From Suzanne McNeil's publication Ragmuffins came today's happy-looking little creatures, all designed by Chris Greeno. All are polyester fiberfill stuffed, little fabric wrapped characters that are easy to make, and leave lots of room for any crafter to add her own special touches.
Materials:
paper to draw pattern
fabric for the head and body
3/4" wide fabric strips for wrapping (torn, not cut)
polyester fiberfill for stuffing
2" cardboard circle
needle, thread, scissors, pencil
sewing machine
optional - buttons, ribbons, yarn, etc. for embellishments
10" length of #28 or #30 wire
Steps:
- Draw basic pattern or obtain from Suzanne's book. The characters featured were all approximately six inches tall and five inches wide. A head, sloping shoulders and straight sides were all that most had. In a few instances, as with the cats, ears were included. In other creatures, including the rabbit on today's show, the ears were made separately.
- Cut two pieces of fabric large enough to accommodate pattern. Lightweight flannel is most frequently used. I used muslin. For the rabbit ears cut two more pieces of the fabric.
- Trace head / body pattern onto one of the two larger fabric pieces. Trace around and cut out allowing for a 1/4-inch seam allowance.
- Trace around, stitch and cut out rabbit ears. Leave an extra 1/2 inch at the bottom for attaching to the head. When stitching around leave an opening at the bottom for turning the ears right side out. After turning right side out cut a 10-inch length of wire, fold in half and insert into the ears to allow shaping later. Curve the ends of the wire to prevent it from coming through the fabric.
- Place head / body pattern right side up on tabletop. Place ears on top of pattern with the ears facing down toward the body and with the extra 1/2 inch extending beyond the top of the head. Place the second head/body cutout on top of the first right side facing down. Stitch around leaving the bottom open for turning and stuffing.
- Turn the fabric right side out. Take a running stitch around the bottom edge but do not pull tight. Stuff head and body with polyester fiberfill. When almost completely stuffed, insert cardboard circle to act as a stand and pull the thread tight around it. Knot and cut off thread.
- Tear a long length of cotton fabric about 3/4 inch wide and wrap the entire body around and around until all of the flannel is covered. Do not wrap the head. Add any extra touches such as buttons or charms. Embroider facial features if desired and add several lengths of heavy duty black thread stiffened with white glue for whiskers. Enjoy.
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