Isn’t it incredible what fun, free stuffed animal patterns can be created using thread, some fabric scraps, a few filling materials, and lots and lots of creative potential? I’ve always loved treating myself to cute little animal purchases, but what I love more is creating plushie patterns. This tutorial will give you lots of easy stuffed animal sewing patterns for inspiration.
Free Stuffed Animal Patterns Tutorial
Stuffed animal softies make a baby’s first friends. I could never turn down a cute stuffed animal plushie, not as a child and not now, either. But can anyone really?
A stuffed animal sewing pattern is bound to have almost anyone squealing in no time, but do you really want to keep your options limited to what’s available at the store when it comes to treating your little friends?
Supplies for Stuffed Animal Patterns
For most of these free plushie patterns, you will need:
- Fabric - Buy cotton quilting fabric in fat quarters. Fleece fabric and faux fur also makes great stuffed animals.
- Stuffing - Polyester toy stuffing is the best. Alternatives include fabric scraps cut up small.
- Sewing Basics - Sewing machine, scissors or rotary cutter and cutting mat, pins, thread.
- Hand sewing needle for closing your stuffed animal.
- Safety eyes - Many stuffed animal patterns use safety eyes but keep in mind that these are not suitable for young children. Use embroidery floss instead to make eyes and noses.
How to Make Stuffed Animals
The precise steps for making the stuffed animal pattern will vary by the designer, but in general:
- Gather your supplies - this will include fabrics such as felt, fleece or cotton.
- Put the right sides together and sew the seams leaving a gap for turning.
- Clip any curves or corners and turn the right way out.
- Insert the stuffing and hand stitch the gap closed.
- Embroider the face.
Tips for Sewing Stuffed Animal Patterns
Here are some tips for sewing easy stuffed animals:
- Stuff firmly - Most animals look best when stuffed firmly as they will hold their shape better. Try inserting small pieces of stuffing at a time instead of one larger piece. This will give your animals a better shape.
- Use small stitches - Seams will be stronger if you use smaller stitches. Try a stitch length of 2.0 on a scrap of your fabric and see how it looks. Always backstitch at any ends.
- Stitch accurately - Most of these stuffed animal patterns involve sewing curves and corners. Draw your stitching lines on your fabric for greater accuracy.
- Clip curves and corners - This will give you better curves and pointer corners.
37+ Stuffed Animal Patterns (Free)
Below are some super adorable and free stuffed animal patterns made by really creative pattern makers, that you must try out. A little warning, though, the following content has some crazy cuteness, so be prepared.
#1 Circle Bird Pattern
I had to begin showcasing the cutest free stuffed animal patterns with THE most adorable bird. It is made of two circles: so simple in design yet such a wonderful outcome. Its little beak and tail sticking up add the sweetest finish. I can see myself making a flock of these, and so can you. Pattern from While She Naps
#2 Yoyo Plush Dog Pattern
Who doesn’t like a plush dog? Kids can have so much fun with this, making it sit in funny postures with its tiny pink tongue hanging out. It has this innocent face and drooping ears that make it all the more suitable for sweet little young ones to play with. I absolutely love how this little creature has been put together using fabric yoyos. Pattern from Craft Passion
#3 Sheep Stuffed Animal Pattern
Name a thing more innocent-looking than a stuffed sheep. This one looks sad and lost if you don’t hug it, and the black button eyes are such a sweet sight. This stuffed sheep softie is easy to make and takes no time, so it is a great project for beginners. Pattern from Swoodson Says
#4 Flying Squirrel Softie Pattern
I love how this one isn’t just any squirrel but a flying squirrel. The flying posture gives you a laugh and adds just the right fun element to the softie. It roughly takes an hour to make, and after seeing this one, I feel I’ll be sparing quite a few hours to get everyone in the family one of them. Pattern from Wild Olive
#5 Fox Stuffed Animal Pattern
Everyone has been raving about woodland creatures lately. One look at these stuffed foxes, and I’m daydreaming about a woodland-themed birthday party with quite a few of those bringing life to the setup. If you, too, are obsessed with the woodland creature trend, then you must give this stuffed sly fox a try. Pattern from Stitched by Crystal
#6 Ferdinand the Frog Pattern
This plushie has my heart! It’s not just any frog, but with its cute little crown, Ferdinand the Frog is a frog prince and a perfect Valentine’s Day gift. It has sewing Velcro hands so you can tuck in any gift between its gangly arms. Who wouldn’t appreciate a box of chocolates presented by Mr. Ferdinand? Pattern from While She Naps
