You’ve been designing some original sewing patterns for stuffed animals and some of them are really good! You know you’re capable of creating awesome patterns that turns out three-dimensional toys.
You’ve also worked really hard on a few designs that have been total flops. I’m talking about misshapen heads, legs with an awkward stance, proportions that are totally off. Oddball creatures inevitably end up on your worktable when you’re designing softies, but they don’t have to stay there.
Here are 5 steps to improving your stuffed animal patterns:
1. Invest time in doing visual research and sketching. Often we think we know what a bunny looks like. We’ve seen hundreds of bunnies in our lives, both real and toy. Long floppy ears, cotton tail, round body…okay let’s go! Resist the urge to jump the gun. Pretend you’re on Project Runway and spend half an hour sketching before you get started. Use this time to help you refine your mental image of the softie you’re going to design.
2. Draw a pattern. The process of converting a sketch into a set of pattern pieces will help you visualize how the finished toy is going to come together. Where will the seams be? Do you need a gusset and if you do should it widen or narrow at certain points? Are you going to exaggerate any features? Dozens of questions, big and small, arise and are resolved while you draw the pattern pieces. And once equipped with a paper pattern, no matter how flawed it may be at first, you have something to refine later.
3. Make prototypes. That soft, white faux fur may tempting you from the shelf, but let it sit there until you’re sure you’re ready. Find an old bed sheet and cut it up into big rectangles. This is your prototype fabric. It doesn’t take long to sew a prototype, but it is worth it every time. You’ll find out right away if your pieces don’t match up and you can go back and edit the pattern pieces right then.
4. Stuff your prototype and make another one. Take the time to clip the curves, turn and fully stuff your prototype. There is no way to be sure exactly how the toy will look until it’s stuffed. Wrinkles? Maybe you need a dart. Top heavy? Adjust the proportions. Take a marker and write on the prototype’s body. Edit and redraw the pattern pieces. Make another prototype. This is not a waste of time. Even if you think the pattern is now perfect, make another prototype. Patterns are rarely perfect after just one.
5. Keep going. Patience and perseverance pay off when it comes to three-dimensional design. Think of it like building up stamina. Most people will quit editing after a few tries. They’ll go ahead and sew the toy from the finish fabrics even though it’s not well-designed because they just can’t bear to continue refining. Or they’ll throw up their hands and figure they can’t be a pattern designer.
Don’t give up! Take a break and read other people’s patterns to gather more ideas. Ask someone else to take a look at your design and give you constructive feedback. Sit down and try again.
Following these steps and over time the toy in your mind will become the toy on your work table. Coming up with a successful design is a natural high. People are going to love your new toys.
Thanks for the tips! This will be a great reference!
Oh I wish I were patient as you are…to make a sketch first…then a pattern!
Thanks for the tips…great advice! I usually spend a few days sketching my dolls. I think that comes from fear…lol
I find that I have to step away from my prototype if there’s something that bugs me. Usually it is because I just spent time on it and now some other part of life is calling, but that is just as well. Getting a little distance from it may give me new perspective (and lessens the frustration factor).
I think that I might need some help in the sketching department, though. Even though I know what I want in 3D (drawing up the pattern pieces is not difficult), I am really limited in my actual sketching abilities. Its not my thing, but I’m working on it!
Thanks for the tips! I have had to make 5 or 6 prototypes before I get just the right shape – and it is much better to use inexpensive materials for those! Thanks for all your advice, encouragement, ideas and tips – love your blog and can’t wait until your next book comes out. Keep up the fantastic work!
I’m so glad, Jess. You’re welcome!
Taking your time and enjoying the flow of sketching has got to be a good thing!
Not being able to devote long blocks of time to a project is actually a good thing as you point out, Caren. When we come back with fresh eyes we often immediately recognize where the problems lie.
I’m in awe of your work and thanks for the 5 suggestions, it’s exactly the encouragement I need.
Now you see? That’s clever. And what do you know – I actually HAVE a bed sheet I’m planning to throw out – score! 🙂
I buy bedsheets at the thrift store just for this purpose. They are really great for prototypes because you don't feel like you're wasting fabric! I just unstuff them when I'm through with them to save and reuse the stuffing.
I’ve been away from online a lot lately due to a house move and other unpleasant stuff so I’m behind on this series you’ve been doing, it looks fantastic!
Can’t wait to steal some time to catch up with it.
I usually throw in the towel after my second attempt, perhaps I should be more patient with myself, and probably use cheap calico for the testers too.
Thanks for all the tips in advance.
Great to hear from you, Joanie. I'm not totally sure this post is part of a series as much as just general tips about soft toy making, but I'm glad you find it relevant. Yes, keep going past two! Even very seasoned designers make many rough drafts before getting it right!