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!
