DIY Stuffed Animals: Free Stuffed Dog Sewing Pattern
Learn how to make this cute stuffed fabric dog with our Free Stuffed Dog Sewing Pattern. Easy, fun, and totally customizable!
There’s something special about making a handmade gift, especially when it’s for someone who has completely stolen your heart! You can always tell when something is made with love.
Table of Contents
DIY Free Stuffed Dog Sewing Pattern
I originally had made one stuffed puppy dog for my nephew, but as soon as my daughter saw it, she just had to have one too. That’s what I love the most about this project—you can easily personalize it with different fabrics, making it perfect for boys and girls alike. Plus, it’s a lot easier than it looks, even if you’re new to sewing.
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I’ve included a free sewing pattern to make the process even simpler. Whether you’re sewing it as a gift or just for fun, this stuffed puppy dog will definitely bring big smiles.
Grab your favorite fabrics, and let’s jump into this fun little project. Trust me, you’ll love how cute it turns out!
How To Make This Fabric Stuffed Dod
Supplies:
- Free Stuffed Dog Sewing Pattern
- 4 Coordinated fabrics (fat quarters are more than enough)
- Black felt (for the nose and eyes)
- White felt (for the eye patch)
- Stuffing (Polyfill)
- Measuring tape
- Fabric erasable marker or chalk
Tools:
- Seam ripper
- Needle and thread (I used only black and white)
- Pins
- Sewing machine
- Fabric sharp scissors and paper scissors
- Pinking shears *Optional
Instructions:
Step 1: Download and Cut the Dog Pattern
First, download the free sewing pattern and print it out. Make sure the size is set to 100%.
Cut out the paper pieces using your paper scissors.
Step 2: Cut the Fabric
Choose your fabrics. You’ll need 4 different coordinating fabrics (or just 2 if you want a simpler look).
Trace your pattern onto the fabric.
Using your fabric sharp scissors, cut the pieces according to the pattern:
- The body (front and back) – I used different fabrics for each.
- Arms, legs, and ears (front and back) –I used different fabrics for each.
- A heart for the tummy piece (or other embellishments if you like!) cut with pinking shears.
- White felt eye patch
- Don’t forget to cut 2 small felt circles for the eyes, a rounded triangle for the nose, and the tail from the black felt.
I love making a test run of how all the pieces go together in case I miss any piece.
Step 3: Add the Face, Tummy and Tail
To make things easier, I worked first on the face and tummy.
For the face, place every element first in the right place to make sure they look good.
Add the facial details. Stitch first the black circle to the white eye patch.
Then sew the felt eyes and nose onto the front of the body piece using black thread. I used a hand-stitch for the black eye and nose and the sewing machine for the eye patch, but you can use your machine for everything or sew everything by hand.
For the mouth, I used an embroidery stitch.
Thread your needle and knot the end.
Bring the needle up from the back of the fabric to the front at your starting point.
Insert the needle back into the same hole and bring it out a short distance along the mouth line, leaving a small loop on the surface.
Pass the needle through the loop before pulling it tight to form your first chain link.
Repeat this process along the mouth line, creating a series of connected loops.
Finish by securing the last stitch with a small knot on the back of the fabric.
Then add the cute heart to the tummy stitching with your sewing machine or by hand.
Do the same for the tail on the back of the body fabric. I used zig-zag with white thread for this but you can do straight stitch with your sewing machine or by hand.
Step 4: Start Sewing the Arms, Legs, and Ears
Take the fabric pieces for the arms and legs, place them right sides together, and sew them around the edges leaving 1/3 seam allowance and the top open.
Turn them right side out using your fingers, a pencil, or a turning tool.
Step 5: Stuff Arms, Legs and Ears
Then stuff lightly with polyfill each piece. I always find ways to reuse things around the house so I used the stuffing from an old through pillow instead of buying polyfill. But this is totally up to you.
The arms and legs should be stuffed more than the ear pieces because we want these to be floppy and fall in front of the dog’s face.
Step 6: Sew the Body
Now it’s time to assemble the body. With the right sides of the fabric facing each other, place the arms, legs, and ears between the front and back body pieces. The raw edges of each ear, leg and arms should align with the raw edge of the body.
