DIY Stuffed Apple Craft: Easy Fall Decor

Updated at: 06/02/2025

Autumn's vibrant hues and crisp air inspire cozy creativity, and what better way to embrace the season than with charming DIY décor? This year, skip the expensive store-bought decorations and delve into the simple joy of crafting your own adorable stuffed apple ornaments. These charming little apples, crafted from readily available materials, add a touch of rustic elegance to any fall display, whether perched on a mantelpiece, nestled in a bowl, or adorning your autumnal wreath. They’re the perfect project for a weekend afternoon, providing a relaxing and rewarding creative outlet.

Forget complicated techniques and expensive supplies; this project focuses on ease and affordability. These stuffed apples are incredibly simple to make, perfect for beginners and experienced crafters alike, resulting in delightful decorations you'll cherish throughout the fall season. Ready to bring a touch of autumnal charm to your home? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create your own adorable stuffed apple crafts!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Old tights
  • Polyfill stuffing
  • Needle
  • Thread (any color)
  • Scissors
  • Optional: Fake leaves, stem, hot glue
Safety Guidelines
  • Adult supervision is required, especially when using sharp objects like scissors or knives for cutting apples and other materials.
  • Ensure proper handwashing before and after handling the apples and crafting materials to maintain hygiene.
  • Store finished stuffed apples in a cool, dry place to prevent mold or spoilage. Consider using a sealant or preservative if storing for an extended period.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fabric

    • Cut the legs off of a pair of old tights. You should have six pieces.
    Cut the legs off of a pair of old tights. You should have six pieces.
    Prepare the Fabric

  2. Create the Apple Base

    • Tie a knot at the end of one of the strips. This will be the bottom of your apple.
    • Turn the strip inside out to create a small sack.
    Turn the strip inside out to create a small sack.Turn the strip inside out to create a small sack.
    Create the Apple Base

  3. Stuff the Apple

    • Fill the sack with a handful of polyfill stuffing, adjusting the amount to determine the apple's size.
    • Trim excess fabric from the top of the sack.
    Trim excess fabric from the top of the sack.Trim excess fabric from the top of the sack.
    Stuff the Apple

  4. Close and Shape the Apple

    • Using a needle and thread, sew several stitches across the top of the sack to close it. You'll need about five to six stitches.
    • To shape the apple, repeatedly insert the needle down the center of the stuffed sack, from top to bottom, to create the apple shape.
    • Shape and adjust the apple, squeezing and molding it into a desired shape.
    Shape and adjust the apple, squeezing and molding it into a desired shape.Shape and adjust the apple, squeezing and molding it into a desired shape.Shape and adjust the apple, squeezing and molding it into a desired shape.
    Close and Shape the Apple

  5. Add Finishing Touches

    • Attach fake leaves and/or a stem using hot glue.
    Optional: Attach fake leaves and/or a stem using hot glue.
    Add Finishing Touches

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

Tips

  • The amount of polyfill stuffing determines the apple's size and shape. More stuffing creates a fuller apple; less stuffing may result in a flatter apple, potentially resembling a tomato instead.
  • To avoid a tomato-like shape, make sure your apples are taller rather than wider.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Apples Drying Out

Reason: Leaving the apples unsealed or exposed to air for too long before stuffing and/or displaying them causes them to shrivel and lose their moisture.
Solution: Apply a light coating of lemon juice or apple cider to prevent browning and keep the apples moist.

2. Stuffing Falling Out

Reason: Using too little stuffing or using a stuffing that is too loose and doesn't pack well into the apple cavity.
Solution: Pack the stuffing firmly into the apple cavity and use a natural adhesive such as a little bit of melted beeswax or honey to help hold everything in place.

FAQs

How long do these stuffed apple crafts last?
With proper care (keeping them away from direct sunlight and moisture), your stuffed apple crafts should last for several months, even throughout the entire fall season. They may gradually fade slightly over time, but should remain a charming decoration.
What kind of stuffing material is best to use?
Polyester fiberfill is a popular and readily available choice. It's soft, easy to work with, and holds its shape well. Other options include cotton batting or even scraps of fabric, but fiberfill provides the most realistic 'apple' feel.