DIY Stuffed Animals: Free Stuffed Dog Sewing Pattern

First, download the free sewing pattern and print it at 100% scale (do not scale to fit).

Cut out all paper pattern pieces using paper scissors.

Choose your fabrics. You’ll need 4 coordinating fabrics (or 2 for a simpler look).

Trace the pattern pieces onto the fabric and cut using fabric scissors.

You should have:

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.

Before sewing, lay out all pieces to make sure all the pieces go together and nothing is missing.

Start by working on the front body piece.

Place all facial elements first to check positioning.

Stitch the black felt eye onto the white eye patch

Sew the eye patch onto the body piece

Sew the felt eyes and nose in place using black thread

Add the mouth using an embroidery chain 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.

Attach the heart to the tummy area and sew the tail onto the back body piece using a zig-zag or straight stitch.

(All facial details can be sewn by 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.

Place each pair of pieces right sides together.

Sew around the edges, leaving the top open, using a ⅓-inch seam allowance.

Turn each piece right side out using your fingers, a pencil, or a turning tool.

Lightly stuff each piece with polyfill.

Arms and legs: stuff more firmly

Ears: stuff lightly so they stay floppy

Set pieces aside.

Place the front and back body pieces right sides together.

Position the arms, legs, and ears between the body layers, aligning raw edges.

Pin each piece in place, keeping them slightly away from the stitching line.

Pin the body pieces together and sew around the edges, leaving a small opening on one side for turning and stuffing.

Once the body is sewn, remove pins and trim loose threads.

Turn the body right side out through the opening.

Stuff with polyfill until soft and squishy, but not overfilled.

After stuffing, fold the raw edges inward and pin closed.

Use an invisible (ladder) stitch to close the opening by hand.

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.

Pull the thread gently to hide the stitches, knot, and tuck the thread inside the seam.

Personalize your stuffed dog with extra details like:

Fabric markers

A bow or collar

Buttons or embroidery