Sewing stuffed animals is a fun gift to make and give. I made my first stuffed animals over a decade ago and they're still well loved. I decided on an elephant sewing pattern (see below). If you're going to sew a stuffed animal I recommend that stuffed elephant pattern.
I learned some important things while sewing the elephant sewing pattern! For instance, after you sew up the shell of the stuffed elephant, don't just hand it to your husband with a bag of stuffing and expect him to just "figure it out."
Updated: originally published December 28, 2009
I also learned that I hate hand sewing. I'm not very good at it. It takes too much time and concentration. If I was going to make these elephants again I would cut some more corners and avoid some more hand sewing.
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The elephant sewing pattern is from the book Sew Everything Workshop
. I love the book. It is a great book, especially for beginners. I did make a few changes, in case you plan to make this little buddy yourself. He does take a bit longer than I expected. I can't say exactly how long it takes to make but I would say plan on 2 to 3+ hours, depending on your level of experience sewing, and the amount of distractions you have!
Stuffed Elephant Pattern Supplies
- Sewing machine
- Fabric: Use flannel, corduroy or quilting cotton.
- Buttons or felt for eyes
- Scissors and sewing supplies
Tips For Sewing A Stuffed Elephant Pattern
Time needed: 2 hours.
Tips I learned along the way for sewing a stuffed elephant pattern from the Sew Everything Workshop book.
- Add a layer of fusible interfacing on each of the ears.
Fuse the interfacing to one of the outer fabrics before stitching right sides together. This makes the ears a bit sturdier so they'll stand out from the elephant's head.
- Instead of hand sewing the opening in the ear closed after turning it I topstitched the whole ear.
I don't think it detracts from the ear. If anything, it gives it more character.
- Leave the opening in the elephant on the underside rather than the top of the elephant.
This way is a bit more forgiving for your hand stitching of the stuffed elephant pattern.
- Sew the button eyes on before sewing the little guy together.
The pattern tells you to stitch the button eyes on after your stuff the elephant. I discovered it's easier to do it before. I also chose to make the eyes out of felt on my baby's elephant to make it safe from choking hazards.
There, now go make yourself some cute little elephants.
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maryanne says
Very cute elephants, and excellent suggested changes!
[email protected] says
Those are absolutely precious!
Jude says
these are adorable! I wish I could sew... I once made a skirt, it was a lovely bag.
Windows 10 disable touch screen says
This is a great art design and its looking so cute. i am always satisfy to learn this tutorial, every windows system touch screen operators are get a easy way from disabling this touch screen function.