Basic Tutorial: Upcycled Dog Toys!

Today's post is going to cover some basics for using leftover fabric and rags to make upcycled dog toys.  If you are like me, always saving all those leftover bits from your sewing projects for that "later" that never comes, then this project may be one for you! If you don't have a dog, you probably know someone who does, and chances are they will be super excited to have a Christmas gift for their favorite pooch.

For this project, you will need:

• Basic sewing skills
• A sewing machine (you can hand-sew, but it will take longer)
• Thread, scissors
• A rag bag of assorted fabrics, or a bag of scrap fabrics (or both!)

Depending on how much fabric and what kind you have, there are several ways you can go. Get creative! I have made two toy animals to get you started with ideas: a snake and a frog. 

THE SNAKE

• It's best to use a strong fabric for the outside shell of the animals (old jeans, khakis, etc.).  I used part of an old pant leg for this one, simply cutting it to the length that I wanted and then making it square up into a rectangle. 

• At that point I cut out bits of fleece for exterior decoration: eyes, tongue, spots, and spikes. If you decide to do spikes, just make sure that they are facing towards the inside for when you sew the sides together. I like fleece for this part because you do not have to worry about it fraying at the edges. 

• After finishing the decorations, fold the snake in half, right sides together, and pin. Sew the long end together.

• After sewing the long end together, open the end up, and fold so that the tongue is centered (still with right sides together). Sew that end shut.

• Note: I double-stitched since this is going to be a dog toy.
• Turn the snake inside out and stuff with scrap fabric or rags. You can use stuffing if you want, but my dogs actually eat stuffing. Or, leave it empty.

• Once the snake is stuffed, sew the opening shut. You can use the machine or hand-stitch.
• Your toy is done!

THE FROG

• Again, use a strong fabric for the outside shell of the animal (old jeans, khakis, etc.).  I used old khakis leftover from another project for this one, cutting it into oval shapes.
• I used fleece to make a stomach and eyes for my frog. Cut out similar designs, or your own. Pin them into place on the front of the frog and stitch. 
• The arms and legs will also be made from old fabric.  Find long, thin strips of fabric, about 8" long. You will need 3 per arm/leg (12 total). They do not need to match.

• Put 3 strips together and tie a knot at the end. Braid until you get to the other end, and tie another knot. Do this for the remaining strips until you have 4 arms/legs.
• Pin the arms and legs to the front of the frog, facing the inside. To make sewing easier, the outer knot can be outside the stitching area. Baste into place. 
• Place the backside of the frog onto the front, right sides together. Pin into place. 

• Stitch both sides together, leaving about 4" for turning the frog right side out. Turn right side out.
• Stuff the frog with scrap fabric or stuffing, or leave empty. Stitch the opening shut. 
• Your toy is done!