Homemade number puzzleA few months ago I showed how to create Montessori inspired number pockets. I also created puzzle pieces so they could hold and feel the shape of each number.  This was a lot harder and I vowed I’d never do it again.  A year later, though, they are still holding up great and the kids play with them almost daily.  I refuse to make them for the entire alphabet, but would probably do it again for 10 numbers. I used the same outline for these as for the number pockets. They match them to the textured number pockets to make sure they match.

Materials needed: 

  • Scraps of fabric (Kids loved varied textures)
  • Batting (I used an old placemat)
  • Thread

Matching numbers concretelyLayer your fabric with the batting between your layers of fabric. Use a glue stick to glue the scraps together. I used an old placemat that already had a backing quilted onto it. Pin the layers together. Trace each number onto the back layer. Make sure to flip the number around when you trace it, otherwise your number will be reversed when finished.

Teaching kids numbersStitch a straight, running stitch inside the outline of each number to hold the layers together when cutting them out.

Montessori sandpaper letters

Cut out the numbers. Sew the layers together around the edges using a wide, short zigzag stitch. If sewing by hand, use a blanket stitch to finish the edges. Trim the thread and watch your child match the numbers up!

Montessori numbers to trace


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