Sewing Toys: How to Choose the Best Fabric for Plushies
Sewing Tutorials • Fabric Tips
Before you thread that needle or pick out the cutest button eyes, there's one big decision to make—choosing the right fabric! ✂️🧵
One of the best parts about sewing your own soft toys is the creative freedom. You get to choose the perfect fabric that reflects your (or your child's) personality. Whether you're sewing a snuggly bunny for a baby or a wild neon monster for your spirited 6-year-old, the right fabric makes all the difference.
Below, we’ll explore some of the most popular fabrics for plush toy sewing—with pros and cons to help you pick your perfect match!
🧺 Fabric Guide for Sewing Plush Toys
Cotton
🟢 Pros:
Smooth, crisp texture
Comes in a huge variety of colors and prints
Easy to sew—great for beginners!
🔴 Cons:
Not as soft or snuggly as other options
No stretch, so not ideal for rounded plush shapes
Best for: beginner-friendly patterns, dolls with clothes, or when you want a clean look with bold prints.
Flannel
🟢 Pros:
Soft to the touch—cozy for cuddles!
Wide range of colors and patterns
Doesn’t stretch (easier to sew neatly)
🔴 Cons:
Can fray easily due to a looser weave
Prone to pilling over time (those little fuzzballs)
Best for: snuggly animals or plushies meant for little hands.
Fleece
🟢 Pros:
Fluffy and super soft
Stretchy—great for plump, round plush shapes
Tons of color and pattern options
🔴 Cons:
Needs a stretch needle
Some types can pill over time
Best for: everything from teddy bears to fantasy creatures—very forgiving for beginners!
Minky
🟢 Pros:
Ultra-soft with a velvety finish
Perfect for baby toys and stuffed animals
Stretchy for rounded, huggable shapes
🔴 Cons:
Can be slippery—requires lots of pins or clips
Needs a stretch needle
Pro tip: Sew slowly, pin generously, and have a lint roller nearby. Minky can be a diva, but she’s worth it!
Felt
🟢 Pros:
Minimal stretch, good for flat pieces
Edges don’t fray—no hemming!
Wool blends are great for features like eyes, noses, and tiny paws
🔴 Cons:
Not very soft—more decorative than cuddly
Limited color/pattern selection
Best for: facial features, appliqués, and detail work.
Faux Fur
🟢 Pros:
Big drama! Available in wild textures and prints
Minky-style fur is soft and touchable
🔴 Cons:
Sheds while cutting—prepare for fluff storms!
Cut and sew from the backing only to avoid wasting precious fur
Best for: animal plushies, monster friends, or anything that needs a bit of furry flair.
✨ Final Tips
Mix & match fabrics for different effects (felt faces + fleece bodies = win!)
Always prewash if needed—especially flannel and cotton
Use the right needle: stretch needles for stretchy fabrics, universal for non-stretch
❤️ Make It Personal
Choosing your fabric is also your chance to make the toy truly one-of-a-kind. Whether you match your child’s favorite colors or go wild with glittery faux fur, the fabric is the first step in bringing your soft toy to life.
🛍️ Shop Plush Toy Fabric Favorites
Below are some recommended supplies to help your readers get started, with affiliate links you can insert for commissions. You can format this in a grid or as individual blocks on your page.
✂️ Cotton Fabrics
👕 Cotton Quilting Fabric Bundles – Amazon
Great for beginners and available in dozens of prints.🌈 Kona Cotton Solids – Amazon
Popular solid color cotton—perfect for high-contrast toy details.
☁️ Flannel Fabrics
🐻 Snuggle Flannel Prints – Amazon
Super soft and cozy—great for plushies and baby toys.
💖 Fleece Fabrics
🐑 Anti-Pill Fleece Solids – Amazon
Easy to work with and extra soft.
🧸 Minky Fabrics
🧁 Minky – Amazon
Ultra-soft and perfect for premium plush toys.
🎨 Felt Sheets & Rolls
🌟 Premium Felt Sheets – Amazon
Great quality for detailed work like facial features.🎯 Craft Felt Packs – Amazon
Budget-friendly and colorful for small projects.
🐾 Faux Fur Fabrics
🦁 Long Pile Faux Fur – Amazon
Ideal for wild animals and monster plushies.🐰 Shaggy Faux Fur – Amazon
Soft and easier to handle than traditional faux fur.
Sewing Classes to Level Up Your Skills!
Check out classes from creativebug and craftsy for sewing tutorials that’ll make you a sewing superstar in no time! From beginner basics to advanced techniques, there's something for everyone.
Affiliate Disclosure:
This post may contain affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you decide to make a purchase through one of the links.
Shop PDF Sewing Patterns
Sew Cute Patterns | Etsy