Hey everyone. Today we're making a soft stuffed plush toy, and we're using a fabric that was just made for hugging.
Let's talk about the fabric first, y'all. This is the 2 yd Luxe Cuddle Cut Galaxy Bell Flower from Shannon Fabrics. It comes as a handy 2-yard cut. That gives you plenty to work with. Enough for your plush, plus spare for practice.
It is a Luxe Cuddle fabric. Folks also call this family of fabric minky. It is 100% polyester. It has that deep, plush hand you feel right away. Run your palm across it once. You will understand the whole project. Super duper cute, and super duper soft.
The colorway here is Galaxy Bell Flower. It is the feature of the toy. No extra prints need to compete with it. And care is simple, and specific. Machine wash cold. Tumble dry low. No fabric softener. Softener coats those plush fibers. Plain washing keeps it feeling like itself.
The Project: A Stuffed Plush Toy
Our plush finishes at about 12 inches tall. That is a good size for little hands. Big enough to hug. Small enough to finish in an afternoon.
Why does this fabric suit a plush so well? A plush lives or dies on touch. This Luxe Cuddle is soft from every angle. It hides your stitches a little too. That plush pile forgives a wobbly seam line. We're not reinventing the wheel here. We are letting a soft fabric do soft work.
You can shape yours your way. A bunny shape works great. A round bear works too. A star or heart works for beginners. Completely up to you.
Materials
- Your 2 yd Luxe Cuddle Cut Galaxy Bell Flower — you will use about 1/2 yard for one 12-inch plush
- About 8 ounces of polyester fiberfill stuffing
- A simple plush pattern, about 12 inches tall, plus 1/2 inch for seam allowance
- 50-weight polyester thread to match
- A 90/14 ballpoint or stretch needle
- Wonder clips or long pins — this plush likes to shift
- Hand-sewing needle for closing the opening
- Safety eyes or embroidery floss for eyes, your choice
- Sharp scissors, a marking pen, and a chopstick for turning corners
Brief Steps
Here we go. First, shake your cut outside before you cut it. Cut minky makes a little snowstorm, folks. A good shake saves your sewing room.
Second, trace your pattern on the back of the fabric. Watch the direction of the pile. Stroke it smooth with your hand. You want that smooth direction running down the body. Cut two body pieces, mirrored.
Third, pin or clip right sides together. Use lots of clips. Place them about every 1 to 2 inches. This fabric creeps, so give it nowhere to go.
Fourth, sew with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Set your stitch length to about 3.0 mm, roughly 8 to 10 stitches per inch. Use a walking foot if you have one. Leave a 3-inch opening along one side for turning. Slow down on curves, or the layers will shift on you.
Fifth, clip the curves with small notches. Turn the plush right side out. Use that chopstick gently in the ears and corners. Do not poke hard, or you will poke right through.
Sixth, stuff it in small handfuls. Small pieces give you a smooth shape. Big wads give you lumps. Add a little, shape it, then add a little more. Just like that.
Seventh, close that opening by hand. Use a ladder stitch and pull it snug. Add embroidered eyes, or press in safety eyes before stuffing if you prefer that look. Then give it a good hug test.
Practical Tips
I will be honest with you. My first plush came out lopsided. One ear was brave. The other was shy. I learned to mark both pieces the same way. And to check the pile direction twice. That one check fixes most surprises.
Keep a lint roller by your machine. You will need it. And keep your seam allowance honest. A 1/2-inch seam is your friend on plush. A tiny seam can pull out when you stuff it firm.
Here is your permission beat, friends. Your plush does not have to be perfect. A slightly crooked smile has real charm. You're your own worst critic. A kid, or a friend, will just see something soft made with love. Take your time. It's not a race. If I can do this, y'all can do it.
Alrighty. Pick your shape, cut it slow, and stuff it with joy. Thanks so much for spending a little time with me today. We'll see you next time. Bye.
Shop the 2 yd Luxe Cuddle Cut Galaxy Bell Flower at Linda's Electric Quilters.
