Squishy- Stuffie

Do you have any recently unloved or damaged squishies? Do you like to sew or want to make something fun? Try this project which incorporates the tactile fun of squishiness and the soft touch of fabric. Use it to soothe during stressful moments, share or gift to friends or just make one for yourself because it's a fun and simple project.

Squishy

Fabric

Sewing needle

Sharp scissors (fabric scissors if possible)

Thread

Chalk or pen for marking fabric

I measured out the squishy to determine the possible size of the project. You can decide to make more space for the squishy to move around inside or tight enough to fill the object.

I chose fabric that felt good to touch and had a shimmering yellow color.

Instead of using one of my daughter's favorite squishies I upcycled a popped squishy and patched it with duct tape and wrapped it in a plastic bag so it wouldn't ooze out into the fabric.

Next I drew out a design for a pattern to use. I chose a flower and created the flower head and a pattern for the petals. Because I was going to sew it inside out I wanted to make sure the petals could be tucked inside the flower's head and not extend the whole diameter of the head. Originally I had the idea of 2" long petals.

I had to use chalk to draw out the outline on one fabric and pen to draw out the outline on another type of fabric.

I used sharp scissors to cut out the fabric. If your scissors are not too sharp you can use a metal file to sharpen the flat side. Hold the file flat and on edge. Move the file in a circular pattern on both edges.

At this point in the project, my original petal size of 2" seemed too small so I increased the length to a total of 4".

I arranged the petals so they were inside the inside- out fabric pieces. You could pin or tape the fabric inside out to help keep it closed, but I just held it securely.

I threaded the needle and aligned both ends of the thread so they were the same length (double- thread) and tied a knot at the end.

I first started with a whip stitch, but it wasn't strong enough so redid the seam with a much stronger backstitch. Make sure the stitches are tight and close together because your project will stretch and strain a lot if it is kneaded frequently. Make sure you also leave an opening large enough to stuff the squishy inside.

Turn the sewn pattern out to see the petals and fabric. Insert the squishy through the opening. Use a simple hidden or whip stitch to close up the hole. ENJOY!