Hand-Sewn Felt Friends

Waaaay back in a high school art class we had a soft sculpture assignment that revolved around creating an everyday object out of sewing pieces of felt together. I made a three dimensional digital camera, and this was my first experience with needles and thread. Years later I’d find myself using those skills to repair the overpriced dog toys that my loving companion destroyed mere minutes after giving them to him.

As much as I love designing things digitally, there’s truly nothing like creating something tangible out of nothing with your hands. I love hand-making gifts and cards and adding personal touches whenever I get the chance. When my cousin asked me to be her son’s Paran (or Godfather), I knew I wanted to make him something special. I eventually settled on creating the mobile that would hang over his crib. The nursery’s theme was woodland animals, so I started exploring ways to simplify them into shapes and still convey their traits using flat sheets of felt. After lots of trial and error, I found a process and technique that seemed to work well. I’ve now created over 20 plushes that range from foxes to triceratops – and even firetrucks.

I start with simple sketches on paper and then use those sketches to create stencils.

I use those stencils to cut the basic shapes out of felt. I never expected the amount of planning they require, as you really have to be thoughtful about the layers and how they will be viewed as a final product. Even more so, It’s here I have to begin thinking about the stitching and how I’m actually going to construct them.

After taking the time to plan out my attack, I get to stitching. I would never bill myself as more than just an average sewer, but luckily the crudeness only adds to the plushes childlike nature. I like using the stitching as just as much of a design element as everything else – and that takes some foresight. You have to tackle the layers one at a time with the understanding that every move of the needle needs be planned because it will be visible. Throw on some buttons for eyes and boom, you’ve got yourself a felt animal.

I’m exploring ways to streamline the process and am currently *entertaining* the idea of launching an Etsy shop to sell them. Interested in talking more about these felt critters? Hit me up on my contact page!