Have you always dreamed of creating your own handmade plush, but you have no idea how to do it? You may be wondering what are the essential materials to use? Do not panic: we will see in this article the steps to make a plush to your image!
We have all one day been in possession of one or more stuffed animals that we were offered for Christmas or a birthday. Most of the time, stuffed animals can be purchased in physical toy stores or on the Internet, and even in specialty stores. But what could be better than making your own plush with a visual 100% in your image?
Why have your own stuffed animal?
Soft toys are essential toys in a child's life. These transitional objects are an effective and powerful communication tool for newborns. With a substantial sympathy capital, soft toys can act as a bridge between parents and their offspring. Soft toys are also a source of comfort , calm and security for toddlers. When their parents are away, they keep them company, even on a daily basis.
Soft toys are also a kind of sponge that accumulates important odors in the house, including that of the child, the laundry and also the parents. By releasing these scents, they reassure babies during the night or for a nap. Soft toys also contribute to the development and awakening of your child's senses .
But they're not just for kids. These objects can also serve as an original and personalized gift, such as on the occasion of Valentine's Day with a heart -shaped plush.
Craftsmanship
Now that you understand the importance of stuffed animals to your child, why not make one at home?
For the stuffed animals to perform their roles perfectly, it is essential to take good care of their manufacture . Each step of the process must be carried out with meticulousness, from the creation of the design to the assembly, including the choice of materials. Soft toys are generally made with the know-how of yesteryear.
La Pelucherie stuffed animals are designed in France, sewn by hand and produced in Italy. Created from artisanal know-how, they have the advantage of being solid and durable, in order to be kept for the long term.
What type of plush to make?
Whether you are an amateur or experienced in sewing, making your plush will not be rocket science. In fact, it is preferable to choose certain elements that will make up the plush beforehand, including its shape, color, fabric, details, etc.
Take a sheet of paper to draw your ideal model or get inspired by designs available on the Internet or elsewhere.
The plush has a multitude of variations in terms of shapes, colors, etc. It can be made with different materials, which can be chosen according to your (or your child's) preferences. Among other things, the sock is, for example, an unusual accessory that is very popular for the design of a cuddly toy.
There are also kawaii stuffed animals . Literally meaning "cute" in Japanese, this model very generally takes the form of animals: a cat, a dog, a panda, an otter, and even fantastical creatures. It is characterized by its cheerful colors, rounded shapes and contours, and its head which is often not proportional to the body. Added to this are large round eyes, a small mouth and a small nose, which make the object even more adorable.
Choosing the right fabrics to make the plush toy
The first thing you need to do is gather all the materials needed to make the plush. The fabric will be the main element for manufacturing. The health of the child is essential for this purpose. Many materials give the object an incomparable softness such as cotton, fleece, fleece, jersey and polyester . Before adopting the fabric for the design of the comforter, it is necessary to remain aware of certain essential points. During his first years, your little one will have fragile skin and health. It is necessarily required to choose an adequate material.
The precautions to take
For newborns, it is better to banish hairy, pilling and fiber fabrics that present risks of skin reactions and allergies. Also check the care and washing conditions . Choose materials that are natural, organic and also hypoallergenic.
If your children are no longer old enough to put their stuffed animals in their mouths, or are not allergic, it is possible to choose a synthetic fabric. Otherwise, cotton is best for children with asthma or allergies. Also, be careful about the quality of certain materials or risk generating unpleasant effects.
Opt for a water-washable material. It often happens that children leave their comforter lying around, so it is necessary to clean it regularly. A disinfectant spray or a wipe is enough on a daily basis to limit the spread of bacteria. Wash the object completely every weekend to preserve the health of your little one.
What fabric to use?
The choice of base fabric affects the quality of the rendering and the strength of the seams. It is possible to use gloves or socks that your children no longer wear, provided they are clean. Otherwise, different materials are possible such as:
The lightweight fleece
This supple and fluffy fabric makes it possible to make soft, strong and washable stuffed animals. Plus, it's super easy to sew!
