Play Silks and Scarves: The Simplest Toy with Endless Uses

Some of the best toys are the simplest. A square of light, soft fabric, often called a play silk, can be used in more ways than almost any other toy. It can be a game of peekaboo for a baby, a cape for a superhero, a blue sea for small boats, a picnic blanket for teddies or the roof of a den.

This guide explains how to use play silks and scarves at every stage, and why they are worth having in a small toy collection.

What is a play silk?

A play silk is a large square of lightweight fabric, traditionally silk, often dyed in soft colours. Cotton muslin squares and light scarves work in a similar way. Play silks are popular in Waldorf-inspired settings because they are so open-ended. They do not tell a child what to do with them.

For babies

Play silks are lovely for young babies, always with close supervision. Never leave a baby alone with fabric, and keep it away from their face during sleep.

• Peekaboo: hide your face behind a silk, then reveal it
• Floating: let a silk float gently down onto your baby's tummy or hands
• Pulling: tuck a silk loosely into a tube or box for your baby to pull out
• Waving: wave a silk slowly above your baby for them to watch
• Texture: let your baby feel the softness in their hands

Peekaboo is more than a game. It plays with the idea that things still exist when hidden, which babies are just discovering. Our article on cause and effect toys explores similar ideas.

For toddlers

Toddlers find endless uses for silks. They hide toys under them, wrap dolls in them, wave them while dancing and wear them as capes and skirts. A silk can become a baby blanket in caring play or an apron in a pretend kitchen.

For dancing and music

Silks are wonderful for dancing. Put on music and wave them high and low, fast and slow. This builds gross motor skills and a sense of rhythm. Pair with simple wooden instruments for a little family music session, or use them in indoor gross motor play on rainy days.

For small world play

A blue silk becomes the sea. A green one becomes grass. A brown one becomes earth. Lay them on the floor and add wooden animals, blocks and a wooden rainbow to make a whole landscape. A blue silk with a few wooden boats is a lovely way to explore Malta's harbours and the ferry to Gozo. See our article on small world play for more.

For dens

Drape silks over chairs or a table to make a den. The light filtering through soft colours creates a calm, cosy space. Dens are perfect for reading, quiet time and big feelings. Our article on a calm corner for big feelings builds on this idea.

For dressing up

Silks can be tied as capes, skirts, headscarves, belts and slings. Toddlers love being wrapped in them. Around Carnival, a few silks and a simple mask can make a wonderful costume, as described in Carnival in Malta with little ones.

For sensory play

Silks feel smooth and cool, a lovely contrast to rough or hard objects. Add one to a treasure basket or a sensory bin for variety.

For travel

Silks fold up small and weigh almost nothing, so they are perfect for outings. On a plane, in a café or on a ferry, a silk can become peekaboo, a puppet or a blanket. Our guides to flying from Malta with a toddler and eating out with a toddler include silks in their packing lists.

Choosing silks

Look for natural fibres and gentle, non-toxic dyes. Silk is beautiful and light; cotton is easy to wash. A set of three or four in different colours is plenty. Our article on natural wood and minimally dyed toys explains why we favour gentle dyes.

Caring for silks

Hand wash in cool water with a gentle soap and dry flat away from direct sun. In Malta's strong summer sun, colours can fade, so dry them indoors or in the shade.

A simple, lovely gift

How many silks do you need?

Three or four silks are usually plenty for one child. A blue, a green and one warm colour, such as yellow or red, cover most games: sea, grass and sunshine. If siblings play together, add one or two more. Keep them folded in a small basket on a low shelf, where children can reach them and tidy them away easily. A small collection used often is better than a large one left in a drawer.

Play silks make beautiful, light gifts for birthdays, Christmas stockings and party bags. See Christmas stocking fillers and plastic-free party bags. Little Curio is curating plastic-free play pieces for families in Malta; see what is coming.