Free Stuffed Toy Patterns
For this week’s free patterns I thought I’d focus on the Upcycle challenge from the GB Sewing Bee where contestants were asked to make stuffed animals from fleeces. I personally think this was a more realistic & relatable way to upcycle clothing & give them a second life than some of the other challenges I’ve seen!
Picture From BBC Great British Sewing Bee
⛑Safety First!⛑
Remember if you’re making stuffed toys for small children make sure that all parts are secure so that they do not cause a choking hazard & use safety eyes. An old pillow can be deconstructed for stuffing. These could be great projects to work on during the holidays with the kids
Stuffed Octopus
There was a lot of love for Anna’s Octopus upcycle online - here’s a pattern from Quirkshop design for Henry the Octopus, it’s made from batik but could easily be swapped for a fleece & pompoms added like Anna’s, Add buttons or felt for eyes & I think it will be a close replica
Henry The Octopus
Turtally Awesome
I didn’t think Rebecca’s turtle got the credit it deserved, I liked that she made it nice & big, using most of the fleece. This pattern by Make It Love It is smaller & suggests not to use fleece as it will stretch out but you could always interface it & make the pieces bigger by printing at a bigger percentag.
Stuffed Turtles by Make It Love It
Pigging Great
I thought Adele’s pig was adorable ( I have a soft spot for pigs 🐷) & no idea how she found time to make clothes for it too! My search found lots of piggy patterns but none as cute as Adele’s but I love these sleepy piggy cushions by Craft Passion . Made from old hand towels but they can be made from other materials too. They measure 10”x12” when sewn up.
Flora the Elephant
Heather’s Elephant had character I thought. These little cuties from Bustle & Sew are made from floral fabric, hence the name Flora & measure 9” tall & 11” long. They advise is to stuff them firmly so that they stand up. https://bustleandsew.com/flora-the-elephant-a-free-pattern/
Rosy the Elephant by Bustle & Sew
Monkey Business
Beth’s monkey was lovely & was inspired by her dad calling her a monkey when younger. These sock monkeys from Hello Sewing are so cute & a great use of the random odd socks we all have hiding in a drawer. You can guarantee it’s partner will turn up the minute you cut it up! 🤣 The pattern comes with written instructions & a video too.
Sock Monkeys - Hello Sewing
Dino Mite!
Emma made a Stegosaurus, which I thought was inspired, This one by Wooly petals looks like an easy fun make that the kids can get involved with too
Bear Necessities
Finally Minnie made a bear, which I thought was really good given that she gave him moveable joints! Teddy bears are timeless, I’ve still got mine from my childhood (albeit with one eye 👀) There’s lots of free patterns for bears online including this one from HowJoyful, which I thought was really cute. However, this is NOT a beginner project & has some hand stitching.
Stuffed Bear - How Joyful
Which was your favourite stuffed animal & what would you have made from the fleeces? If you fancy making a Memory Bear of your own with moving joints & my guidance, you can join my next class on Saturday 28th November
Memory Bears Made at the Workshop
**Please note that to get some of the free patterns you may have to subscribe to an newsletter in order to access the pattern or tutorial but I have checked that they were all still free at the time of posting.
