How to Create a Personalized Memory Game (TUTORIAL)

This year for the holidays I knew I wanted to craft a special gift for my daughters and nieces. A gift that could be considered a game or toy, but  that could also be considered a quieter activity (what parent doesn’t love some quiet time… am I right?!). I brainstormed for a while but kept being drawn to the idea of a game. It may just be the occupational therapist in me, but I am all about visual learning and fine motor activities that can be incorporated into play time. This is when I decided to create a personalized memory game! This craft is a fun and simplistic project that will result in wonderful gifts for your loved ones! Furthermore, the project is easily customizable and allows for you to incorporate your personal touch! Making a memory game has never been more fun!

* Affiliate links are included in this post. All this means, is that if you click on one of those links and purchase something, I may receive a small commission. However, you will not pay a penny more- promise!

MAKING A MEMORY GAME:

The memory game I created included twelve squares and six different matching patterns. Needless to say, you can create a larger game with more squares/matches or a smaller game with more squares/matches. Again, very customizable to the person receiving the gift. More squares, the more complicated the game. Less squares, the easier the game. For the purpose of this tutorial, I will discuss the twelve square/six matching patterns template.

Don’t quite feel confident in your sewing skills? Don’t let that stop you! Check out my post on “How I Taught Myself to Sew and You can Too!” Or, simply, check out this ideal video tutorial of Sewing Machine Basics. Then step over to these Online Craft Classes (select “Sewing”) that include video demonstrations in order to learn more advanced techniques!

---

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

• sewing machine (You can definitely hand-stitch this project, just add in additional time to complete. Note: Don’t want to spend a small fortune on a machine? This one here is a starter favorite and very affordable!)
• thread (I chose white to go with my white felt pieces)
• scissors
• pins
• ruler/yard stick/measuring tape
• tailors chalk (I prefer chalk to mark measurement cutting line so I don’t damage the fabric)
• 2- 12 x 18 sheets of white felt
• 6 different fat quarters (try to pick differing fabrics and colors that will make good matches for children). You can truly get any fabric you desire (perhaps you even have some scraps lying around) but if starting from scratch, the fat quarters will likely save you on cost. (Note: my favorite place to choose from the largest selections of fabric is here.)
• Cardboard to create 3 different square templates (if you buy the recommended fat quarters then you will be provided a sturdy piece of cardboard inside. You can simply use 3 of these to make your templates.)

DIRECTIONS:

1.) Use your cardboard (again, the cardboard included with the fat quarters is ideal as it is free and readily available) and create 3 different squares. These squares will serve as templates for your cutting. These squares should be the following sizes: a) 4 inches x 4 inches, b) 3.5 inches x 3.5 inches, c) 3 inches x 3 inches.

2.) Take one piece of 12 x 18 felt and use the 4 x 4 inch square cardboard template to trace. (Note: draw lightly with a light colored marker.) You should be able to get 12 different squares out of this piece of felt (with a little extra felt remaining). (Note: drawn squares should be touching in order to get 12.) Repeat this step to the second piece of felt as well for a total of 24 squares.

3.) Carefully cut along the lines on both pieces of felt to yield 24- 4 x 4 inch squares.

4.) Separate 12- 4 x 4 inch squares from the pile. Using your 3 x 3 inch template, center it in the middle of the square and trace around it. Do this to all 12 squares.

5.) Carefully cut out the inner square that you just traced on all 12 squares.

6.) Take one of your fat quarters and turn it upside down (as you will be drawing on it with marker while tracing your template). Then use your 3.5 x 3.5 inch square template and trace two different squares of fabric. (Note: when I created this project, I made 3 full games of 12 squares at the same time. I was able to cut 6 different squares per fat quarter with some material remaining). Now repeat this step to all 6 of your fabrics.

7.) Carefully cut out the 12 fat quarter squares.

8.) Now you will begin assembly of your memory game pieces. This step will resemble making a sandwich. First lay down the 4 x 4 inch felt square. On top of that lay your 3.5 x 3.5 inch fabric square (center it on the larger felt square). Lastly, lay your 4 x 4 inch felt square with the cut out 3 x 3 inch square on top of the fabric piece.

9. Now you will want to pin along the sides of each square to keep all 3 pieces together. I would recommend also placing a pin in the middle of the fabric, securing it to the back piece of felt. (I did not do this initially but later found it to be beneficial.)

10.) Time to sew them together! Begin by sewing along the inner edge of your white border/as close to the fabric as possible while staying on the white felt. This will secure the fabric in place.

11.) Then follow up with sewing along the outer edge of the square sandwich, furthest from the fabric so that all 3 pieces are secure.

12.) Repeat steps 10 & 11 to all 12 game pieces.

13.) Enjoy your game!

HAVE FUN!

Now that you are done making a memory game, have fun with gifting it! Take material from one more fat quarter and create a small carrying case for all your game pieces to stay secure. Or, stack on top of each other and tie with twine or ribbon. No matter your delivery, your loved one is sure to love this personalized twist on a classic game!

Looking for additional gift ideas that allow you to feature your sewing skills just like making a memory game? Be sure to check these out here for step-by-step tutorials!

What other quiet games have you sewn or made for loved ones? Do you have experience making a memory game? I’d love to know how it went for you!