Tip: Choosing Eyes for your Softie
I enjoyed this recent blog post by Larissa of mmmcrafts because it highlights an important little part of softie-making that can be easily overlooked:
{image credit: mmmcrafts}
Choosing eyes for your softie creation! Have a look through the different options Larissa provides and you’ll see that each choice alters the overall personality and expression of the bunny. For the most part, you could try different kinds of eyes after the softie has been sewn up and stuffed - the only exception is when using the plastic safety eyes as these need to be inserted before these steps.
Just a tip to try out on your next softie!
Details here: Ideas for Bunny Eyes by mmmcrafts
Make a Comment ( None so far )Squirrel Softie by We Wilsons
Another free softie pattern found via Craftzine - check out this delightful Squirrel that you can sew up yourself!
{image credit: We Wilsons}
That fluffy yarn tail is a perfect touch!
You can download the one-page pattern and instructions sheet from the We Wilsons website here: Squirrel Softie Pattern by We Wilsons
Make a Comment ( 1 so far )Teddy Bear Tutorial by HowJoyful @Intsructables
Craftzine pointed me in the direction of this excellent step-by-step tutorial on how to make a bear softie by Instructables member HowJoyful:
{image credit: HowJoyful}
The tutorial has been specifically written for Beginner softie-makers and is very well presented - easy to understand and follow.
Find it here: Teddy Bear Tutorial by HowJoyful @Intsructables
Make a Comment ( 3 so far )Matryoshka Dolls by Snipsnaphappy
Thank you to Ali of Snipsnaphappy for pointing me to her Matryoshka doll tutorial:
{image credit: Snipsnaphappy}
Ali provides very clear and easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions with photos. How cute do they look all lined up? 
Other ideas I had about these dolls:
1) You could insert a bell or squeaker inside if you were making these for a baby/toddler
2) Use scraps of wool from felted blankets or fleece with different textures
3) Embroider the face if you aren’t comfortable with using fabric paint
Find it here: Matryoshka Dolls by Snipsnaphappy
Make a Comment ( 3 so far )The Making of Mr Seahorse by Lia’s Crafty Journey
Lia kindly emailed me a few months ago (sorry for the delay Lia!) to let me know that she has posted a up a tutorial for this seahorse softie:
{image credit: Lia’s Crafty Journey}
She has provided two versions of the pattern - one with the curly tail that you can see in the picture above (which would require a loop turner) and another version with a stubbier tail (and therefore would not require a loop turner).
Find it here: The Making of Mr Seahorse by Lia’s Crafty Journey
Make a Comment ( 1 so far )Fabric Eggs by Lola Nova
Just in time for last-minute Easter sewing! Gorgeous little fabric (softie) eggs using fabric scraps:
{image credit: Lola Nova}
Find the free pattern and instructions here: Fabric Eggs by Lola Nova
Found via Whip Up
Make a Comment ( 1 so far )Free Bunny Patterns to Sew, Knit and Crochet by Craftblog
In preparation for Easter, Craftblog has put together a wonderful round-up of free bunny patterns from across the world wide web. Some we have already been featured on this website and some are new ones that you really must check out!
{image credit: Craftblog}
Of course, if you don’t celebrate Easter, bunny softies of all kinds make a great gift for all occasions
Find them all here:
1. Free Bunny Softie Patterns (Sewn) by Craftblog
2. Free Bunny Knitting Patterns by Craftblog
3. Free Bunny Crochet Patterns by Craftblog
Robbit Plushies by Vicki Howell
Author and Crafter extraordinaire, Vicki Howell, generously offers this free pattern on how to make a Robbit (that’s right, Robbit - not Rabbit) Plushies!
{image credit: Vicki Howell}
You’ll need felt and fabric paint to make these cuties. I’m thinking that if you aren’t too keen on the fabric paint, you could use coloured felt pieces on the body and ears and embroider a robot-ish design on the front square as well as embroider the facial features.
These would make a great learn-to-make project for kids too. A wonderful little twist on the rabbit theme so common at Easter
Find it here: Robbits Plushies by Vicki Howell
Make a Comment ( None so far )Sock Bunny by My Paper Crane
One of my personal softie-making heroes - Heidi Kenney - has posted up this super cute and easy modification to the classic sock monkey pattern: Sock Bunny!
{image credit: My Paper Crane}
Sock animals are quick to whip up so you could make quite a number of these in different sock patterns and colours Just in time for Easter!
Find it here: Sock Bunny by My Paper Crane
Make a Comment ( None so far )Super Simple Way to Create a Cute Face for Your Doll by Ellen Lumpkin Brown
Ellen Lumpkin Brown is an extremely talented doll-maker. Not only does she create an amazing range of dolls of different ethnicities, she also makes their outfits, and hand draws/paints on their faces.
{image credit: Burdastyle/Ellen Lumpkin Brown}
In this guest article on the Burdastyle blog, she provides an insight into how she goes about creating her doll faces.
Find it here: Super Simple Way to Create a Cute Face for Your Doll by Ellen Lumpkin Brown (on Burdastyle)
Ellen has also published a book - “Doll Fashionistas” - that provides step-by-step instructions on how to make her dolls including excellent tips on stuffing, materials, and construction. The book also provides further detail on creating the doll face and how-to’s on an excellent range of doll outfits.
You can find her book in the Softie-Making bookshop: “Doll Fashionistas” by Ellen Lumpkin Brown
Make a Comment ( None so far ) Next Page »
