Step-by-step process

1. Pick a design & make a pattern

   • Draw your toy shape on paper (start simple: heart, star, circle, basic animal silhouette). Add a 3–5 mm seam allowance if you plan to machine sew. Cut out the paper shape.

2. Cut the felt

   • Pin the paper pattern to the felt (or hold in place with a little fabric glue) and cut two identical pieces (front and back). Cut any small detail pieces (ears, eyes, belly) separately.

3. Decorate the front piece

   • Sew or glue small felt pieces, embroider facial features, or attach buttons/beads for eyes. Embroidery adds durability — sew buttons securely for safety (avoid beads for very young children).

4. Assemble and pin

   • Place front and back pieces together (right sides out). Pin or tack them so edges align. If adding appliqué, make sure it won’t be inside the seam allowance.

5. Sew around the edges

   • Use blanket stitch for a traditional look: bring needle up through both layers near the edge, loop thread under the needle before pulling tight to form even stitches. Or use backstitch/running stitch for a simpler seam. Leave a 2–3 cm (about 1 in) opening for stuffing.

6. Stuff the toy

   • Push small amounts of stuffing in at a time to get even fill and shape. Use a chopstick or the blunt end of a pencil to push stuffing into small corners like ears or snout. Don’t overstuff — felt needs some give.

7. Close the opening

   • Finish with small, neat stitches (invisible ladder stitch or small whipstitches) so the seam is tidy. Knot and hide thread end inside the toy.

8. Final finishing touches

   • Trim stray threads, shape the toy by gently manipulating the stuffing, and add any final embroidery or accessories (tiny scarf, felt flower).