Stuffed Toy Crafts for Kids

I often get asked, “Are the patterns suitable for children to make?” I think I have made them as simple as possible, without compromising on CUTE! I have designed the stuffed animal patterns to be really easy for beginners and children because stuffed toys can have quite difficult, intricate patterns, which would be difficult even for adults! The Funky Friends Factory began because I wanted fun and simple patterns, and so I began creating my own!

It is really hard to say which patterns are easiest, from the feedback I get it seems, every one is different… …BUT I’d say the ‘VERY easiest’ ones to try would be:

• Plattie the Platypus pattern
• Monsters Mix & Match pattern
• Gertie Gecko pattern (lizard)
• Scrap Snakes pattern

…. and followed by the ‘next easiest’ patterns to try would be…

• Baby-safe Bunny pattern rabbit
• Dizzy Dolphin pattern
• Sammy Shark pattern
• Randy Rhino pattern
• Ellie Elephant pattern

… and of course, the FREE Honey Teddy Pattern!

Every child, and beginner sewer, is different which makes it really difficult to say from what age the patterns are suitable. You will have some idea of your child’s ability and, of course, their level of interest in making the stuffed toys. younger child from 8 – 10 years old should be able to complete them with the assistance of an adult, whereas some older children and teenagers will be able to do them on their own.

I remember asking my mother to buy me a colourful tapestry kit when I was about eleven. I was captivated by the patterns and colours but was so disappointed to find it was way above my level and, at the time, I didn’t have the patience to finish it. A year or two later I found it in my draw and had such fun finishing it then! So even if you find YOUR child may not finish their toy by themselves, you can help them finish it, or they can wait a bit and have a great project for when they are a little older!

Stuffed animal crafts are brilliant for children, not only as holiday crafts to keep them occupied during long school holidays, they are great for learning motor skills and besides, children LOVE creating something themselves or as gifts for their friends or younger brothers and sisters.These patterns make really cute stuffed toys that they will treasure(and who knows, maybe make again one day with their own children! )

I get lots of feedback from mums who found their kids loved making the stuffed toys, here are a few…

Betty, USA

My kids love trying their patterns and we have got some pretty funny looking animals But they are loving it and them because they got to make them all by themselves

Margaret, Australia

My order arrived yesterday and it all looks great. I’m sure my girls will look forward to making these fun toys in the holidays. Many thanks.

Anna, Australia

Dear Pauline, My daughter (11 years old ) was reading through the emails and saw your newsletter, and wanted to make Tilly Tortoise, she has just started to sew and I am hoping that it wont be too hard for her, keep up the great new creations, we love Ellie Elephant and we will definitely we getting her sometime in the future!

Here are some lovely feedback photos too…

• Helena’s Unicorn

Hi Pauline,
My daughter Helena and I made unicorn last weekend and I wanted to
share a picture of the finished unicorn. Your pattern was so well
written that it only took us a few hours.

It was a fun project for both of us and a positive way to teach Helena begining sewing. We are
already trying to decide what to make next!
Thanks!
Nicole & Helena

• Jordy’s starry-eyed Honey Teddy Bear

Hey Pauline,

My daughter was bored on these school holidays so she decided to have a go at one of your patterns. Jordy is 13 and has started sewing at school. Last year I gave her my old machine and she has had a go at some very basic projects but this was her first funky friend.

Jordy made a very unique “Honey Bear”. She looks like a rock star in black and pink, with hot pink stars for eyes.. The way her arms and legs turned out, this bear is all partied out.

Jordy had a fun time…. and is very proud of her new bed buddy..

Love your work, Pauline…

Deb

• Christopher’s Mouse – Connecticut, USA

Here are some pictures of the mouse my step son Christopher made. (He did have a little help but not a lot). The first view is Christopher holding his mouse and the second view is the underside of the mouse.

Have fun with these

Nancy

• Catherine’s Toy monkey – Melbourne

Hi Pauline, I made Mitch the Monkey as a present for my nephews 3rd birthday.

Abbey loved to help me stuff him, she was watching me make him, and was so good when I gave him away to her cousin.

Thanks again, I cant wait to make another Mitch or try another pattern,

Catherine

• Susan and her 8 year old daughter – NSW

Hi Pauline,

The kit is actually for my 8 year old daughter who wants to make her own teddy and, as I’m not remotely artistic, your kits seemed to be the ideal solution. I’ll send you a photo of the finished item – it may look like an alien when it’s finished with eyes in the wrong place and wonky limbs but I am sure we will have fun making it.

Kind regards,

Susan

• Justine makes Miss Buttons – Australia

Hi Pauline.

My Mum & I had a lot of fun making Miss Buttons, with Mum doing most (all) of the sewing! However, I have since been given a sewing machine by a friend & have another Miss underway. Can’t wait to have a go with Honey too, & I’m sure probably more Funky Friends after that!!

Thank you for your prompt & friendly service.

Justine

• Ailsa’s Honey Teddy Bear called “Berry”

Hi Pauline,

I’m 9 years old and this is my first proper cuddly toy. I mainly did it on my own but I had help with a few bits. I really enjoyed making my bear and I am over the moon with the results. I named it BERRY after the wonderful colour it has. Thank you so much for the amazing pattern:)

Ailsa x

Hi Pauline,

Here’s my second atempt at Honey. I renamed this one SUNSHINE. I did this one on my own and it’s made of some bright yellow felt. It’s for my brother, it’s for his 8th birthday and it’ll be so cool if he see’s it on your website!!!!!!!!!! see ya:)

Ailsa age 9




I love receiving feedback, so please drop me a comment and tell me if you have sewn some of the Funky Friends Factory toys with YOUR children or if you are a child yourself and have sewn one of the Funky Friends!

.

Happy sewing

Pauline