Current Events > I am trying to get started on making a stuffed animal for this gal.

(+) Yeah! (+)

It's a Christmas gift idea I had, but I never realized just how complicated this all is before you even get started on making it!

Like, I have put a decent amount of research in fabric, but I still don't have a definite answer for which one. There is plush and mink which many tout as being great, but I don't know if I like the look of mink fabric. Cotton is a classic, but I here it isn't really that good as a fabric.

I know there are those fabrics that are used in those more cheap-looking stuffed animals, but I want this to be a soft, fluffy, and ultimately, nice-looking stuffed animal (the design is something I think she'd appreciate). I have never done anything like this, nor have I ever sewn anything, so I'm really nervous if I can even do it. Can't afford a sewing machine, but sources tell me you can still hand-sew stuffed animals nicely. Additionally, the rough thing is I have to buy 3 different colors of fabric (white, black, and a orange/brown color). The last one is the hard one because I don't know the exact color to get and plus, I have to find the color as well. Also, you don't really have too many small options for buying fabric, have to buy it by the yard mainly, so the costs are going to be run up. This isn't even factoring in the sewing needles and thread, the stuffing, and the eyes that will be necessary.

It makes me wonder if it would be cheaper to just commission what I am trying to do, but that is pretty costly, and I think making things by hand is a nice way to show appreciation, I don't know.

Basically, I created this blog post in an attempt to maybe get advice from one of you guys. It's probably a long-shot since I don't think sewing stuffed animals is anyone's special hobby around here, but then again, you all have many interesting and exciting hobbies (I recall some very creative works by some of y'all). My biggest nightmare is that this is way over my head, and that it ends up being a huge failure.

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You could fill a long sock with ankle socks and make a snake

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Anyone? Whatsoever?

I checked out other forums, and none just are active enough. This one is active, but as I said, perhaps just no one who has done anything like this.

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I am trying to get started on making a stuffed animal for this gal.

Why?

Provide context beyond what's in OP.

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OpenlyGator posted...

Why?

Provide context beyond what's in OP.

I was just stating the motivation for quick backstory, but the topic itself is more on the creation process.

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Definitely practice sewing simple things with scrap fabric if you haven't done this before. Do some simple 3d things like cylinders or spheres to get used to stitching pieces together and stuffing

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TeaMilk posted...

Definitely practice sewing simple things with scrap fabric if you haven't done this before. Do some simple 3d things like cylinders or spheres to get used to stitching pieces together and stuffing

Thanks for the advice.

I didn't realize until now that the fabric I ordered is going to take weeks to ship, so I need to cancel and find an amazon alternative. Shame because I liked the fabric.


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a stuffed animal is definitely not the first thing i'd try sewing as a novice...

i'm sure you can find a pattern though, just have to look.

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monkmith posted...

a stuffed animal is definitely not the first thing i'd try sewing as a novice...

i'm sure you can find a pattern though, just have to look.

Well, as I said, this is all custom, designed around a pet of hers that was special to her.

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Can you post the pattern? If its complex and you're using a soft fabric like minky, you might want to use interfacing or it can come out misshapen.

Also if you can afford it, get at least double the fabric you might need to account for fuck ups. Other than that just make sure you have the basic tools, stuffing, sewing needle & pins, thread. Something like a chopstick or pen is good for pushing stuffing into small areas too

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