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 )How adorable is this little guy?!
{image credit: Pickle Sticks}
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.
Get it from here: Christmas Elf by Pickle Sticks
Make a Comment ( 1 so far )Here is a great step-by-step tutorial on how to hand-sew this jolly little robot softie:
{image credit: Jessyratfink}
In fact this tutorial was a First Prize Winner in the Instructables Book Contest. The robot is made of fleece and the pattern is in jpeg format.
The free pattern is here: Robot Plushie by Jessyratfink @ Instructables
Make a Comment ( None so far )I received an email a few weeks ago from Ginny who wanted some guidance on sewing up fleece for softies. Fleece is a fairly inexpensive material, comes in many different colours, is stretchy and flexible, and has a soft/fluffy texture well-suited for softie-making.
I have used sherpa fleece, polar fleece, chenille fleece and terry fleece (amongst others) to make many softies for kids. Here are a few examples: Shmerpi, Springbean, Bunnito, Doddi-Bears. However, sewing it up can be a real challenge - some machines ‘eat up‘ the fleece and/or stretch it out disproportionately.
I pointed Ginny to an excellent step-by-step guide on Burda Style on how to sew fleece.
The How-To addresses sewing up a garment but all of the tips can also apply to softie-making, particularly how to transfer the pattern pieces; suitable machine needle, thread, and stitch; and finishing.
Go here: How to Sew Fleece Fabric by Burda Style
Make a Comment ( None so far )Here’s a great beginner project for those of you who are smitten with the delightful Aussie platypus:
{image credit: Funky Friends Factory}
Plattie is made of fleece and a cotton print, and the free pattern is provided by softie-pattern company, Funky Friends Factory.
The pattern is in jpg format and can be enlarged as required. The instructions are very clear and easy to follow with very good pictures of the process.
Go here: Plattie the Platypus by Funky Friends
More detailed instructions/how-to can be found here (to access this you will need be a registered member of Funky Friends Factory - registration is free): Soft Toy Making Lesson on Funky Friends Factory
Make a Comment ( 3 so far )Spooky Daddy is one heck of a softie-maker. His work is graphic, colourful, clever and incredibly imaginative.
He has posted a rough tutorial on how to make this wonderful Giant Octopus:
{image credit: Spooky Daddy}
There are no pattern pieces but if you have an understanding of the basic softie-making steps, you’ll be able to work through each step.
Find it here: Giant Octopus by Spooky Daddy
Make a Comment ( 3 so far )
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