DIY Pipe Cleaner Letters for Hands-On Alphabet Learning

These DIY pipe cleaner letters are simple to make using just two common craft materials, and perfect for hands-on alphabet learning!

DIY pipe cleaner letters

DIY Pipe Cleaner Letters for Hands-On Alphabet Learning

They would make a great addition to our Alphabet Fun: Hands-On Games for 3-6 Year Olds activity pack, so be sure to check that out too.

Miss 4 is enthralled with letters at the moment. She is constantly asking me how to write this letter or that and our house is smattered with little pieces of paper filled with her fabulous efforts at writing. I have wanted to make a tactile alphabet set to use as a letter learning resource for the longest while this simple idea that uses just two common craft materials is perfect!

Made from pipe cleaners and wool, Miss 4 is fascinated by them.

DIY tactile letters for hands on alphabet learning. Great for kindergarten and preschool

And all it took was a night on the couch binge watching Orange is the New Black! It felt so good to get my crafty back on, it’s been way too long.

How To Make Pipe Cleaner Letters

You will need:

  • Pipe cleaners
  • Yarn/wool
  • Hot glue gun or clear craft glue

To make:

1. Twist and fold pipe cleaners to form each letter shape. You might need to trim the length of your pipe cleaner for some letter shapes, or add additional pieces, depending upon the letter. Just twist the ends over to join them together. You can model your letters to suit whichever handwriting style your school system uses.

2. Wrap each letter shape firmly with yarn. I wrapped around the end of the piece of yarn to hold it securely in place as I started but you could tie a small knot instead. When the letter is fully wrapped, tie off the yarn with a small knot at the back of the letter.

DIY tactile letters for hands on alphabet learning. Great for kindergarten and preschool

3. Pop a small dab of glue onto each knot and the end of each letter to help keep the yarn secure. Leave to dry.

4. Re-shape the letter as necessary. The yarn will help to keep the pipe cleaner firm.

DIY tactile letters for hands on alphabet learning. Great for kindergarten and preschool

Once you’re done you’re ready for fun – invite your child to find the letters they can name, or to make their name, or simple words, or put the letters in alphabetical order together and sing the Alphabet Song!

DIY tactile letters for hands on alphabet learning. Great for kindergarten and preschool

My next step is to make an uppercase set of letters!

For more alphabet activities, be sure to check out these related posts;

Printable Alphabet Matching Game
21 alphabet games and resources
Alphabet scavenger hunt printable

2 Comments

  1. These look great! I’ve sent this to some teachers I used to work with. x

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