#I'm putting together a faux fur sewing guide but I wouldn't consider it for beginners

[purringfayestudio]

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start making plush? I've been making knitted toys for a few years now and would like to get into fabric plush, but it just looks super intimidating, especially the cutting/patterning part.

It's all a matter of perspective, since knitting shapes like toys looks super intimidating to me! But is some general advice I'd give to someone looking to start making plush with fabric:

Patterns: It's easiest to start off with a pre-made pattern, either a free one or one you purchase (links below). Start with something simple, meant for beginners, but interesting enough to motivate you. These come with fewer pieces and easier shapes. Once you get the hang of things, you can start researching pattern-making approaches and find one that works for you.

Fabrics: Start with something easy to work with. Felt and fleece are popular starter fabrics. I started with felt. Later you can explore minky and faux fur.

It helps if you organize your fabrics and pattern pieces beforehand. I make little piles of pattern pieces for every fabric color. That way I can trace and cut them all at once, and don't miss any.

Sewing: Look at it like a puzzle. You match up pieces one by one, and sew each seam one at a time. It's less intimidating if you only look at the next step, and just keep plodding along until you reach the last step, and voila, plushie!

Tools: You don't need anything expensive to start! Anything can be hand-sewn with just a needle and thread and scissors, available in any small cheap sewing kit. You'll probably also want a seam-ripper for inevitable mistakes (mine gets a lot of milage still!). Fabric can be old recycled clothing, or from the discount bin; stuffing can be fabric scraps or the guts of an old pillow. You can also get second-hand sewing machines that still work great.

If you're ready to dig into some more technical info, check out these comprehensive beginner's guides written by other skilled plush-makers. They've put a lot of time and effort into putting these together, and are much more in-depth than I could get into in a tumblr post. (Feel free to add more in the notes!)

NazFX: Naz's Beginner Plush-Making Guide (She also has video tutorials)

Makeshiftwings: Plush Making Resources (includes pattern sources, videos, etc.)

Metroidhat: Sewing techniques and materials guide for beginners

Cholyknight: Plush Sewing Basics

And remember there's no such thing as talent! Your first attempts may not succeed but keep working at it, and you'll get there.

My first plush (felt dolphin) with a recent plush (Red fox, 2022).

#art plush tips and resources #sewing resources #plush artist #I'm putting together a faux fur sewing guide but I wouldn't consider it for beginners