20 toy sewing patterns for babies and children
There's nothing quite as special as sewing a you for the little one in your life and we're here to help you get stitching! We've rounded up our favourite free toy sewing patterns to help you start making super cute soft toys.
The love you can pour into every stitch will give them a new best friend they can treasure forever. We've also included some sewing toy tips at the bottom to help you create lifelike cuddlies.
20 toy sewing patterns to try this weekend
If you're looking for inspiration for what to make for children and babies in the family, try a few of our favourite free sewing patterns from here on Gathered...
Please note: Many of these toy sewing patterns include black plastic eyes. These can be a choking hazard for very young children. Embroider or sew eyes instead to be safe.
1. Sew an owl softie
You'll have a hoot of a time with this free toy sewing pattern! Learn how to make your own owl toys and gift this wise creature to the little one.
2. Giraffe toy sewing pattern
Stitch this rather tall fellow for your animal-loving kids! Designed by Jo Carter, this toy is ideal for kids of all ages.
3. Hop to it! Free rabbit sewing pattern
Make your own spring bunny with our free rabbit sewing pattern.
4. Butterfly toy sewing pattern
Fly away with this adorable butterfly toy sewing pattern. Customise the fabrics to make butterflies in their favourite colours and patterns.
5. DIY robot toys!
We're absolutely smitten with this pair of softie robots! Follow our free robots sewing pattern and make your kids their own metallic friend.
6. Mouse toy sewing pattern
This sweet little mouse is named Olivia, and she's ready to play! Download the mouse toy sewing pattern from the Gathered Shop and gift it to your niece, nephew or grandchildren for their birthday.
7. Make your own teddy bear!
One of our most recent additions to Gathered's collection of free toy patterns is this cute teddy. It's fast becoming one of our most popular projects! Sew our free teddy bear sewing pattern.
8. Rag doll sewing pattern
There's something so nostalgic and timeless about rag dolls. Make one for your kids using Simply Sewing's PDF pattern, and they'll have a bestie for life.
Want to improve your sewing skills?
Check out our beginner's guide to sewing, which covers a host of different techniques.
9. DIY penguin softies
We love these wintry toys! Whip up your own penguin toys with our DIY penguin softie toy pattern.
10. Sew a scary croc!
This beady-eyed crocodile is super soft and a great size to hug. Buy Simply Sewing's crocodile sewing pattern below and give it as a present to cheeky toddlers.
11. How to make a giraffe rattle toy
These scrap-busting giraffe softies are the perfect way to use up odds and ends of fabric from previous projects that you can't bear to throw away. Learn how to make giraffe rattles here on Gathered.
12. Pig toy sewing pattern
Bring the farm indoors with this super-cute pig toy sewing pattern. Little ones will love his cuddly tummy, pink snout and curly tail.
13. Free unicorn toy sewing pattern
This free toy sewing pattern is perfect for all the magical kids in your life. Make these sweet unicorn softies with Jo Carter's free unicorn sewing pattern.
If you're looking for more toy sewing patterns, head over to our children's sewing patterns section here on Gathered.
14. Ballerina toy sewing pattern
For the little dancers in your life, stitch them this beautiful blushing ballerina. Complete with a tutu and ballet slippers, she will make an adorable addition to their soft toy collection.
15. Sew your own fox friend
Cuddle up with this squishy fox plushie. Beginner-friendly and oh so soft, it makes a great gift for people of all ages. Find the free fox sewing pattern here on Gathered.
16. Never forget this elephant pattern!
If your grandchildren love visiting the zoo, then why not make them this elephant toy? His floppy ears and big trunk will bring joy to even the smallest children.
Stitch for the newborns in your life
Explore our lovely (& free) baby sewing patterns and sew some teeny tiny clothing!
17. Sew a festive friend
Use our free penguin sewing pattern to make your children the perfect stocking filler. Imagine their faces when they see this little guy poking out the top!
18. Stitch a fire-breathing beast!
Help your kids defend their forts with this smiley dragon toy. Make this fun toy from different fluffy fabrics, including purple faux fur, black fleece or crushed pink velvet.
19. Stitch our cute cat sewing pattern
If your kids keep asking for a pet, make them a cuddly one! Use our free cat sewing pattern and whip up their own furry pal.
20. Kangaroo toy sewing pattern
Make your mini-me this lovely kangaroo toy and watch them bounce with joy. We love the little joey inside the pouch.
Top tips for sewing toys
The key to giving a handmade toy personality and a cute expression often relies on internal stitches within the head that manipulate the features into position, which are made by hand after the toy is assembled. These face-shaping stitches are usually worked between the eyes to bring them inwards. They can also be worked between the corners of the mouth up to the eye above to pull the mouth into more of a smile and give the cheek more definition. Face-shaping stitches really can transform the finished look of the toy.
Choosing eyes
So much of a toy’s appeal depends on its eyes, so more often than not there will be internal shaping between them. The two main options for toy eyes are plastic safety eyes or embroidered eyes, and, whichever option you prefer, face-shaping stitches can be used to perfect their position.
Plastic safety eyes
Plastic safety eyes are available in various sizes, give a good finish and are easy to use. They must be fitted following manufacturer’s instructions. With plastic eyes, it is important to mark on the fabric pattern pieces the position of the eyes prior to sewing as it is difficult to position them both correctly once the toy is sewn together.
Embroidered eyes
These are not limited by size, style and availability like plastic eyes and can be stitched to the exact requirements. They are the safest option for a toy intended for children under the age of three. Embroidered eyes can be made by backstitching the outline of the eye and then filling it in with satin stitches or by using an embroidered knot such as a French knot or a colonial knot. Stranded cotton is ideal for stitching eyes as you can vary the number of strands and it lies flat on the fabric.
Working the shaping stitches
If enough thread is left over after embroidering the eyes and it hasn’t been cut off, then the same thread can be used for the internal shaping stitches. If you've used plastic eyes then the stitches can be made using thread that coordinates with the fabric around the eye.
Toy sewing patterns, stitched with love
Handmade toys are extra special and hold a dear place in our hearts. Whether you're gifting these toys to nephews, nieces, daughters, sons or grandchildren, your handmade gift will be part of them forever.
Choose a toy sewing pattern based on their favourite animal, pet or hobby and watch as they use it as a source of comfort. A piece of you will always be with them.
From toy sewing patterns to clothes!
Check out our collection of kids' sewing patterns and stitch something sweet this weekend.
