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Deprecated: Assigning the return value of new by reference is deprecated in /home/softie/www/www/wp-includes/theme.php on line 623 Softie Making: resources for making handmade softies » 2009 » April
There is no doubt that babies love to squeeze and cuddle things that will make a noise in response (and yes, some grown-ups like this too!). Susan Beal from CraftStylish shows you how you can turn a few empty plastic wrappers, felt, and thread in to a crinkly toy for your little bub (or um, grown-up friend):
This is really easy to put together and I like the fact there is a little bit of recycling thrown in as well You could insert add a bell or squeaker instead of the plastic wrapper. And if you are not in to owls, then you could pretty much draw up whatever you wanted and turn that into a crinkly toy!
When I started making softies a few years ago, I found it fairly easy to cut them out, sew them up and stuff them. What really stumped me was the the bit at the end when the instructions would say: “Use a ladder stitch to sew up the opening” (that was used for stuffing).
I had no idea what a ladder stitch was. I searched the internet and found lots of diagrams and as great as they were, I just didn’t get it!
Finally, someone had to show me how to do it. And wow - it is the perfect stitch for closing up softies as it ends up being invisible (hence also known as the “Invisible stitch” :-)). I’ve found, in my own experience, that the trick is to keep spaces between each ‘rung’ small and even, and to pull each stitch through tight.
If it is a complete mystery to you too, just watch this clip and hopefully it will make sense!
He is made from fleece (soft and cuddly!) and requires a small amount of stuffing. The whole pattern (template and instructions) is available as a free downloadble PDF document.
Christmas is a few months away but if you start now you can make one of these for all your loved ones and have them ready just in time They would look so cute poking out the top of a Christmas stocking.
The template is in JPG format and can be downloaded and enlarged as required. The steps are easy to follow. You could hand-sew or machine sew this project.
Instructions and pictures are very clear and super easy to follow and Quilttaffy suggests that you can also insert a little squeaker into the softie. Template is downloable in PDF format.
I have been long-time admirer of Mim Kirchner’s dolls. Texture, detail, colour and character - each one is amazing in their own way. They are inspiring and endearing. See for yourself over here on her blog.
So I was stoked to find out that she has generously shared a free pattern and tutorial for one of her felt dolls (with dress) over at the Purl Bee:
Yes, you can make one these dolls yourself! The dolls are completely handsewn. In usual Purl Bee style, the instructions and pictures are clear and easy to follow. The project is suitable for those with basic sewing skills and up.
Inspired by the colourful, fresh and unique illustrations by Eric Carle, and his book, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar“, Craftblog presents a tutorial on how to make a caterpillar softie:
Note that this is purely a tutorial and provides guidance on how to put one together but an example template is provided, which you can save as an image and enlarge for printing as required. I think Craftblog’s caterpillar has turned out marvelously well - what great gift this would be for a child’s birthday complete with a copy of the book itself!
Brought to you by German softie-maker, Revoluzzza, you will find clear step-by-step instructions, downloadable template and helpful accompanying photos.
The step-by-step directions are excellent with online links to specific stitches mentioned. There is no template - you just draw freehand the bunny shape to your liking. Also included are instructions on how to make a pom-pom tail. Too cute!
Copyright of free patterns remains with the respective Author so please use the pattern to make the softie as a gift or for yourself but do not make softies to sell. Thank you!
You could insert add a bell or squeaker instead of the plastic wrapper. And if you are not in to owls, then you could pretty much draw up whatever you wanted and turn that into a crinkly toy!
