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Softies - Making Soft Toys

knitowl by knitowl
  • Last updated: 05/31/2012

You can sew your own special toys!

Need to Make something for Someone Special?

I'm the KnitOwl.  Get some cloth, felt, needles and stuffing together and lets make toys! 

Here at this lens are links about making soft toys for kids, babies, for gifts or just for fun!

See My Tutorial on Designing your own Toys

My lens on: Making Baby and Toddler Clothes, burp cloths and blankets.

Japanese Toy Patterns on Ebay

Some good search terms are softies, nuigurumi and chirimen toys. Many toy artists get their inspiration from vintage or Japanese toys!
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Wonderful Softies to See on Flickr

Flickr search tag: 'handmade toy' and 'softie'

Click on the pictures to find out more about the artists of these wonderful art toys!

Cosas japonesas by gaelx
oso nuigurumi articulado by CREEPETZ
mi primer bambi nuigurumi by CREEPETZ
osos nuigurumi by CREEPETZ
recycled materials handsewn doll by Sarabbit
Kappa friends by jmurawski
Otakon 2006 by Sklathill
automatically generated by Flickr

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Online Projects to Make

a few ideas at a time

How to make a Snoogem (Pattern and Tutorial)
Yoonie posts two patterns and a tutorial on how to make a simple pillow rabbit or bear with embroidery, she calls them 'Snoogems.'
Lizette Greco's Gallery
Have kids? Lizette Greco takes her kids' drawings and makes them into softies unique and unexpected. Take a look at her gallery for great ideas!
Pink Pocket Owl (pattern and how-to)
My little pattern and tutorial on how to sew a felt 'pocket owl' toy.
Buyable pattern: Soft stuffed horse or zebra
PDF pattern for a 6 to 8 inch stuffed horse
Make a Mini-Moopy Toy (PDF download)
Download Nest Studio's mini moopy pattern and make a moopy bunny for your own (or your little one) There are also Flickr groups celebrating mini moopy crafting - go check them out too!
Sew the Tux Linux Penguin! (pattern)
Download a pattern to sew the Linux Penguin - 'Tux.'
NEW: Make a Platypus!
Free instructions with pictures and pattern here at Funky Friends Factory Soft Toy Patterns retailer.
How to Make a Sock Monkey (not red heel)
Great sewing machine instructions for how to make a sock monkey from new funky socks!
Free Pattern: Chibi Kitty and Rabbit
my little mochi offers a free PDF for some cute and simple rabbits and cats! She also shows some very cute embroidery that can make each one special!
Sew a Baby Grab Ball
This easy to make toy will help exercise hand-eye coordination and motor skills. Make it bright and colourful for baby!
Knit a Neat 'Vintage' Teddy
Knit a vintage-looking teddy bear that looks like the one Mr.Bean has in his movies. Very cute bear, simple stitches.
Soft Scottie Dog pattern
From Allsorts - easy and quick to make! Check out the Flickr groups and join in!
Mollychicken's Free Panda Bear Pattern
Cute Japanese-style panda bear toy with good sewing instructions.
Frog Softie Pattern to Make
CraftZine features a fun and easy frog softie to make.

Tips from the KnitOwl

Turning Inside Out

Remember the eraser-end of a pencil, or a capped pen, or a long dowel can help you get those tough areas turned all the way inside-out. Just be careful you don't push too hard for your seams, and don't use a sharp pointed item!

The same tool can help push stuffing into those hard-to reach places!

Places to Sell your Toys

well made toys can find good homes here

Etsy
The greatest handmade marketplace I've found. Come in, check it out - it's the Ebay of Handmade, only better - imho.
Copius
A new format marketplace

My Patterns

KnitOwl toy patterns - some are free

patterns I have made and/or been asked to make and where to find them
Mother kangaroo and joey (pay)
This is a more advanced sewing pattern than my horse or zebra also for sale in the shop. This pattern was requested to be converted by mayselou.
Zebra or Horse Pattern (pay)
This is a hand-drawn printable PDF of pattern pieces with minimal instruction. It should be easy to sew for even a beginner. I have had homeschool
Snake Pattern (free)
A simple PDF pattern of a snake with shaped head and tail to make and enjoy.
Pink Pocket Owl (free)
A cute simple toy with a pocket. Printable image pattern.
5 inch rag doll (pay)
A simple rag doll with yarn hair to make.

This So Crafty page written by

knitowl

I'm a computer programmer turned kitchen and bath designer who makes softies as a hobby. Our little girl is a toddler now, and I still sew all of her clothes.... more »

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