Tomorrow, July 16, is Sew-a-Softie Day. This is a worldwide event organized by sewing pattern designer and sewing teacher Trixi Symonds. Trixi is the author of Sew Together Grow Together, a collection of hand-sewing projects she developed over twenty years in classes and workshops for children. She blogs at colouredbuttons.
The goal of Sew-a-Softie day is to set aside time to teach a friend, neighbor, or child how to sew. A simple softie is an ideal first sewing project. Softies are very forgiving of wonkiness and they’re small so they come together in just an hour or two. You can use any sort of fabric and a combination of machine and hand sewing to come up with something adorable that also teaches the skill of sewing.
To help you get started I’ve rounded up 10 of my favorite free softie patterns. These are all suitable for beginner sewists and would appeal to kids and adults alike. For more free softie patterns check out my Free Softie Patterns board on Pinterest.
Flying Squirrel; Humpty Dumpty; Penny the Fish; Duck; Penguin; Snuggle Bunny and Kitty; Dolphins; Polar Bear; Snow Bunny; French Hens
I hope you’ll spend some portion of tomorrow sewing while teaching someone else to sew. Use the hashtag #sasday2016 to share what you’re sewing throughout the day tomorrow and join the Sew-a-Softie Day Facebook group for even more encouragement.
Cecilia says
Glad I found you in where women create business
Abby says
That’s awesome Cecilia!
Trixi says
Abby, thanks so much for your lovely post and for spreading the word! I love your awesome round up of softie projects and have your flying squirrel on my to do list!
Abby says
Thank you for organizing this wonderful event, Trixi!
Romona Ostrus says
Love the softies for my left over scrap pieces.
Romona Ostrus says
Great idea for my lest over soft flannel scraps. Thanks
Kristina says
Thanks for the awesome ideas Abby. I will be finally able to put scrap pieces to good use.
K says
Abbey, thank you for your generosity in making your patterns free of charge!! I just finished making the flying squirrel. It turned out wonderful!! It was a lot easier than I thought. Makes me want to make more in different color combos!! I made it for one of the doctors I work with. I know she will be thrilled. Nothing like homemade toys!! Again….thank you!!!
Katie Merrey says
Aww
What a great post , the ideas are awesome , will get my hands dirty asap and get something up for my daughter
Thank you Abby !
Geneviève says
Merci beaucoup!!!
Kathy says
Abbey, I made this adorable squirrel for the new baby of a co-worker. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was. When I was done, it looked just like the picture!! Thank you for making the pattern available to all!!
Abby says
Yay! I’m so glad.
Maria says
I am surely going to try some of these patterns.
one verandah says
Love the softies for my left over scrap pieces.
shophouse says
Love the softies for my left over scrap pieces.
Saigon Metro Mall says
Love the softies for my left over scrap pieces.