Hey everyone. Today we're sewing a stuffed bunny, and you're going to learn why a soft solid minky makes the sweetest little huggable friend.
Meet the fabric first
This is Alloy Solid Cuddle 3 from Shannon Fabrics. It is the fabric that started it all for Cuddle.
It is a minky plush fabric. The surface is smooth and ultra-soft. It feels gentle against your skin — perfect for a toy someone will hug.
Now the numbers, because they matter here. It is 100% polyester. The pile is 3mm. That short, neat pile shows your stitching lines well, and it is durable, too.
This color is Alloy, a soft, versatile gray. A gray bunny just makes sense, y'all. It looks sweet for a baby gift, a nursery, or an Easter basket.
The fabric is 58/60 inches wide. One cut gives you plenty of room for bunny pieces, with leftovers. Shannon Fabrics lists Cuddle for apparel, quilting, baby products, home decor, and pet accessories — a stuffed bunny fits that list just fine.
The project: a stuffed bunny
A stuffed bunny is a simple soft toy. Two body pieces, two long ears, and some stuffing. We're not reinventing the wheel here.
Why does this fabric suit it so well? First, that smooth, ultra-soft surface begs to be squeezed. Second, the 3mm pile sews cleanly around small curves. Third, the solid color lets the shape do the talking — add a stitched face, and he has all the personality he needs.
Our finished bunny stands about 12 inches tall, ears not counted. The ears add about 5 more inches. A good lap size for little hands, and super duper cute on a shelf, too.
Materials list
- 1/2 yard Alloy Solid Cuddle 3, 58/60" wide
- Polyester fiberfill stuffing, about 4 to 5 ounces
- All-purpose polyester thread to match the Alloy gray
- Small amount of dark thread or embroidery floss for the eyes and nose
- Size 90/14 ballpoint or stretch needle
- Walking foot for your machine
- Paper for your pattern, marking pen, sharp scissors, and plenty of pins or clips
- Optional: a small ribbon for a bow at the neck
Brief steps
Step one. Draw your pattern on paper. A rounded body about 10 inches tall and 7 inches wide works well. Add two ear shapes, about 6 inches long and 2 inches wide, plus 1/2 inch of seam allowance all around.
Step two. Lay the fabric flat, pile side up. You want the pile running downward on the body. Pin your patterns, then cut two bodies and four ear pieces.
Step three. Sew each pair of ear pieces right sides together with a 1/2-inch seam. Leave the bottom edge open. Turn the ears right side out, and finger press them flat.
Step four. On one body piece, stitch the face before you assemble anything. Two small eyes and a little triangle nose are plenty. Stitching it flat is so much easier. Trust me.
Step five. Pin the ears to the top of the front body, raw edges even, pointing down across the face. Place the back body on top, right sides together. Pin every 2 to 3 inches.
Step six. Sew all the way around with a 1/2-inch seam and a longer stitch, about 3.0 to 3.5 millimeters, roughly 8 to 10 stitches per inch. Leave a 3-inch opening at the bottom. Turn the bunny right side out. Just like that, he looks like a bunny.
Step seven. Stuff him firmly, a little at a time. Push small bits into the corners first. Close the opening with a ladder stitch by hand. Tie on that optional ribbon if you like. Completely up to you.
Practical tips before you sew
Use that walking foot. I have sewn minky without one, and the top layer crept a full inch. I had to rip it out. Learn from my mistake, y'all.
Slow down around the tight curves. Slow down or the needle snaps. Short curves, slow speed, happy bunny.
Cut over a trash can if you can. A quick shake outside saves a big cleanup later.
And here is your permission beat. Your bunny does not have to be perfect. One ear can flop more than the other. You are your own worst critic. A bunny with a crooked ear still gets hugged just as hard. Take your time. It is not a race. If I can do this, y'all can do it.
Alrighty. Thanks for sewing along with me today. We'll see you next time. Bye.
Shop the Alloy Solid Cuddle 3 58/60" Fabric per yard at Linda's Electric Quilters.
