby mobile – FREE pattern

by Rose Fine | Apr 16, 2015

Hot Air Balloon Mobile

Create a beautiful Hot Air Balloon Mobile, or a single hot air balloon, with this simple sewing pattern. It seems that babies bring out our craftiness, doesn't it? Mesmerize your (friend's/sister's) baby for hours on end with these floating* hot air balloons. (* In reality, the top of the balloons are attached to a painted embroidery hoop). So clever!)

The mobile is not only for kids bedroom. I can see myself hanging one of these in the sunroom, or the kitchen, which happens to be the 'Travel' corner in my home's Feng Shui bagua. A hot air balloon is such a magnificent symbol of freedom and fun adventure.

Still want to drift off a bit more, even though you had a lovely vacation this summer? Then, how about creating this darling mobile for the kids bedroom or your kitchen, and while making it, dream of where you'd be flying the next time you'll have the chance.

Ever been to a great summer hot air balloon festival? Well, this post is inspired by them.

Free nursery hot air balloon mobile tutorial

Materials Needed

Amazon ads

Assorted Colors Felt - Learn more or purchase on Amazon,
Embroidery floss - Learn more or purchase on Amazon,
Embroidery hoop - Learn more or purchase on Amazon,
Polyester fiberfill - Learn more or purchase on Amazon, (This one's made in the USA, from recycled materials. So, if you need to buy new fill, buy this one. Most/all others are made in China...)
Slices of clean recycled cork.
Obviously, you'll need needles and scissors also.

Overall indications

Start with making a larger balloon, as it's less fiddly.
Each balloon is made from 8 equal panels, which are hand-embroidered together.
The details on the balloon are added to the panels before you sew these together.
Use contrast-colored embroidery floss for detailing. Use same-colored or invisible tread to sew panels and circles. Use white embroidery floss to hang the cork 'basket' below the balloon.
Stuff your balloons with poly fill fibre, before closing with a small felt circle. Fill progressively.

Before we give you the link to the pattern and full tutorial, please read the following, important safety warning:

Important General Baby Safety Rules

Keep your baby safe. This means keeping any kind of mobiles with threads - including this one - away from the baby! Hang it within sight of your baby, but hang the mobile outside of baby's reach!

Do not hang directly above the baby's crib, to avoid this being a potential strangling hazard.

Photo credit & to get the complete tutorial with sewing pattern: HowJoyful.com