I recommend for easiness, pin each part individually to the front fabric slightly far from the sewing line.
Then pin the back and front in place, making sure they don’t get caught when sewing around the body.
Sew around the body, leaving a small gap at the bottom side for turning and stuffing.
Step 7: Turn and Stuff
Once the body is sewn, remove all the internal pins to avoid pinching yourself. Cut all the remaining threads.
Turn the body right side out through the small opening you left.
Stuff the dog with polyfill until it’s nice and squishy, but not too firm.
Step 8: Close the Gap
After stuffing, sew the gap at the bottom of the body closed using an invisible stitch or hand stitch. I used the invisible (ladder) stitch:
Thread your needle and knot the end. Start by folding the edges of the fabric inward (about ¼ inch) where the opening is. Pin it closed.
Insert the needle into the fold of one side and pull it through, hiding the knot inside the seam.
Insert the needle directly across into the opposite fold, making a small horizontal stitch.
Repeat, alternating sides and pulling the thread gently after each stitch to create a “ladder” effect.
Once done, pull the thread tight to close the gap and hide the stitches.
Knot the thread and tuck it inside the seam to finish.
Step 9: Add Finishing Touches (Optional)
Give your stuffed dog a little personality! You can use a fabric marker to add more details or sew on extra embellishments like bows, buttons, or a collar.
Your Cute stuffed toy dog is finished. Don’t you just love those floppy ears?
Changing the color combination for the fabrics, you can make a stuffed dog for a girl.
Crafting Tips
- Cut all fabric pieces in advance and organize them by body parts (arms, legs, body, etc.). This will save time during assembly and keep everything tidy.
- If you’re a beginner, stick to straight stitches and use decorative stitching for details like the mouth or eyes to add charm without extra effort.
- Embroider or use heat transfer vinyl to add the child’s name or a fun word on the belly or back of the stuffed dog to give it that personalized, handmade touch.
- Use a chopstick or pencil to easily stuff the arms, legs, and small corners—this ensures even stuffing and saves you time!
- If you want to make it interactive, you can add a small squeaker or rattle inside the stuffed dog, making it a more playful toy for kids!
- Use an erasable fabric marker or chalk to lightly trace the pattern onto your fabric pieces for a cleaner cut and easier sewing.
- Safety Tip: If you are making the stuffed dog for small children or babies, consider attaching small parts (like eyes or buttons) or using embroidery or stitching well for eyes to avoid choking hazards.
I’ll be making more easy stuffed animal patterns soon, so stay tuned!
Alternatives and Substitutions
Instead of stitching the felt pieces like eyes and nose, use fabric glue for a faster finish. Just make sure it’s dry before stuffing!
Add some fun by using different fabric textures—like minky, fleece, or flannel—for the ears or tummy heart. This makes the dog extra cuddly!
Frequently Asked Questions
You can use cotton fabric, fleece, or felt for this project. Cotton is great for beginners because it’s easy to work with, while fleece or felt adds a soft, plush feel. Fat quarters are perfect for this project, and you can mix and match fun patterns!
Yes! You can hand-sew the entire project using a backstitch or a running stitch for the seams. It will take a bit more time, but it’s completely doable. Just make sure to use small, tight stitches to keep the stuffing in.
To prevent fraying, you can use pinking shears when cutting the fabric, or apply a little bit of fabric glue or fray check along the edges of the pieces before sewing.
Use enough stuffing (polyfill) to make the stuffed dog soft and squishy but not overstuffed. Too much stuffing can cause the seams to stretch and distort the shape. Add it little by little until you’re happy with the feel.
More Sewing Projects To Try
Like this free stuffed dog sewing pattern project? You might definitely love these other sewing project ideas too:
✂️ Tutorial
DIY Stuffed Animals: Free Stuffed Dog Sewing Pattern
Tools
- Seam ripper
- Needle and thread (I used only black and white)
- Pins
- Sewing Machine
- Fabric sharp scissors and paper scissors
- Pinking shears *Optional
Supplies
- Free Stuffed Dog Sewing Pattern
- 4 Coordinated fabrics fat quarters are more than enough
- Black felt for the nose and eyes
- White felt for the eye patch
- Stuffing Polyfill
- Measuring tape
- Fabric erasable marker or chalk
Instructions
Step 1: Download and Cut the Dog Pattern
- First, download the free sewing pattern and print it out. Make sure the size is set to 100%.
