Sewing Stuffed Animals
Fun Projects from Teddy Bears to Plush Bunnies for Toys, Home Decor
Stuffed animals have universal appeal. These are fun to sew. Though they’re typically used for toys, these projects can also become part of home décor. Picture teddy bears sporting seasonal or holiday attire.
Beginners should start with easy patterns, such as McCalls Crafts pattern 6907 called Carol’s Zoo, designed by Carol Cruise. This features easy to make, two-piece patterns for a teddy bear, a lamb, and a rabbit.
Pre-printed fabrics make great starter projects for novices. These have instructions printed right on the fabric. A number of these pre-printed animals can be found in fabric stores. Among these are cats, ducks, geese, and Easter bunnies.
Choosing Fabrics for Stuffed Animals
Many types of fabrics are suitable for stuffed animals. For items that will receive a lot of loving attention, select heavy-duty materials. Examples include corduroy, twill, and flannel. Fake fur and plush also work beautifully, especially for toys. If you decide to use fleece, choose one that is anti-pill.
There are also latch hook kits for stuffed animals. These contain printed canvas and yarn. Do the latch hook first. Then, cut and sew the completed canvas to form the animal.
Patterns for Stuffed Animals
There is no shortage of patterns available for the more common types of animals, particularly dogs, cats, rabbits, and teddy bears. Craft magazines and books often have patterns.
For those who are bored with the ordinary, a new title from North Light Books offers innovative projects. Plush You-Lovable Misfit Toys to Sew and Stuff by Kristen Rask features pattern pieces for over 100 irresistible stuffed toys. These memorable personalities include penguins, whales, birds, snails, and pigs.
Cuddly teddy bears are such an all-time favorite that entire books have been written on this craft. 101 Bears to Make by Nancy Tillberg from Krause/F & W Publications is the definitive guide.
Sewing Stuffed Animals
With few exceptions, stuffed animals will require precise stitching, especially for curves and corners, in order to achieve the desired shape. Be sure and leave an opening to turn the item.
If you plan on adding buttons for eyes, embroidery for facial features, appliquéd noses, and so on. do this before stuffing. If a stuffed toy is intended for a very young child, embroidery is preferable because small detachable details like buttons and hard eyes can be choking hazards.
Next, carefully stuff the animal. Slipstitch the opening. Depending on the pattern you’re using, limbs and ears are sometimes stuffed and attached separately after the body is completed.
Choosing Stuffing
Typically, polyfill is the most common stuffing material. Small pieces of leftover quilt batting can also serve. Microbeads and flexible pellets are sometimes used. However, these aren’t suitable choices for young children’s toys.
Finishing Touches
Clothing can be added to provide a distinctive touch, particularly if the stuffed animal is to be used as a decorating accessory.
