How to Make a Plush Puppy

Create a world of customized, handmade plush puppies (or other critters), self-designed from start to finish. A soft, cuddly puppy appeals to a wide variety of ages, from young children to the elderly. Make it as large as you want and choose your own fabric. This is always handy in case someone has a fabric allergy.

Things You'll Need

  • 1 yd. fuzzy fabric
  • Marking pencil or sharpie
  • Scissors
  • Thread or glue
  • Needle, sewing machine or glue gun
  • Pins, if desired
  • Stuffing
  • 3 buttons OR applique eyes and nose
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Instructions

    • 1

      Draw four club-shaped front legs on the backside of the fabric, preferably drawing and cutting the first and tracing (with chalk) the other three. Draw four back legs, making them look like the back legs of a rabbit. Use the first leg to trace the others. Draw and cut out two circles for the body. Sketch the profile of a dog's head, one circle for the head and a rounded rectangle for the nose. Cut two. Cut four ears, make them oval for long ears or triangular for perky ears. Also, cut two rounded rectangles for a tail.

    • 2

      Pair each body part, placing them fuzzy side together. Stitch or glue the perimeter, leaving a 1-inch gap open. If using glue, let it dry.

    • 3

      Invert the body parts, pulling them through the gap you left in the glue or stitching. With your fingers or a capped pen, smooth out the curve. Fill the body parts with the stuffing, sealing off the open gap afterward.

    • 4

      Assemble the puppy by gluing or hand-stitching the ears to the head, the head to the body and the legs to the body. Add the tail. Apply the applique eyes and nose, or stitch the buttons into place, securing tightly for buttons as children like to tug on them.

    • 5

      Add finishing touches, such as pencil details for the face or string for hair.