Adorable Candy Cane Shark Plush DIY: Sublimation & Sewing Tutorial

Updated at: 15/03/2025

Get ready to dive into a world of sugary-sweet crafting! This tutorial will guide you through creating the most adorable plush toy imaginable: a candy cane shark! Combining the festive cheer of candy canes with the playful charm of a shark, this DIY project is perfect for holiday gifting or adding a unique touch to your own home décor. Forget store-bought plush toys; this unique design uses sublimation printing for vibrant, long-lasting colour on a custom-cut fabric, combined with easy-to-follow sewing techniques, resulting in a truly one-of-a-kind cuddly companion.

We'll be walking you through every step of the process, from preparing your sublimation design to the final stitch, ensuring even beginner sewers can achieve this charming creation. Prepare to be amazed by how easily you can transform a simple fabric pattern into this delightful candy cane shark plush. Let's get started on this fun and rewarding project!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Canva
  • Sublimation printer
  • 8.5 x 14 inch sublimation paper
  • HTV Rulon Auto Heat Press
  • Copy paper or butcher paper
  • Minky fabric (white and candy cane print)
  • Teflon sheet
  • Whale shark sewing pattern
  • Sewing machine
  • 15mm safety eyes
  • Stuffing
Safety Guidelines
  • Always supervise children when using a heat press or iron for sublimation. High temperatures can cause burns.
  • Handle sharp sewing needles and pins with extreme caution to avoid injury. Keep them away from children.
  • Ensure your work area is well-ventilated when using sublimation inks to avoid inhaling fumes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Design and Print

    • Design the candy cane print in Canva.
    • Print the design onto sublimation paper (8.5 x 14 inches).
    Print the design onto sublimation paper (8.5 x 14 inches).Print the design onto sublimation paper (8.5 x 14 inches).
    Design and Print

  2. Sublimation

    • Sublimate the design onto minky fabric using a heat press (400°F for 45 seconds). Repeat for two sheets.
    Sublimate the design onto minky fabric using a heat press (400°F for 45 seconds). Repeat for two sheets.
    Sublimation

  3. Cut Fabric

    • two top pieces from the candy cane minky and one bottom piece from white minky.
    Cut out the shark pieces: two top pieces from the candy cane minky and one bottom piece from white minky.
    Cut Fabric

  4. Sew Shark Body

    • Sew the two top shark pieces together along the middle seam.
    • Attach the top shark pieces to the white minky bottom, leaving a small opening for turning and stuffing.
    Attach the top shark pieces to the white minky bottom, leaving a small opening for turning and stuffing.Attach the top shark pieces to the white minky bottom, leaving a small opening for turning and stuffing.
    Sew Shark Body

  5. Finishing Touches

    • Top stitch the fins to help them lay flat.
    • Add safety eyes (15mm).
    • Stuff the shark firmly.
    • Close the opening with a ladder stitch.
    Close the opening with a ladder stitch.Close the opening with a ladder stitch.Close the opening with a ladder stitch.
    Finishing Touches

Read more: DIY Fluffy Duck Plushie Tutorial: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tips

  • Cover the heat press with copy paper or butcher paper to prevent ink seepage.
  • Use a Teflon sheet between the fabric and the heat press for even sublimation.
  • Refer to a whale shark pattern for the cutting and sewing instructions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect Sublimation Temperature or Time

Reason: Using the wrong temperature or time settings on your sublimation machine can result in a faded, blurry, or incomplete image transfer onto the plush fabric.
Solution: Consult your sublimation machine's manual and the fabric's specifications for the optimal temperature and time settings.

2. Improper Fabric Preparation

Reason: Not pre-treating the fabric correctly (e.g., washing, ironing) can cause the ink to not adhere properly, leading to smudging or peeling.
Solution: Always pre-wash and press the fabric according to the manufacturer's instructions before sublimation.

3. Inaccurate Cutting and Sewing

Reason: Inconsistent or sloppy cutting and sewing will result in an unprofessional-looking finished plush, possibly affecting the overall appearance of the candy cane shark design.
Solution: Use sharp scissors for precise cuts, and follow the pattern carefully when sewing, ensuring even seams and consistent stitch length.

FAQs

What kind of fabric is best for this project?
A polyester fabric is highly recommended for sublimation printing. This allows the ink to properly bond with the fibers for a vibrant, long-lasting print. Look for a medium-weight fabric that is soft and cuddly.