Scrappy Owls Tutorial

I have a problem with throwing away scraps of fabric. After I've cut up pieces for a project, the scraps always look so pretty together! I figure there must be something I can do with them, so I keep the "big enough" pieces in a box or bag until I think of something. Well, here's something! I made these "scrappy owls" completely out of felt scraps I had saved from other projects. You can make them too! They are super easy, and mostly sewn by hand. Here's how.

What you need:

Lots of felt scraps in whatever colors you like

Embroidery floss and a needle

Stuffing

Buttons, colored fabric or other embellishments

Scissors

Paper for template

White chalk

Pins

(click to view large)

1. draw a template. Don't worry if you think you can't draw (yes you can), a wonky shape gives them more character. ;) You can make any animal you like, but it's best to stick with a simple base square-ish or circular shape. Cut out your template.

2. Assemble your scraps. This is a little like putting together a puzzle. You can cut them down to the shape you need if necessary. Roughly organize them into a shape big enough to cover your template, twice. You'll need a front piece and a back.

3. Start stitching them together! Pick up a scrap, and the one next to it. Overlap them 1/4 to 1/2 inch (this is important, it will keep your stuffing from leaking out) and sew them together using some embroidery floss and the Whip Stitch. This is the most basic hand sewing stitch, just come up from the bottom and go down and up til your pieces are secured together. Then tie a knot on the back.

DON'T WORRY about making it too neat. That's the charm of scrappy owls, they're messy and unique. :)

4. Pick up another scrap and stitch it on. Keep going until they're all sewn together securely.

5. When you've got two pieces of patchwork felt big enough to cover your template with about 1/2 inch around the edges, determine which you'll use as the front and add the face or other decorations. You can do this however you want, be creative! For my owls' eyes, I cut circles out of fabric with pinking shears and stitched them on with a button in the middle.

6. Now pin your front and back together right sides facing and trace on the template with white chalk. Sew around the edges, leaving the bottom open. I used a sewing machine for this part, but if you have tight hand stitching skills, feel free to do it that way.

7. Turn him right side out, stuff, and sew up the bottom. There you go! Cute, easy, and totally unique. Make a whole family of patchwork pets!

Don't want to make your own? Ted and Martha are available in my etsy shop:

littledear.etsy.com :)