Monday, April 4, 2011

Free Polka Dot Bunny Tutorial

This is my free Polka Dot Bunny Tutorial.  They are so much fun to make, and make great gifts.  Even great for babies, as the face is embroidered.  I'd skip the ribbon if you're making a bunny for a baby.  Here's what the finished bunnies look like.

To download the free pattern, visit my Scribd page here.  Full instructions follow after the photo:


Materials needed:  

1/4 yard (or less) flannel (a great scrap project)
Small bit of felt for face
Embroidery floss for face
Poly-fil for stuffing
  1. Print out 2 of the pattern sheets from my Scribd page.  Tip: After printing, I like to paste them onto manila folders before cutting - makes them stiffer.  Cut one pattern of bunny shape, one pattern of face piece.

  2. Cut two face pieces from felt.  (I use 2 pieces to give it extra depth, this is optional, though).

  3. With right sides together, trace the bunny shape on wrong side of main fabric.

  4.  Holding both pieces of main fabric right sides together, "Rough cut" the bunny shape with at least a 1 inch seam allowance.  This will help in placement of the face.  You're going to sew on the outline shape in step 7.

  5. Embroider the face on one piece of felt, using diagram as a guide.  I like to put a piece of stiff non-fusible interface under the felt when I embroider, but this is optional.  I made French knots for the eyes so it's baby-safe, but you could also use beads or safety eyes.  When done, sew embroidered face to other piece of felt.  Then, pink edges - this helps to even out any rough spots.

  6. As shown, position finished face on front of bunny (this is why we rough cut, remember?).  Hand-embroider face to front of bunny.  (You could also just sew it on your machine.)

  7. Place two bunny pieces right side together, and stitch along the outline you drew in step 3.  I find that following this outline results in a better finished piece.  Be sure to leave a small opening in the bottom so you can turn it later.

  8. Use pinking shears to cut out the bunny shape with a 1/4 inch seam allowance.  Clip curves.

  9. Turn right side out, using a chopstick to poke out the ears and curves as needed.

  10. Once ears are properly shaped, topstitch along both ears, and where the ears meet the head.  The ears aren't stuffed, so this keep stuffing from traveling up there later.  Don't gather the ears yet, that's the last step.

  11. Stuff the bunny with poly-fil and hand sew bottom seam.

  12. Pinch ears together, and hand sew a tuck at the base of each.  Then, add ribbon bows as desired.  For little ones, the fewer embellishments, the better.  For older kids, accessories or even clothes could be added.
I hope you enjoy this tutorial.  Make as many as you like, feel free to link to this tutorial, grab pictures, post it on your blog, tweet about it, whatever you like.   

I'd love to see any bunnies you make from the pattern.  Please post them in the Quilted Cupcake Flickr group here.


16 comments:

Michele said...

They're absolutely adorable!

oodalollies said...

So, so cute! I'll definitely have to try this...

Paige said...

Cute cute bunnies. Thanks for sharing the tutorial and the pattern.

Michelle {Daydream Believers} said...

SO adorable! Thanks for sharing the tutorial and patterns - I think my daughters would LOVE to find one of these sweet bunnies in their Easter baskets this year! I'm adding this sweet project to my "to do" list! :)

Lynda said...

I love free patterns and this is adorable!

Suzy Myers said...

So cute!!! I would be thrilled if you stopped by my Commercial Break Thursday at http://www.suzyssitcom.com and link this project!

suzy

Misty @Creative Itch said...

My goodness, these are ADORABLE!! I love it when people are kind enough to share free patterns and instructions for projects as cute as this!

Thanks for linking @Creative Itch's "Sew Cute Tuesday". I'll be featuring you next week, so be sure to check back and grab a 'featured' button!

Quilted Cupcake said...

Thanks, Misty! Can't wait to see it!

Unknown said...

funny little guys!

I linked to your pattern on my blog - thanks for sharing!

doro K.

Peggie Sue said...

1st time here, found you thru Creative Itch. How adorable are these little guys!! Added this to my huge "To Do BEFORE Easter" List! LOL Thanks for sharing!

Rachael @ The Little Birdie said...

Hi! Thanks so much for sharing such a CUTE tutorial! I made one myself that's featured on my blog & linky party today! {linked back to you, of course!!] Hope you come check it out!

http://littlebirdiebaby.blogspot.com/2011/04/tutorial-tuesday-linky-party-ruffles.html

XOXO

Simone de Klerk said...

Thank you for sharing! I'm going to make at least one of these for Easter (o:

Sewing Miles of Smiles said...

Thank you! I'm going to make these for the kids at Sacred Heart Children's Hospital! They will love them.

Dona
sewingmilesofsmiles.blogspot.com

Lisa said...

These are adorable! Wish I knew how to sew. :(

Kate said...

These are adorably precious! Thanks for the tutorial. :)

Sue Paula said...

These are adorable!Thanks for the tutorial!!