Simple Hand Sewing — Felt Creatures
Cut two identical shapes from felt, sew around the edge with running stitch or whip stitch, stuff with a little polyester fill, and sew closed. Creates a small soft toy or keepsake. A foundational sewing skill.
Textiles
Ages 7–1160 minsMediumIndividual
Watch on YouTube
Search: "simple hand sewing felt animals beginner kids tutorial running stitch" — video tutorials from popular craft channels
What you'll need
- Felt squares in assorted colours (pre-cut to A5 size)
- Embroidery thread and needles (blunt tapestry needles for beginners)
- Toy stuffing / polyester fill
- Scissors
- Googly eyes or embroidery for eyes
- Templates (draw simple fish, bird, star, or hedgehog shapes)
How to do it
- Trace or cut a simple shape from the felt template — two identical pieces.
- Thread the needle — doubled thread, knotted at the end.
- Place the two felt pieces together and begin stitching around the edge using running stitch.
- Leave a 3cm gap unsewn.
- Through the gap, push in small amounts of toy stuffing until slightly firm.
- Sew the gap closed.
- Add features: googly eyes, embroidered mouth, felt ears glued or sewn on.
💡 Tips
Tapestry needles (blunt tip, large eye) are safest and easiest to thread. Make a demonstration 'finished' example before the session so children know what they're aiming for. Children who struggle can make bookmarks instead — straight lines only.
Books and materials
Convenience links for everything mentioned above. We link to Amazon — LessonKind may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Sewing books for children
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W We Love to Sew: 28 Pretty Things to Make — Annabel Wrigley
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M My First Sewing Book — Susan Akass
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H Handmade Living — Lotta Jansdotter