Midyear
Flowers
How I Make Plushies
Here is a step by step of how I made Almond and most of the techniques I use when making other plushies. First I get all my pattern pieces together and cut them out of the fabric.
I start with the smaller pieces that require less stitching. I pin the legs, repeating on both sides to form the belly piece.
Next is the wings. This area is a little more complicated. I pin the different colors together and sew around the edge, leaving the side that attaches to the body open. Then before I turn them right side out I measure and bend the pipe cleaner into position.
Then I turn them right side out, slot the pipe cleaner in and pin it in place. I have to go really slowly and carefully here because if the needle hits the wire head on, it will bend or break. I finish the wings by adding the decorative vertical stitches, no stuffing.
Moving on to the head. I mark where the eyes go and embroider them on. Then I pin the head gusset into place and sew it, making sure to follow the curves and give a good point to the horns.
I do the same for the belly, taking extra care around the legs.
The moment of truth is next: attaching the wings. If I mess up here, I will need to add extra stitches to make sure the body piece doesn't rip, and that will be noticable and weird looking. I mark where the wings will be placed and cut a line connecting the marks. I slot the wing in, pin it, and sew through all four layers of fabric and a little over onto the body to seal the hole. I have to make sure that when turned right side out, the wing colors are facing the right direction: dark on top, light on bottom.
Want to know what a plushie looks like on the inside? Here's what I've got now:
Now I fold up the wings, sticking them inside so the back of the body can be sewn up. I leave a space in the tail area for turning and stuffing.
Turn him right side out, flex the wings so they aren't bent anymore, and get ready for stuffing. Once the stuffing is done (which usually takes a while) I hold that space together and latter stitch to close him up and finish.
Ta Da!!!