#7 Tortoise Stuffed Animal Patterns
Since I am biased toward cute animal softies, I am always looking for ways to incorporate them around my workspace. If soft plushies are your guilty pleasure, take this adorable quilted sleepy tortoise to work as an excuse for a paperweight. You can even make this in bigger dimensions and keep this as a cushion/pillow. Pattern from While She Naps
#8 Bunny Stuffed Animal Sewing Patterns
Got some striped or spotted fabric in your stash? This bunny will flaunt those patterns in the cutest possible way. This stuffed animal pattern is so easy to make and so fun to play with. Maybe even attach it to the top of a birthday present box if you want to make sure they squeal when you present your gift. Pattern from Gathered
#9 DIY Stuffed Animal Dinosaur
Want to make a unique and timeless DIY stuffed animal softie for a young one? This little dino is a must-try pattern! Its teal blue tone will make the perfect vibrant piece in any baby’s nursery. Not just that, follow the instructions for its dimensions, and you can make a dinosaur big enough for a toddler to ride on. What fun! Pattern from We Lived Happily Ever After
#10 Unicorn Plush Pattern
You can never go wrong with unicorns. Add some multicolored tassels for the tail and mane, gold stars, and a gold horn, and you are going to shine bright, just like the stars in this pattern. Also, these will make great pillows for a young one’s bedroom and will make their living space vibrant and magical. Pattern from The DIY Mommy
#11 Sock Dragon Animal Sewing Pattern
This very-vibrant sock dragon is a reminder of how fun and colorful childhood is. Make use of fabric scraps and recycled items that would otherwise go to waste. This lively sock craft is a total winner! Bet you will be emptying out your sock organizers, and dragons will be the new rage in your craft space once you see this. Pattern from Craft Passion
#12 Humphrey the Hound Pattern
Make this fun plaid pattern for your little ones. Don’t you just love how majestic Humphrey is looking in this classy, vintage look? This stuffed animal pattern is simple to create. Even if you’re a beginner, you will be able to pull off a cute-looking hound with this sewing pattern. Just don’t forget to top it off with a cute button nose. Pattern from Bustle & Sew
#13 Flora the Elephant Pattern
Setting up a nursery in pretty pastels? This enchanting stuffed elephant softie has just the right floral accent. Also, this timeless pattern would make a lovely hand-me-down for years to come. Carefully pick the right fabric to get you an upright, dainty floral elephant plushie. Pattern from Bustle & Sew
#14 DIY Felt Koala Pattern
Koala bears and happy tears! No long day can’t be fixed with a warm hug from this stuffed koala. This pattern is made with felt, so your cute koala will be soft and cuddly. Also, this koala doesn’t have to be confined to a child’s room; you can even flaunt your craft as garden décor. Just an idea! You can learn about sewing felt. Pattern from Lia Griffith
#15 Malcolm the Dog Pattern
If you’re looking for bigger animal patterns, Malcolm the Dog is the one for you. It will be adored by toddlers and adults alike. You can make it in your choice of fabric and patterns, but neutral tones with stripes would be a great combo for a dog stuffie. You can make it big enough for a toddler to ride on. Pattern from Crafts Beautiful
#16 Easy Stuffed Animal Patterns
Make these darling stuffed owls to perch up on a floating shelf above your headboard. It will be a hard-to-resist plushie, with its very adorable eyes and a petite frame. You can try this pattern with any fabric of your choice. However, this one has a corduroy body and felt beak, feet, and eyes. Pattern from Lily Bird Studio
#17 Marshmallow Bunny Pattern
This one is the perfect bunny for all the marshmallow lovers out there. Make these little cuties in a range of delightful colors and surprise the young ones around you. You can make a bunch of these and add them to an Easter basket, your Halloween treats, or even in goodie bags for a little one’s birthday. Pattern from Dandelions & Lace
#18-38 More Free Stuffed Animal Patterns
Free Stuffed Animal Patterns – In Conclusion
Adorable little free stuffed animal patterns and plushies make precious and timeless presents for your loved ones. They take little time and expertise to create, and a homemade stuffed animal will serve as a lovely reminder to the young one of your love and care.
Not just that, but most of these patterns make use of fabric scraps and recycled material, so not only are these cute but also eco-friendly. It doesn’t get any better (and cuter) than that.
Free Kids Sewing Patterns
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