So you’ve conquered teaching your kids a straight seam and a whip stitch. Maybe you’ve sewn a couple of beanbags. Now it’s time for something really fun. This is my kids’ all-time favorite sewing project, because not only do they get to sew a stuffed toy, they get to design, it, too.
You will need:
Two pieces of felt (size is determined by the size of monster you want to make, but two 8 1/2 x 11 inch pieces should be more than enough).
Paper
Marker
Straight pins
Needle and Thread
Scissors
Stuffing (synthetic fiberfill is best, but you can use cotton balls or old nylons)
felt scraps, buttons, embroidery floss, etc… for embellishment
1. Have your kids draw a monster on the piece of paper. Although he or she can be creative, you do have to set a few guidelines: rounded, pudgy shapes. No skinny, long necks or appendages, or tight corners. Here are a few examples:
2. Cut out the monster to make a pattern. Trace around the pattern on to one of the pieces of felt.
3. Stack the pieces of felt and pin them together inside the monster outline. Do not cut out the monster!
4. Have your kid sew around the outline of the monster, leaving a 1 1/2” opening for turning and stuffing. (See “Sewing with Your Kids” for needle threading, knot tying and stitching instructions). Tie a knot and clip the thread.
5. Cut around the monster outline, about 1/4 inch away from the stitching.
6. Turn the monster right side out. Stuff tightly. Stuff appendages, ears etc…first. Use an unsharpened pencil or chopstick to get small bits of stuffing into tight spots. Whip stitch the opening shut. (See “Basic Bean Bags” for instructions)
7. Sew on button eyes or glue on felt faces. You can embroider a face if you know how, or even use fabric markers to draw on embellishment.
These cute little guys only think they’re scary!