Sew Cute Patterns

Sewing patterns to create stuffed animals, plush toys and aprons

Sewing Toys: Choosing the Fabric

Sewing TutorialsDiana Cison

First step when sewing toys...choosing the fabric!  The best part of sewing your own soft toys is getting to choose the perfect fabric and pattern that fits you or your child’s personality and tastes.  Everyone, especially children has a favorite color.  Imagine their delight when they receive a custom made toy in their favorite colors made especially for them.

Toys are versatile and can be made from a variety of different fabrics. If you’re trying to choose the best one for your new plushie, here is a list of fabric pros and cons.

Cotton

Pros

  • Sooth, crisp texture

  • Available in a large variety of colors and patterns

  • Easy to sew, great for beginners

Cons

  • Not as soft and cuddly as other fabric types

  • Doesn’t stretch

Flannel

Pros

  • Soft texture, great for toys

  • Available in a large variety of colors and patterns

  • Doesn’t stretch

Cons

  • Weave is not dense, so it frays easily

  • Pills over time [A pill, colloquially known as a bobble, fuzzball, or lint ball is a small ball of fibers that forms on a piece of cloth. 'Pill' is also a verb for the formation of such balls. Pilling is a surface defect of textiles caused by wear, and is considered unsightly to some.]

Fleece

Pros

  • Soft, fluffy texture, perfect for toys

  • Available in a large variety of colors and patterns

  • Stretchy fabric which can create a rounder shape

Cons

  • Requires a stretch sewing machine needle

  • Some varieties can pill over time

Minky

Pros

  • Very soft, resembles real mink to the touch

  • Ideal for stuffed animals and baby blankets

  • Available in a variety of colors and patterns

  • Stretchy fabric which creates a rounder shape

Cons

  • Requires a stretch needle

  • Needs lots of pins as it can shift while you are sewing it

Felt

Pros

  • Stretches just a little

  • Wool blends are crisp and make great details like facial features

  • Has no grain, can be cut in any directions

  • Edges do not fray

Cons

  • Not very soft

  • Not available in a large variety of patterns

Faux Fur

Pros

  • Available in a large variety of colors and patterns

  • Minky versions are very soft

Cons

  • Must cut and sew through back only to avoid wasting fur

  • Sheds so can be messy to work with