Fleece and jersey
You can salvage this type of fabric from old clothes, which are no longer worn, such as old T-shirts, pajamas, etc. The material is ideal for creating a soft and comfortable cuddly toy , which is already impregnated with familiar smells that your child will appreciate more. Its stretchy property makes assembly and sewing easier.
terry velor
Soft and fluffy, the terry velor fabric is very popular for the design of cozy stuffed animals. In addition, it guarantees aesthetics and elegance. Your child will certainly be proud to present his comforter to his friends. Extensible and delicate , this material is reserved for older children, who do not like to make sudden movements and manage to take good care of their companion. Terry velor is hypoallergenic and does not retain dust. This is the reason why manufacturers of cuddly toys favor this fabric.
faux fur
It is an imitation of animal fur, completely synthetic, but soft and pleasant to the touch. This material is favorable for making models of bears or monsters. Of good quality, it benefits from a regularity of the hairs. However, make sure that they do not come off easily, at the risk of your child swallowing them.
The cotton
This material is the most popular for creating a decorative comforter . It allows you to decorate and bring charm to your child's room, while offering your child a toy that is pleasant to the touch and easy to wash. This type of fabric can accommodate a wide range of colors and patterns. Prefer fleece, soft and faded jeans, corduroy, cotton velvet, cotton jersey for the little ones. It will be even better with organic cotton . On the other hand, pay particular attention to the seams, which will be more difficult to perform.
The filling fabric
Since soft toys need filling to achieve their plump texture, anti-allergenic polyester wadding is an excellent choice. Avoid accessories that are prone to being torn off and ingested by the child. This does not prevent some craftsmen from adopting cotton stuffing, rice, semolina, or quite simply scraps of fabric.
The Oeko-Tex label
The use of fabrics labeled Oeko Tex has many advantages. It is a reference in the field of textiles. In fact, this label guarantees quality and eco-responsible products, and in addition, without harmful substances. The manufacturing process is respectful of the planet. The Oeko Tex fabric does not attack your child's skin , even for newborns or sensitive skin. It is designed with quality fibers, which provide remarkable softness.
The accessories required for making
You now have the fabric and stuffing for your stuffed animals. It remains to find good materials, deploy your creativity and apply the right manufacturing techniques. On this, some accessories are essential such as sewing thread, a pair of scissors, a glue gun , buttons (instead of eyes), etc.
The different steps to take
After gathering all the materials, let's get to the heart of the matter: making your plush.
Realize the pattern of the model to be created and the cut
Identical to all sewing creations, it is necessary to trace the pattern to have in mind the design, shape and size of your plush. This step consists of making a draft of the design of your future plush on a piece of paper. Then trace the image onto the fabric so you can cut it out.
Create the plush's body and face
Depending on your choice, the body can be simply a small square cushion as a comforter or an animal format. Add after the small whimsical accessories such as the nose, the small eyes, the arms, etc. Among other things to make a plush in the form of an owl, the rendering is more original by putting two white circles and embroidering a semicircle for his eyes. A yellow triangle can act as a beak.
To create a rabbit, plan small black threads for his mustache and a black button for the eyes.
But generally, two circles are enough for the eyes , a small triangle for the nose and an oval object will do for the mouth. The ears vary depending on the animal species chosen for the plush. Choose the right size for the plush to be as realistic as possible.
Mark the location of the various elements in advance to avoid making mistakes. These elements can be sewn by hand or also by machine. There is no specific style to recommend. A straight stitch seam will do. Do not hesitate to use a textile glue in case you fear that your child will easily damage his stuffed animal. You still have to stuff the body, the ear, the horn (if there is any) and wait for the final assembly. Do the same with the arms, legs and tail of the plush.
Proceed to Assembly
Assembly is the final phase in the manufacture of stuffed animals. All elements should be in their previously predefined location. It is essential that you can create a quality plush like a great designer. Once all the pieces have their place all over the body, move on to sewing.
Start by pinning each piece so that it can stop and be assembled correctly. Check before closing everything with the seam whether the padding is perfect or not. Whether by machine or by hand, the final bouquet to close your stuffed animals is handmade to make it invisible.
As you will have understood, making your own plush does not require being an expert in sewing or drawing. Show creativity, inventiveness, and above all patience! If you don't succeed the first time, that's completely normal! A perfect first plush can take 2-3 tries before you get there.
