Scrap-Eating Elephant Tutorial

This is a cute and easy little project I whipped up one day.  I had been seeing all these adorable soft animals that other people had created, so I decided to make my own.  Here's how I did it.

 

What you will need:
-scrap fabric (I used cotton, but something softer would be fabulous too)
-needle
-thread
-scissors
-embroidery floss
-sewing machine (optional)

First, I free-handed an elephant onto my fabric. I based it off of a picture of a stuffed elephant, but it is a slightly different shape, especially the ears.  You'll need to cut 2 bodies and two ears.  This is great project for using up fabric scraps.

Pin one ear piece onto one of the body pieces.  You can do a tiny hem around the edge first, like I did, or leave the edges raw. 

Sew the ear onto the body piece.  I used a zig-zag stitch in a contrasting color.  Repeat for the other ear/side.

Pin your two body pieces (with attached ear pieces) with the right sides together.  At this point, you can give the elephant a tail and/or hair made out of yarn.  Just tuck them inside so that they're on the outside after you turn it.   Sew around the edge, leaving a small section open.

Turn your paciderm friend right side out.  I left the opening in the place where a mouth would have been.  You'll see why in a second.  :)

Embroider an eye on each side. 

This is why I left the mouth open.  So I could "feed" him scraps.  ;)  I decided to stuff my elephant with fabric scraps from the sewing projects I was working on, instead of using stuffing.  So it lived on my sewing table to eat my scraps until it was full.  So eco-friendly, right?  But don't be surprised if you start sewing more, and cutting things more generously just so that you can fill up your new friend faster.  :)

Once your elephant has had his fill of fabric scraps, stitch up the opening with a needle and thread.

And he's done!  You can also fill this little fella with stuffing if you want it to be softer and more squishable.  It would be an adorable gift for a baby or younger child.  :)

I haven't decided what to name it yet.  Any suggestions?  Ellie or Ollie are the obvious choices.

Niki