Pattern to Plushie

Video HERE

Plush toy patterns are everywhere - well, it often seems that way - but unless you have a particular mind for building 3D shapes it is often difficult to see the plushy from the pattern pieces - and in my experience, some patterns don't even resemble the image that comes with. This is my process for creating plush characters from online plans.

1. Search online for a number of patterns for the same animal - I find this easier in terms of choice and also an opportunity for Frankenstein building to put parts together.
2. Without scaling the plan up, and using cheap fabric or felt, follow the plan/s exactly to make prototypes, stuffing with scraps to fill the shapes. Don't bother with eyes or other additions at this stage.
3. Once completed look closely at the shapes, how they relate, how the limbs work together.
4. Re-draw the pattern pieces to add or remove fabric, round out shapes or clarify lines, then re-make the prototypes.
5. You can do this as many times as you want, until you're satisfied with the shape.
6. Using a scanner, photocopier or a grid scale the pattern up as required.
7. Cut out your new pattern pieces, then pin to your fabric and cut, leaving 1/2" (1cm) sewing allowance.
8. If using furry fabrics you may need to trim back along the seams, or trim certain sections short for different effects.
9. Pin the pieces together and sew as firmly as possible by hand, or using a lock-stitch on a sewing machine (or go over the seams a couple of times to make sure everything is child-safe)
10. Join pieces together using toy joints or some other child-safe method. Only use eyes that lock in place.
11. Stuff with fibrefill or some other fire-safe filling, then use a secure ladder stitch to close up the stuffing holes.

This is a general technique for any plushy pattern, and good practice for any pattern work you may try, particularly dressmaking.