7 STEPS IN MAKING A PLUSH TOY

FLANNEL 

Flannel can be used for your cute plush doll or bear. This fabric type is very easy to purchase because it is usually available in various prints and colors. 

It’s also reasonably priced and easy to sew because it has little to no fraying edges/corners. However, this is not as fluffy as sherpa fabrics.

COTTON 

Cotton is also easy to purchase and comes in various prints and colors like flannel. It’s also affordable but not as fluffy as the other fabric types. This fabric type isn’t commonly used in most animal plush toys.

FLEECE

This very fluffy fabric makes every plush animal toy huggable and cute. Its edge doesn’t fray, so it’s also easy to sew and work with. It has a wide array of color choices, too. However, if you want it to have that hairy and furry look, this isn’t your best choice.

FELT

This fabric type is most likely as affordable (almost) and as easy to work with as cotton and flannel. It’s easy to purchase, too. However, it doesn’t work well in polyester felt pills. This fabric isn’t that soft for plush toys.

FAUX FUR

This fabric is your best choice if you want to achieve that realistic store-bought plushie. It easily hides imperfect sewing/stitching because it has long fur that can cover the stitches on every edge. However, if you aren’t a professional animal plush maker, you might find this difficult to work with. It sheds made crazy, so your workspace and clothes might be covered with fur. It’s also expensive and may be challenging to sew.

OLD COTTON SHIRT

If you don’t have time to buy fabric, you may want to use your old cotton shirts. Find a t-shirt with a soft fabric that still looks nice and has the right colors you need. Do not ever use a sheer or see-through fabric like chiffon or lace, as they might reveal the stuffing.

4. CREATE A PATTERN

You have two options to make a pattern. One is to copy your design onto a larger sheet of paper manually. The second one is to take your design to a local print shop and let them enlarge your draft.

5. CUT OUT THE PATTERN & SEW

Next, get your scissors to cut fabric using the pattern pieces and fold and pin them. Cut each pattern one by one, and carefully lay the pattern pieces on a clear table or flat surface. Next, place each pattern on the fabric and make trace lines. Then, cut the fabric using the pattern.  

Piece the parts together (two pieces at a time), tuck the raw edges, and pin the fabric inside out using straight pins. Then use basic running stitch carefully using the trace lines. You may also use an embroidery stitch or a straight stitch. Do not sew the top hole yet because you’ll still have to put fillings.

6. STUFF YOUR PLUSHIE

POLYESTER FIBERFILL 

A polyester fiberfill is a synthetic material that can be used in cushioning stuffed toys. It’s soft, extremely fluffy, durable, and widely used in filling stuffed animals. It is made from polyester and can easily be bought in local craft stores.

DRY POLYESTER PACKING FIBERFILL

This type of fiberfill can also be good for stuffing plush animal toys. However, this isn’t treated with silicone fiber, so it has a coarse texture. It packs firmly, making it easy to fill small spaces.

POLY-PELLETS & BEAN BAG FILLERS

The poly-pellets and bean bag fillers can also be excellent options for stuffing. If you can’t get these fillings, you may also try using dried rice, large plastic beads, dried beans, old t-shirts’ fabric, and an old stuffing from a pillow or stuffed toy like a little bear.

7. SEAL & SEW

After filling, seal every edge and then sew/stitch the hole close. Then, start hand sewing the details like eyes, nose, body size, and clothing. If you don’t want to sew, you may also opt to use hot glue for small pieces. However, when parts are sewn, they tend to be more durable.