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We are so pleased to introduce a new tutorial from textile artist Sabina Gibson of @mountroyalmint. Sabina brings her handmade animal characters to life through clever photography and handmade scenery. Today she's showing us a fabulous, four-legged way to use up your colorful felt scraps! We think this Mushroom Turtle softie is going to win you over. And if you love Sabina's style, keep reading to learn about her exciting new endeavor! It's BIG. And small. (It's a big bunch of small things.)
Skill Level: Beginner
Time: 90 minutes
Supplies:
Felt Scraps
Coordinating Embroidery Floss
Needle
Scissors
Sewing Pins
Frixion Pen
Polyfil
Stuffing Tool
Additional Supplies:
Mushroom Turtle Pattern (click to download)
Acrylic Paint, Black and White
Paintbrush
Directions:
1. Print Mushroom Turtle Pattern onto cardstock and cut out. Use Frixion pen to trace pattern pieces onto felt of choice. Remove pen markings with heat source (iron or blowdryer.)
2. Align one Shell piece with Belly as shown. Use coordinating floss to whipstitch one side of Belly along straight edge of Shell. Repeat this step with second Shell piece.
3. Pinch open Shell edges together. Whipstitch along edge with coordinating floss. Leave an opening at both ends to add Head and Tail.
4. Whipstitch Head pieces together with coordinating floss. Leave neck edge open to add stuffing.
5. Roll Legs strip between thumb and forefingers as shown to create form for Legs. Work the felt, rolling continuously until it creates a tight, tube shape. Wet your fingers with water to help felt take form.
6. Cut felt tube into four even pieces for Legs. Use Shell to gauge desired length of legs.
7. Turn Head right side out. Fill Head and Shell with Polyfill.
8. Fit Head into gap at front of Shell. Pin and stitch in place with coordinating thread.
9. Pin Legs to Belly. Using coordinating thread, stitch Legs in place. Continue whip stitching down each Leg along seam.
10. Roll Tail piece between your thumb and forefinger as you did with Legs.
11. Insert Tail into gap at back of Shell. Pin and stitch in place with coordinating thread.
12. With the turtle's body complete, it's time to add details! Dip handle end of paintbrush in white paint. Stamp spots all over turtle's shell. Set aside to dry.
13. Add Eyes by dipping pin head in black paint. Insert pin into Head where eyes should go, as shown. Repeat this step on opposite side of Head. Set aside to dry.
You may now go on the create an entire fleet of tiny speckled turtles!
Use them as ornaments, bag charms, thank you gifts, or keep one tucked in your pocket as a conversation starter.
If you loved this clever softie tutorial, be sure to check out Sabina's new book of patterns, Felt Softie Parade! Learn to create magical, prehistoric and everyday animals with her dreamy softie designs. Felt Softie Parade includes 15 beginner-friendly patterns and can be purchased in our shop along with an exclusive coordinating Softie Parade felt and floss medley palette. Get started on your plush parade today!