- Cut out the paper pieces using your paper scissors.
Step 2: Cut the Fabric
- Choose your fabrics. You’ll need 4 different coordinating fabrics (or just 2 if you want a simpler look).
- Trace your pattern onto the fabric.
- Using your fabric sharp scissors, cut the pieces according to the pattern:
- The body (front and back) – I used different fabrics for each.
- Arms, legs, and ears (front and back) –I used different fabrics for each.
- A heart for the tummy piece (or other embellishments if you like!) cut with pinking shears.
- White felt eye patch
- Don’t forget to cut 2 small felt circles for the eyes, a rounded triangle for the nose, and the tail from the black felt.
- I love making a test run of how all the pieces go together in case I miss any piece.
Step 3: Add the Face, Tummy and Tail
- To make things easier, I worked first on the face and tummy.
- For the face, place every element first in the right place to make sure they look good.
- Add the facial details. Stitch first the black circle to the white eye patch.
- Then sew the felt eyes and nose onto the front of the body piece using black thread. I used a hand-stitch for the black eye and nose and the sewing machine for the eye patch, but you can use your machine for everything or sew everything by hand.
- For the mouth, I used an embroidery stitch.
- Thread your needle and knot the end.
- Bring the needle up from the back of the fabric to the front at your starting point.
- Insert the needle back into the same hole and bring it out a short distance along the mouth line, leaving a small loop on the surface.
- Pass the needle through the loop before pulling it tight to form your first chain link.
- Repeat this process along the mouth line, creating a series of connected loops.
- Finish by securing the last stitch with a small knot on the back of the fabric.
- Then add the cute heart to the tummy stitching with your sewing machine or by hand.
- Do the same for the tail on the back of the body fabric. I used zig-zag with white thread for this but you can do straight stitch with your sewing machine or by hand.
Step 4: Start Sewing the Arms, Legs, and Ears
- Take the fabric pieces for the arms and legs, place them right sides together, and sew them around the edges leaving 1/3 seam allowance and the top open.
- Turn them right side out using your fingers, a pencil, or a turning tool.
Step 5: Stuff Arms, Legs and Ears
- Then stuff lightly with polyfill each piece. I always find ways to reuse things around the house so I used the stuffing from an old through pillow instead of buying polyfill. But this is totally up to you.
- The arms and legs should be stuffed more than the ear pieces because we want these to be floppy and fall in front of the dog’s face.
Step 6: Sew the Body
- Now it’s time to assemble the body. With the right sides of the fabric facing each other, place the arms, legs, and ears between the front and back body pieces. The raw edges of each ear, leg and arms should align with the raw edge of the body.
- I recommend for easiness, pin each part individually to the front fabric slightly far from the sewing line.
- Then pin the back and front in place, making sure they don’t get caught when sewing around the body.
- Sew around the body, leaving a small gap at the bottom side for turning and stuffing.
Step 7: Turn and Stuff
- Once the body is sewn, remove all the internal pins to avoid pinching yourself. Cut all the remaining threads.
- Turn the body right side out through the small opening you left.
- Stuff the dog with polyfill until it’s nice and squishy, but not too firm.
Step 8: Close the Gap
- After stuffing, sew the gap at the bottom of the body closed using an invisible stitch or hand stitch. I used the invisible (ladder) stitch:
- Thread your needle and knot the end. Start by folding the edges of the fabric inward (about ¼ inch) where the opening is. Pin it closed.
- Insert the needle into the fold of one side and pull it through, hiding the knot inside the seam.
- Insert the needle directly across into the opposite fold, making a small horizontal stitch.
- Repeat, alternating sides and pulling the thread gently after each stitch to create a “ladder” effect.
- Once done, pull the thread tight to close the gap and hide the stitches.
- Knot the thread and tuck it inside the seam to finish.
Step 9: Add Finishing Touches (Optional)
- Give your stuffed dog a little personality! You can use a fabric marker to add more details or sew on extra embellishments like bows, buttons, or a collar.
- Your Cute stuffed toy dog is finished.
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Til’ next time…
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