Making Plushies with Furry Fabric: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 31/03/2025

Have you ever dreamed of bringing your favorite characters to life, snuggling them close, and showcasing your crafting prowess? The world of plushie making offers a delightful escape, and with the luxurious texture of furry fabric, your creations will be even more irresistible. Imagine the soft, comforting feel against your skin – a perfect blend of artistry and tactile pleasure. Furry fabrics offer a unique challenge and reward, adding depth and personality to your plushies that simple cotton just can't match. From vibrant animal companions to whimsical creatures of your own design, the possibilities are endless.

This guide will unlock the secrets to crafting adorable, high-quality plushies using furry fabrics, transforming your imagination into cuddly reality. We'll cover everything from choosing the right materials and patterns to mastering essential sewing techniques. Let's dive into the step-by-step process and start creating your own collection of furry friends!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • furry fabric
  • pattern (Simplicity pattern number 8044)
  • scissors
  • vacuum hose
  • sewing machine
  • pins
  • chalk
  • ruler
  • hammer or rolling pin
  • stuffing
  • safety nose
  • button
  • needle
  • thread
Safety Guidelines
  • Always supervise children when using sewing machines and sharp tools like scissors.
  • Handle your fabric carefully to avoid snags or pulls, especially with delicate furry fabrics. Pre-wash your fabric to prevent shrinkage and color bleeding.
  • Use appropriate safety pins or clips to hold your fabric pieces together while sewing, avoiding the risk of accidental needle pricks.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fabric

    • Brush the fabric to determine the nap direction. Cut pattern pieces ensuring all nap directions are consistent.
    Brush the fabric to determine the nap direction. Cut pattern pieces ensuring all nap directions are consistent.
    Prepare the Fabric

  2. Cut and Clean

    • Cut the fabric. Use a vacuum hose to clean up excess fur.
    Cut the fabric. Use a vacuum hose to clean up excess fur.
    Cut and Clean

  3. Prepare for Sewing

    • Trim ½ inch of fur from the edges of the fabric pieces before sewing to create a cleaner seam.
    Trim ½ inch of fur from the edges of the fabric pieces before sewing to create a cleaner seam.
    Prepare for Sewing

  4. Sew Main Body Pieces

    • Pin and sew the fabric pieces together. If seams are bulky, use a hammer or rolling pin to flatten them.
    Pin and sew the fabric pieces together. If seams are bulky, use a hammer or rolling pin to flatten them.
    Sew Main Body Pieces

  5. Sew and Shape Darts

    • Mark and sew darts, clipping curves up to (but not through) the seam to allow for better shaping when turned right-side out.
    Mark and sew darts, clipping curves up to (but not through) the seam to allow for better shaping when turned right-side out.
    Sew and Shape Darts

  6. Stuff the Plushie

    • Fluff stuffing before inserting into the plushie to ensure even distribution and better shaping.
    Fluff stuffing before inserting into the plushie to ensure even distribution and better shaping.
    Stuff the Plushie

  7. Mark Facial Features

    • Use the pattern to mark placement for eyes and nose on the stuffed plushie head.
    Use the pattern to mark placement for eyes and nose on the stuffed plushie head.
    Mark Facial Features

  8. Attach the Nose

    • Attach the safety nose by puncturing a hole through the seam, inserting the nose, and securing with the washer.
    Attach the safety nose by puncturing a hole through the seam, inserting the nose, and securing with the washer.
    Attach the Nose

  9. Attach the Eyes

    • Attach eyes using a button and needle, securing with stitches that also sculpt the face by incorporating the stuffing.
    Attach eyes using a button and needle, securing with stitches that also sculpt the face by incorporating the stuffing.
    Attach the Eyes

  10. Refine the Face

    • Trim excess fur around the eyes and nose to reveal the face.
    Trim excess fur around the eyes and nose to reveal the face.
    Refine the Face

  11. Close the Back

    • Close the back opening with a ladder stitch.
    Close the back opening with a ladder stitch.
    Close the Back

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

Tips

  • Always check the nap direction of furry fabrics before cutting and sewing.
  • Use a vacuum to clean up excess fur during the cutting process.
  • Trim the edges of furry fabric before sewing for cleaner seams.
  • Use a hammer or rolling pin to flatten bulky seams.
  • Clip curves when sewing darts to create a smooth, curved shape.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Cutting

Reason: Inaccurate cutting of fabric pieces leads to mismatched seams and a poorly proportioned plushie.
Solution: Use sharp scissors and carefully follow the pattern markings for precise cuts.

2. Stuffing Too Tightly or Loosely

Reason: Overstuffing creates a lumpy, misshapen plushie, while understuffing results in a flat and unappealing one.
Solution: Evenly distribute the stuffing material, aiming for a firm but not overly tight fill.

FAQs

What type of needle and thread should I use for furry fabric?
Use a sharp, microtex needle (size 70/10 or similar) to prevent skipped stitches and damage to the fibers. Choose a strong thread like polyester or nylon in a color that blends with your fabric.
How do I prevent the fur from getting matted or pulled while sewing?
Work slowly and carefully, using small, even stitches. Avoid pulling the fabric too tightly. Consider using a walking foot on your sewing machine for smoother feeding of the fabric.
What's the best way to turn a small, complex plushie right-side out after sewing?
Use a turning tool (like a chopstick or dedicated turning tool) to carefully push out the seams and corners. For very intricate shapes, consider leaving a larger turning opening and then hand-stitching it closed for a cleaner finish.