Pattern Description:
This pattern is for creating a charming stuffed fox, a delightful addition to any collection of handmade toys.
These little woodland creatures have become increasingly popular due to their cute design and huggable size.
Measuring approximately 15 inches tall when completed, these foxes are designed to be super snugly, durable enough to be carried around by children, and can be made safely for babies by using appliqued features instead of buttons.
Materials Needed & Measurements:
- Height: The finished stuffed fox is approximately 15 inches tall.
- Main Fabric:
- The primary suggested material is soft fleece.
- However, other materials have been successfully used or suggested:
- Minky for a very soft result.
- Woven cotton, though a beginner might find it shows mistakes more easily than fleece.
- Flannel.
- Satin.
- An old fleece jacket can be upcycled.
- For the face and tail contrast, fleece or felt is recommended because it won’t fray, even if using cotton for the main body.
- Nose and Eyes:
- Buttons can be used.
- For a baby-safe version, appliqued fleece is recommended for the nose and eyes.
- Scarf: The foxes are designed with “fuzzy scarves”. For baby safety, the scarf should be stitched down or skipped entirely.
- Stuffing: The pattern likely involves stuffing, as users discuss its density and the possibility of “stuffing pellets in the hands/feet”. However, for newborns, “no buttons or stuffing beads” were specifically chosen for safety.
- Seam Allowances: The pattern itself includes 1/4″ seam allowances.
Instructions for Making the Fox Pattern:
Preparing the Pattern Pieces
Once printed, carefully tape the two body pieces together, making sure to accurately line up the diamond markings.
After the body pattern is assembled, proceed to cut all your pieces according to the instructions.
Assembling the Face and Features
Begin by pinning the nose and eyes onto the fox’s face. Once positioned, sew these features securely in place. It is recommended to work slowly and utilize a very small stitch length to achieve a neat finish.
Following this, pin the entire fox’s face section into its designated place on the head, and then sew it down.
If you have chosen to use buttons for the eyes and nose instead of fabric pieces, the process slightly differs: first sew the fabric face piece in place, and then add your buttons.
Constructing the Tail
To create the tail, pin the tail contrast piece to the end of the fox’s tail and sew it securely in place. After sewing, lift the contrast piece and carefully cut away the portion of the tail below it; this step is crucial for reducing bulk in the finished tail.
Next, sew the two tail halves together with right sides facing each other. Once sewn, turn the tail right side out and proceed to stuff it with your chosen filling.
Creating the Arms and Legs
For the limbs, sew the fox’s arm pieces and leg pieces right sides together. After sewing, turn them right side out.
Fill the hands and feet of each limb with a small amount of the stuffing pellets. Then, fill the remaining portion of the arms and legs with polyester stuffing.
Crafting the Ears
To make the ears, take one white ear piece and sew it to one outer ear piece, with right sides together. Repeat this process for the other ear, ensuring you sew the corresponding white and outer ear pieces together.
Once sewn, turn both ears right sides out. If you desire, you can then top stitch the ears for an enhanced finish.
Attaching Limbs and Ears to the Body Front
Take each fox ear and fold the inside edge inwards. Pin these folded ears to the fox front. Position them so the raw edge of the ear aligns with the raw edge of the head, and the ear itself is pointing down and inwards.
Once pinned, baste the ears securely in place. Similarly, pin the arms and legs to the fox front.
The arms should be positioned down and inwards, while the legs should be straight up, with their raw edges along the raw edge of the fox front. Baste all limbs in place.
Assembling the Fox Body
First, sandwich the prepared tail between the two back body pieces. Sew along the edge, being careful to leave approximately a 3-inch opening in the middle where indicated on the pattern.
Next, pin the fox front to the fox back, making sure that all the previously attached limbs and ears are neatly tucked inside and out of the way to prevent them from being sewn into the seam. After pinning, sew all the way around the entire edge of the fox body.
Stuffing and Finalizing Your Fox
Once the main body is sewn, turn the fox right side out through the 3-inch opening you left in the back. Begin stuffing him by placing some of the pellets in the bottom to add weight and stability.
Then, fill the rest of the fox’s body with polyester stuffing until he is plump and firm. Finally, hand stitch the opening in the back closed using either a blind stitch or a ladder stitch for an invisible finish.
Optional Scarf Accessory
To accessorize your completed fox, you can create a simple scarf . Cut a strip of fleece fabric measuring 1 inch wide by 15 inches long .
To add a decorative touch, cut the ends of the strip to create fringe . Once made, simply tie the scarf around your fox’s neck . Your fox is now complete!
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