Not-so-scary Monsters by Fern of CraftBlog

Posted Friday 10 October 2008 and filed under: Monster Softies, Tutorials/Free Patterns
Tags: ,Beginner project, cute, fur, gift, giveaway, halloween, handsewn, monster, softie, tutorial

Thanks to Fern for alerting me to her fantastic free tutorial and pattern for some very cute and not-so-scary monsters on a new-ish collaborative Aussie blog - CraftBlog:

{image credit: CraftBlog}

In Fern’s words: “They’re entirely hand sewn and the fun fur is very forgiving, so they make a great project for beginners or for the young sewer. Make them in a variety of colours and spread them around the house for some fluffy Halloween decorations, put a bell or a rattle in them and they become great toys for toddlers . . .”

I like the idea of making lots of fluffy monsters in different colours and spreading them around the home for Halloween. These would also make really adorable giveaways for kids’ birthday parties too - just attach a personalised tag with the child’s name to the monster.

The pattern is downloadable in pdf format and the instructions are very easy to follow.

For details go here: Not-So-Scary Monsters by Fern of CraftBlog

Softie Pig on Wheels by Wee Wonderfuls

Posted Thursday 9 October 2008 and filed under: 4-Legged Creatures, Animal Softies, Tutorials/Free Patterns
Tags: ,buttons, pug, pull toy, softie, string, tutorial, wheels

Not quite into making bears? Bunny softies don’t rock your boat either?  Well, then how about this - a softie Pig! And not just a pig . . . a pig on wheels!!

{image credit: Wee Wonderfuls}

This free pattern is bought to you by softie-maker extraordinaire, Hillary Lang of Wee Wonderfuls. The pattern is in pdf format and downloadable, and in Wee Wonderfuls style, is perfectly written with excellent diagrams.

This would make a great Christmas ornament or Christmas gift for a wee wonderful in your life

Find it here: Toys on Wheel: Pig by Wee Wonderfuls

Tip #5 How to hand sew Felt by Futuregirl

Posted Wednesday 8 October 2008 and filed under: Sewing, Tips-n-Tricks
Tags: ,blanket-stitch, felt, hand sew, Sewing, softie, stitches, tip, tutorial, whip-stitch

One of the obvious things you will notice about softie-making is that felt plays a popular role in being a base material.  Felt is very versatile, comes in a huge amount of colours and has enough flexibility and durability (at least in the good quality felt) to maintain shape and form.

{image credit: Futuregirl}

If you are hand sewing felt pieces together for a softie, it is important to use the right stitch and to sew the stitch correctly. Doing so will avoid having your softie suddenly burst open at the most inappropriate of times e.g. handing it over to the person you made it for, whilst explaining how much effort you put into it and that you think it is the best thing you ever made.

The amazing Futuregirl has posted these excellent step-by-step tutorials (with pictures) on two stitches that are used widely in softie-making:

1) How to hand sew a whip-stitch

2) How to hand sew a blanket-sticth

3) And how to know which of the two stitches to use on a project

So please read the above links, apply them, and hand over your next handsewn softie with a lot more confidence!

Stuffed Toy Dachshund by Runo Dollmaker

Posted Wednesday 8 October 2008 and filed under: 4-Legged Creatures, Animal Softies, Tutorials/Free Patterns
Tags: ,dashshund, dog, fur, life size, realistic, softie, tutorial

If you like Dashshunds (or know someone who would want one as a gift) and you’re keen to make a more realistic-looking softie, how’s this life-size stuffed toy dachshund?

{image credit: Runo Dollmaker}

Very cool, hey? You’ll need some fake fur for this one, plus, leather (or felt) and a pair of plastic safety eyes.  All the details on materials, plus the free pattern pieces and step-by-step instructions (with pictures) are over here.

Esau by Tigerluxe

Posted Wednesday 8 October 2008 and filed under: Monster Softies, Tutorials/Free Patterns
Tags: ,clothes, denim, fuzzy, jeans, monster, softie, tutorial

Want to make this funky, denim-wearing, fuzzy monster?

{image credit: Tigerluxe}

I knew you’d say yes! Rachel has posted up the free pattern for Esau in jpeg format (print out and enlarge as required) and very detailed steps on how to put him together over here. Enjoy!

Tip #4 Assembling a Stuffed Toy by Nina Cuneo

Posted Wednesday 8 October 2008 and filed under: Sewing, Tips-n-Tricks
Tags: ,assembly, how to, monster, process, Sewing, softie, tip, tutorial

Seriously this little guy by Nina Cuneo is IRRESISTABLE!

{image credit: Nina Cuneo}

Now, you don’t actually get the actual pattern for him but you do get detailed steps and excellent accompanying images on how he was put together.

{image credit: Nina Cuneo}

Again, this tutorial has many tips in each step of the process and will be very helpful for those who want to start making softies with the right-sides on the inside during assembly.  This tutorial is definitely one to bookmark and read from beginning to end.

Find it here: Stuffed Felt Monster Tutorial by Nina Cuneo

Small Owl Softie by Floresita

Posted Wednesday 8 October 2008 and filed under: Animal Softies, Birds, Tutorials/Free Patterns
Tags: ,Beginner project, handsewn, owl, small, softie, tutorial

Floresita, a true renaissance crafter, has kindly posted up the free pattern for a cute little softie owl, which you can sew completely by hand (no sewing machine required!)

Not only has she posted up the pattern, but she has also posted a fantastic little video tutorial:

This is another great softie for beginner softie-makers.  These owls would make really cute brooches or bag tags, don’t you think?

Calico Kitty by Cherryskin

Posted Monday 6 October 2008 and filed under: 4-Legged Creatures, Animal Softies, Tutorials/Free Patterns
Tags: ,Beginner project, calico, cat, kitty, softie, tutorial

Here’s a delightful kitty by Cherryskin:

{image credit: Cherryskin}

The free pattern/instructions are for the kitty only (not the clothes) but you could definitely have heaps of fun coming up with your own clothes for this sweet kitty too!

Details are here: Calico Kitty by Cherryskin

Easter Birdy by Molly Chicken

Posted Monday 6 October 2008 and filed under: Animal Softies, Birds, Tutorials/Free Patterns
Tags: ,bird, chick, chicken, cute, easter, egg, pocket, softie, tutorial

Another fantastic free softie pattern and instructions by Molly Chicken. Easter Birdy would make a lovely gift for all kinds of occasions. The little birdy in the egg is a brilliant touch:

{image credit: Molly Chicken}

You can make yours by following the detailed tutorial here: Easter Birdy by Molly Chicken

Anna Panda by Molly Chicken

Posted Monday 6 October 2008 and filed under: 4-Legged Creatures, Animal Softies, Tutorials/Free Patterns
Tags: ,bear, Beginner project, black, handsewn, panda, softie, tutorial, white

Molly Chicken’s softie style is unmistakable and much loved. Her softies are incredibly cute and colourful with a hint of quirkiness and humour. She has posted up a tutorial for her adorable Anna Panda, complete with tiny Panda:

{image credit: Molly Chicken}

This little gal can be completely handsewn and is quick and easy to make.

Check it out here: Anna Panda by Molly Chicken