Stuffed animals are a perfect way to use up fabric scraps. Second in popularity only to quilts, these soft toys often turn out to be mini masterpieces, with their unexpected colour palettes and surprising texture combinations.
Kids who are helping will enjoy selecting something pretty for a neck bow from your fabric scraps.
McCall’s M6136 pattern includes cut-out guides for lamb, horse and giraffe (unusual barnyard buddies). I selected the large horse. It’s really only three hands high (10″ when his ears are pricked up). There’s a smaller version but I thought it could be difficult to sew up.
Who can resist the appeal of a long flowing pony mane? I had plenty of yarn scraps ready to use.
I had some leftover plaid fabric in blue, green and tan. I originally used it for a pair of gaudy golf pants. Bottom weight solid and slightly stretchy, it was an acceptable choice. The pattern calls for cottons or cotton blends.
Yarn Finalists: To make a mane and tail, dip into any leftover yarn balls you have around. I had fun narrowing down a huge field of contenders.
For stuffing I needed about 4oz of white poly, It is best packed carefully into the small areas first, before plumping up the main body cavity. Adding the stuffing is the best part of this project and worth all your effort. Your soft pet really comes to life in three dimensions at this stage.
Amount of fabric required: just 3/4 of a yard for the large horse. Plus a ribbon bow or accent fabric strip.
Total sewing time including cutting: about 2 to 3 hours which can be broken up over a few days.
