Welcome to the Sewing Resource Library!
Whether you're new to sewing or a plush-pro in progress, this page is packed with my favorite tools, fabrics, tips, and sewing shortcuts. These are the go-to resources I use in my own studio — plus a few magical extras to make your sewing journey easier and more fun. 🧷🪡
Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them (at no extra cost to you).
🧰 Section 1: Start with the Basics
🪡 Sewing Starter Kit: Essentials I Love
Sewing Machine – I recommend the Brother CS6000i or Singer Heavy Duty 4423 for beginners. Reliable, affordable, and perfect for plushies.
Fabric Scissors – Sharp scissors = clean cuts. These Kai 8-inch shears are excellent.
Pins & Clips – I prefer quilting clips over pins for plush toy projects.
Seam Ripper – Mistakes happen — and this seam ripper has your back.
Thread Snips – Quick and handy for trimming loose threads.
🧵 Section 2: Your Sewing Machine How-To
🧵 Get to Know Your Sewing Machine
Feeling overwhelmed by all the buttons, feet, and bobbins? Don’t worry — here’s a quick breakdown of what you really need to know:
Threading the Machine – Most manuals have diagrams, but you can also search "[Your machine model] threading tutorial" on YouTube.
Winding the Bobbin – Use the top spindle. Go slow at first — too fast and it’ll tangle.
Adjusting Stitch Length – A longer stitch (3–4 mm) is best for plush fabric.
Tension Troubleshooting – If your stitches look wonky, check this first!
Presser Feet Basics – Use a standard foot for most sewing; try a walking foot for fleece or minky.
🎥 Watch my favorite beginner-friendly sewing machine tutorial here
Optional: Add an image block with a photo of your machine or a labeled diagram of a basic sewing machine.
✂️ Section 3: Favorite Fabrics & Where to Find Them
🧸 Fabric Favorites (Plushie-Approved!)
Fleece – Cozy, easy to sew, and budget-friendly. Find it at Joann or Fabric.com.
Minky/Cuddle – Ultra soft but slippery! Use a walking foot. Check out Shannon Fabrics.
Wool-Blend Felt – I love Benzie Design for quality felt that won’t pill or stretch.
🛠 Section 4: Tools That Make Sewing Easier
🛠 Tools I Can’t Live Without
Rotary Cutter + Mat – Speeds up cutting time and works great on curves.
Wash-Away Wonder Tape – Holds seams in place without pins. Get it here.
Loop Turner – Makes turning tiny arms and legs 1000% easier.
Stuffing Tool – I use a chopstick, but this polyfill tool is amazing.
🎨 Section 5: Customize Your Patterns
🖍 Pattern-Making & Customization Supplies
For those who want to make patterns or personalize your projects:
Freezer Paper – Great for tracing, then ironing onto fabric.
Iron-On Transfer Sheets – Print faces, eyes, and soft book pages!
Printable Interfacing – Adds structure and stability to plush details.
📚 Section 6: Classes, Books & My Patterns
📚 Learn & Create More
Online Plush Toy Class – Try this beginner soft toy class with video support.
My Patterns – Find all my sewing patterns here: Sew Cute Patterns Shop
Sewing Books I Love – “Sewing School,” “The Doll Maker’s Handbook,” and more.
🧵 Browse Plush Patterns
📖 See All Sewing Books
🖨 Section 7: Printables Library
🖨 Free Sewing Printables
Looking for extras? Grab my free printable resources below:
Sewing Checklist
Soft Toy Face Templates
Sewing Journal Pages
Printable Sewing Tags
Some of the links above are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my tiny sewing empire and helping me keep the thread rolling! 🧡