" Instructions and tips for making your own soft toys for children "

Cuddly toys are loyal companions and some even remain best friends for a lifetime. At least one of these plush companions will outlast a childhood and bring back fond memories. Cuddly toys are comforters, sleep aids and loyal companions all in one. Parents are faced with an almost endless choice when it comes to buying a cuddly toy for their little treasure. But some moms and dads are looking for something special. A soft toy that is not available to buy. The solution is close at hand. All you need is a little creativity and the right equipment. The answer is: sew a cuddly toy yourself!

Do-it-yourself cuddly toy?

Don't worry, it sounds a little difficult at first, but with the right instructions and a few inspiring tips, you too can sew your own cuddly toys. Soft fabrics such as terry cloth are particularly suitable for this project. After all, these little fellows are there to be cuddled.

Sewing your own cuddly toys for children is not that difficult

What makes a self-sewn cuddly toy so unique?

Unlike a bought soft toy, a soft toy that you make yourself is unique. Nowhere else in the world will you find a comparable cuddly toy. This fact alone turns an ordinary soft toy into something very special. Children usually build up a very strong bond with such animals. After all, they are not unaware that it is a unique soft toy. It doesn't matter whether it's a classic teddy bear, a dachshund or a rabbit. It doesn't matter at all. Homemade gifts for children are generally a sign that you have taken the time to express your love for your child.

Children love cuddly toys - homemade ones are a very special and personal gift

How can I sew cuddly toys myself?

There are various ways and means of sewing your own cuddly toys. Basically, a pattern is quite helpful in order to end up with a pretty cuddly toy in your hands. You will find plenty of cuddly toy patterns on relevant sites on the web. These range from simple to sophisticated. If you already have some experience, you are welcome to try out more difficult patterns. Today we will give you a short step-by-step guide suitable for beginners. You will find a large selection of the necessary craft materials in our Zwergehuus craft store.

The dachshund as a self-sewn cuddly toy

This time we have chosen a dachshund. After all, it is a popular breed of dog and is not often available as a bought cuddly toy. This is more than a good reason to provide you with a short guide on how to make your own dachshund today:

Lovingly self-sewn stuffed animal dachshund

You will need the following materials and utensils:

• a soft fabric (dimensions approx. 50cm x 50cm)
• Sewing embroidery thread
• Cardboard/ thicker craft paper as a template
• scissors
• Sewing and embroidery needles
• satin ribbon

1. First of all, take a look at the pattern. Simply trace the cuddly toy pattern onto a piece of paper so that you have the basic dimensions and the individual elements to hand. Tip: If you don't have a pattern, simply draw the shape of a dachshund and the ears by hand on paper. This will also give you a simple pattern that you can use as a basis for sewing cuddly toys. After a quick search on the Internet, you will find dozens of patterns on almost every subject.
2. Take the fabric and lay it on top of each other twice. You now have two layers of fabric in front of you. Now place the template on top so that you leave a good centimeter of sewing edge at each edge. It also makes sense to place the back of the animal directly on the edge so that you can save a longer seam in advance. Pin the template with sewing needles and draw the cutting lines.
3. Now cut out the elements. The body and ears are now in front of you.
4. First sew the body elements together. Make sure you leave part of the seam open on the belly side so that you can insert the filling after turning. Now trim back the seam allowances a little. Cut them in at the corners and cut them at the curves to create small triangles.
5. Now turn the blanks right side out. The seams are now on the inside. Add the filling via the small opening on the belly. Now sew the body together completely. Continue in the same way with the ears. The ears are then sewn to the body with a single stitch.
6. Using black thread, you can now add a few eyes with the help of cross stitch or even suggest a snout or nose. Finally, place the satin ribbon around the collar.

Small accessories for the dachshund

In addition to the satin ribbon, other small accessories are also ideal for the little dachshund. How about a pretty pearl necklace? Thread a few pretty wooden beads of your choice onto a string and place the finished bead necklace around the dachshund's neck. Or you could attach a dummy chain. This is guaranteed to be a little highlight for your little sunshine. The cuddly toy and baby share the dummy.

Gifts for children that come from the heart: Sew your own cuddly blankets!

Children are always happy to receive cuddly toys. In the early years, however, it is mainly cuddly blankets that make little eyes sparkle. Making cuddly blankets is also less time-consuming and somewhat easier. You are welcome to use other motifs. It doesn't always have to be a teddy bear or bunny. Here we give you a little instruction for a star to cuddle:

You will need:

• soft fabric (terry cloth)
• scissors
• sewing thread
• wadding

Your child will love a cuddly scarf or plush cushion in the shape of a star

1. First draw a small star (the size is entirely up to you) on cardboard. Transfer the template to the fabric. Again, place the fabric on top of each other and start with the first point at the overlapping point.
2. First pin the star again and leave a sewing allowance. Now simply transfer the pattern to the fabric.
3. Now cut out the star along your line. You now have the blank in front of you, which you can now carefully sew together with tight stitches. Make sure you leave one prong open so that you can insert the filling through it.
4. Before filling, turn the star right side out so that the seams are on the inside. Now simply fill it and sew up the small opening well.

You can now give the star a pretty face using sewing thread. Just as you like it. Sewing your own cuddly toys is not difficult and ultimately makes a particularly personal gift. We wish you lots of fun making and sewing!