Plushies where to start

So I'm learning how to make plushies, I'm making a small one at the moment and want to know the best way to go about it, right now he's meant to be a gremlin ^_^ I'll post pics of him when he's finished. Anyways when you make plushies what do you start on first? the design? the cutting, however it all works I just want ideas, also what kind of stitching do you use? I hand sew and either use a running stitch or blanket stitch that I've learned recently thanks to this site. I basically want to learn more so that I can make them look better, also tips on cutting material would be great as well.

thanks

woop

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
12 replies since 5th November 2009 • Last reply 5th November 2009

Reply #1:

I just started making plushies too.. this is how I do mine:
1. find a template, or make one of your own
2. pin the template to 2 layers of fabric
3. use SHARP sizors to cut out your design
4. un pin, take the template (paper) off and re-pin the 2 pices of fabric together.
(If you want to sew eyes, nose..etc on, do that on the front piece of fabric first)
5. sew together the 2 peices (leave a gap for stuffing)-- I use blanket stich mostly.. but any will do
6. stuff it.. sew up the hole

Hope that helped.. good luck Happy

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #2:

There are some fantastic patterns online- i google "free toy pattern" and "free plush pattern" all the time. so many wonderful bloggers share their patterns and tutorials. also check your local library- i'm sure they have some books in the craft section.
it's fun to make your own patterns. An easy way to do this is trace cookie cutters. and i also use the "paint" application on my computer to draw pictures- then i print them out and use them as a template.
i am a big fan of the ladder stitch, whip stitch, and back stitch.
have fun! plushies are my favorite thing to make!

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #3:

I'm just making my first ever plushie too ^_^
He's a sort of monster, I just drew an outline on paper as a template then cut him out of some felt I found lying around. Probably wouldn't be making one if I hadn't found the felt lol.
Will post a pic when I'm done, even if it's a bit rubbish:]

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #4:

Long haired fur fabric is great to use as hair...cut out a circle and use it as a "wig"
When cutting out fur fabric, mark the shape on the back of the material, then use small sharp scissors , cutting only the backing fabric (usually a kind of knit fabric) but do not cut through the furry pile, then pull your cut out piece apart from the remaining fabric. This allows the full length of the fur to go right to the edge of your pattern piece.

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #5:

I like to make plushies out of my scraps. Most of them look funny and wierd, but it gives me something to do with my extras since I've already made a home-made body form and dress form. ^^ I like using yarn and felt for hair. It works wonders. ^^

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #6:

Thanks everyone I've gotten so much better these past couple of weeks I'll have to post some when I can as examples

at the moment I'm making a sailor moon doll plushie for a friend of mine cause she loves them ^_^ I just burned myself on the stupid
hot glue gun as well when I was fixing some decorations onto it.

But I read all you're replies and they'll be great for when I start another project *nods*

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #7:

Alright, here he is, he's not brilliant but ok for a first attempt I guess.

It's Douglas!

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #8:

Douglas is cool. Well done Happy

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #9:

I love Douglas Happy

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #10:

Aww thanks8) If I'd stitched him by hand instead of being idle and machining him, his arms and legs would have been chunkier. I'll remember that for next timeHappy

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #11:

wow Laurel he's cute ^_^

I've got some examples of mine I'll post in a minute

I'm a total beginner sewer though

and I've got some more I've gotta upload to the comp too



I made the little character I'm holding, I dressed up in a costume to cosplay for something on a site I'm on ^_^


Siamese kitty

Little dolly


Happy cupcake


was also the first time I used a hot glue gun on cupcake and went a bit overboard lol

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #12:

I love the tail on your cat:] The cake and dolly are dead cute too. I haven't got a hot glue gun yet, I'm off to get one tomorrow though so brace yaselves lol

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam


Reply