Have you always dreamed of creating your own stuffed animal , but you have no idea how to proceed? Do not panic: La Pelucherie, plush expert for decades, explains everything to you! Learn how to make a 100% homemade stuffed animal here !
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Why create your own stuffed animal?
Soft toys are essential toys for children. They are a development and communication tool for both babies and adults.
With an unrivaled sympathy capital, soft toys are a source of comfort , calm and security for toddlers. They also often act as a bridge between parents and children, providing reassuring companionship during absences or separations.
Finally, stuffed animals are also a big hitwith adults and are even among the favorite gifts for Valentine's Day !
Making your own stuffed animal or that of your children allows you to design one that corresponds exactly to your tastes . You can choose the shape, material, size, colors and details of your plush toy to make it a truly unique object that reflects your image.
Plus, plush making is a fun and creative activity enjoyed by children and adults alike. It's an opportunity to develop manual skills, express creativity and let your imagination run wild.
The manufacture of stuffed animals, an artisanal know-how
For the stuffed animals to perform their emotional, soft and cuddly roles perfectly, it is essential to take good care of their manufacture .
Each step of the process must be accomplished with care, from design to creation, including the choice of materials and final assembly . Making stuffed animals by hand is a real craftsmanship, centuries old!
At La Pelucherie, all our stuffed animals are designed in France, then handcrafted in our workshops in Italy. To find out more about how our exceptional stuffed animals are made, here !
Also Read : How To Recognize A High Quality Plush?
What types of stuffed animals to make?
Whether you are an amateur or a seamstress with nimble fingers, making your plush toy is not rocket science . But to simplify things, it is better to choose in advance certain elements that will make up your creation, including its shape, its color, its fabric, its details, etc.
Start by designing the plush of your dreams or get inspired by plush models available online.
Then, adapt your plush to your tastes and colors!
Also Read : 5 Tips For Washing Your Stuffed Animal.
What fabrics should you choose to make your stuffed animal?
The first thing you need to do is gather all the materials needed to create the plush.
The fabric will be the main element and has a great influence on the quality of the rendering and the solidity of the seams of the plush toy. Many materials give the object incomparable softness such as cotton, fleece, fleece, jersey and polyester .
To create a soft toy for baby , it is wiser to avoid fabrics that are too hairy, with pills or fibers which present a risk of skin reactions and allergies. Choose natural , organic and also hypoallergenic materials .
And of course, opt for water-washable materials !
Lightweight fleece
Lightweight fleece is a supple and fluffy fabric that makes it possible to make soft, strong and washable stuffed animals . Plus, it’s very easy to sew!
Fleece and jersey
You can collect old fleece or jersey clothing (T-shirts, pajamas, etc.). The material is ideal for babies because it already absorbs familiar smells which they will appreciate more.
Additionally, its stretchy property makes assembly and sewing easier.
Terry velvet
Soft and fluffy, terrycloth is very popular for the design of cozy stuffed animals . It is a hypoallergenic material that does not retain dust .
Extensible and delicate , this material is reserved for older children who will take good care of their companion.
Fake fur
Faux fur is a synthetic imitation of animal fur. It is generally soft and pleasant to the touch.
It is the ideal material for making teddy bears or other furry animals. Of good quality, it benefits from a good regularity of the hairs. However, make sure that they do not come off easily, otherwise there is a risk that your child will swallow 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 them a toy that is pleasant to the touch and easy to wash.
The advantage of this type of fabric is that it can accommodate a wide range of colors and patterns . Choose fleece, soft, faded denim, corduroy, cotton velvet, or cotton jersey for little ones. It will be even better with organic cotton .
The Oeko Tex label
Oeko Tex labeled fabrics offer many advantages for making soft toys. This label guarantees quality, eco-responsible products free of harmful substances .
Oeko Tex fabrics do not attack the sensitive skin of babies and young children .
What padding to create a soft toy?
Another essential material for creating plush toy is stuffing. This is what makes your stuffed animals plump! And again, there are several options.
Polyester fiber is the most commonly used stuffing material for soft toys. It is hypoallergenic, non-toxic, extremely durable and machine washable.
Cotton filling is soft and comfortable, but can lose its shape over time. It is usually used in high quality plush toys.
Wool, although not as commonly used, is an eco-friendly and natural choice for stuffing your stuffed animals. However, it can be allergenic .
Plastic microbeads and plastic granules are often used to give weight to soft toys. But their environmental impact is disastrous, and they can pose health risks to young children.
For more responsible alternatives, you can give weight to your stuffed animals by adding rice or semolina!
Finally, think about recycling: you can stuff your homemade stuffed animals with pieces of old clothes or fabrics.
Materials needed for making
You now have the fabric and stuffing to make your stuffed animals. But before you start, some accessories are essential to create your stuffed animals at home:
How to make a plush: The steps to follow
After gathering all the necessary materials and equipment, let's get to the heart of the matter: making your plush.
Also Read : How to Find the Perfect Birth Comforter!
1. Create and cut out the pattern
As with all sewing creations, it is necessary to trace the pattern to have in mind the design, shape and size of your plush toy.
This step consists of making a rough outline of the design of your future soft toy on paper. Then trace the image onto the fabric so you can cut it out.
2. Work on the body and face of your stuffed animal
Depending on your choice, the body of the plush toy can be a small square of fabric (the simple version) or a real, fully padded animal body (the expert version!).
Once the body and face are precisely cut out, add the small pieces and small parts such as the nose, eyes, arms, legs, feet, hat, ears, horns, tail, etc.
Mark the location of the different elements in advance to avoid making mistakes. These items can be sewn by hand or machine. There is no specific style to recommend. A straight stitch seam will do. Do not hesitate to use a textile glue.
Also Read : Where to Give Your Old Stuffed Animals in France?
3. Move on to padding
When starting to fill the stuffed animal, always start with the furthest ends , such as the arms and legs. Use a long, thin tool, such as the handle of a wooden spoon or a crochet stick, to push the stuffing into these hard-to-reach areas.
You can then move on to the body. Make sure to distribute the padding evenly to avoid bumps.
It is important not to overstuff the plush toy , as it will become too stiff.
4. Close the stuffed animal!
Once you are happy with the stuffing, you can close the plush toy.
Also read : 8 Creative Ideas for Recycling Your Old Stuffed Animals!
5. Final adjustments
After closing your stuffed animal, give it a good squeeze and shape to distribute the stuffing evenly .
If you find areas that seem too empty or too full, make adjustments by reopening the plush and adding or removing stuffing.
It is best to stuff the stuffed animal little by little and regularly check its shape and firmness . This allows you to make adjustments along the way.
Making your own stuffed animal doesn't require expert sewing skills. Show creativity, inventiveness, and above all patience! A first plush toy may require several attempts before it is perfect.
Also Read : How To Pack A Stuffed Animal?
Did it make you want to create your own stuffed animal? Tell us in the comments what it will look like!