{"id":730,"date":"2017-09-20T01:29:44","date_gmt":"2017-09-20T01:29:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/manage.funkyfriendsfactory.com\/blog\/sew-a-squirrel\/"},"modified":"2025-08-08T02:56:28","modified_gmt":"2025-08-08T02:56:28","slug":"sew-a-squirrel","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/manage.funkyfriendsfactory.com\/blog\/sew-a-squirrel\/","title":{"rendered":"Sew a squirrel"},"content":{"rendered":"

I made this photo tutorial so you can see\u00a0how to sew my<\/strong> Squirrel\u00a0Sewing Pattern ~> scroll down for step-by-step photos!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

This sweet little squirrel is named after \u2018Sue\u2019 a.k.a Suraliyama – one of the lovely sewists I met in India when I visited<\/span> Bluemango<\/strong><\/a><\/span>. This toy pattern has some small pieces so I wouldn\u2019t recommend it for a beginner toy maker who should start with one of my easy patterns<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"SQUIRREL-stuffed-toy-pattern\"<\/p>\n

.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

*** PLEASE NOTE – this is ONLY a PHOTO TUTORIAL ***<\/strong><\/span>
\nThe FULL PATTERN IS NOT included here. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

It is <\/span>NOT A FREE PATTERN!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

I have made this photo tutorial so people who have purchased my Squirrel Sewing Pattern<\/strong><\/strong> can SEE how to sew a squirrel toy! (I wanted to explain this so you are not disappointed if you have found this page via a search engine and not from the link in my Sue the Squirrel Sewing Pattern<\/strong>)<\/span><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Let’s get sewing!<\/span><\/p>\n

EARS:<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n

STEP 1
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Sew a main and a contrast fabric EAR PIECE<\/strong><\/span> together. Repeat for the other ear.<\/p>\n

\"Squirrel-tute-1-001\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 2<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Trim the seams at the tip of the EARS<\/strong><\/span> and turn them right sides out.<\/p>\n

\"Squirrel-tute-1-003\"<\/p>\n

TIP:<\/strong> Use a wooden chopstick or turning tool to make the corners nice and \u2018pointy\u2019.<\/p>\n

\"Squirrel-tute-1-005\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 3<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Fold and pin the base of the EAR PIECES<\/strong><\/span> as shown on the pattern markings.<\/p>\n

\"Squirrel-tute-1-006\"<\/p>\n

TIP:<\/strong> Make sure you fold them to opposite sides to make a RIGHT and a LEFT ear!!!<\/p>\n

\"Squirrel-tute-1-007\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n

HEAD:<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n

STEP 4a
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Fold and pin the FACE PIECES<\/strong><\/span> at the cheek dart (with the fabric right sides together) …<\/p>\n

\"Squirrel-tute-1-014a2\"<\/p>\n

STEP 4b
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

…and sew the cheek dart closed.<\/p>\n

\"Squirrel-tute-1-014b\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 5
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Sew the FACE PIECES<\/strong><\/span> together from D – E. (Leave open at the top from D – L.)<\/p>\n

\"Squirrel-tute-1-016\"<\/p>\n

TIP:<\/strong> Clip this seam very well.<\/p>\n

\"Squirrel-tute-1-018\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 6
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Sew the CHIN PIECE<\/strong><\/span> to the FACE PIECES<\/strong><\/span> from F – E – F. Take your time and use lots of pins for this seam so the pieces don\u2019t pucker and form wrinkles. (Nobody likes wrinkles?!)<\/p>\n

* I outlined the CHIN PIECE in blue in the photo below
\nso it’s easy to see it.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Squirrel-tute-2-004BB\"<\/p>\n

TIP:<\/strong> Sew this seam wit the CHIN PIECE down.<\/p>\n

\"Squirrel-tute-2-001\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 7
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Pin the EARS<\/strong><\/span> in place on the FACE PIECES<\/strong><\/span> using the pattern markings to guide you. (The fold of the EARS<\/strong><\/span> should be facing (touching) the FACE PIECES<\/strong><\/span>.) Sew the EARS<\/strong><\/span> in position with a 3mm (\u215b inch) seam. This will stop the EARS<\/strong><\/span> from slipping when you sew the head together later.<\/p>\n

\"Squirrel-tute-2-007BB\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

EYES:<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n

STEP 8
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

If you are using CRAFT EYES<\/strong><\/span> insert them now. If you are embroidering the eyes you will do it after you stuff the toy.<\/p>\n

\"Squirrel-tute-2-011BB\"<\/p>\n

TIP:<\/strong> I have a tutorial to show you how to insert craft eyes<\/span><\/strong><\/a> on my blog.<\/p>\n

\"craft-eyes-tutorial-How-to-insert\"<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n

TUMMY:<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n

STEP 9
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Fold and pin the TUMMY PIECE<\/strong><\/span> at the tummy dart (fabric right sides together) and sew the tummy dart closed.<\/p>\n

\"Squirrel-tute-2-015BB\"<\/p>\n

\n<\/blockquote>\n

ARMS:<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n

STEP 10
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Fold and pin the OUTER ARM PIECES<\/strong><\/span> at the arm darts (fabric right sides together) and sew the arm darts closed.<\/p>\n

\"Squirrel-tute-2-016\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 11
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Pin and sew the INNER ARM PIECES<\/strong><\/span> to the OUTER ARM PIECES<\/strong><\/span>.<\/p>\n

\"Squirrel-tute-2-022\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 12
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Stuff the ARMS<\/strong><\/span> leaving about 12mm (\u00bd inch) free of stuffing and pin them closed.<\/p>\n

\"Squirrel-Tute-3-001BB\"<\/p>\n

\n<\/blockquote>\n

TAIL:<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n

STEP 13
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Sew the TAIL PIECES<\/strong><\/span> together from J – K, leaving the stuffing gap open. (see the black arrow<\/strong> in the photo below!)<\/p>\n

\"Squirrel-Tute-3-003\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 14
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Clip this seam well, especially the very curved parts and turn the TAIL PIECES<\/strong><\/span> right sides out. Pin and the TAIL PIECES<\/strong><\/span> together along the tail seam (with the fabric RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER)<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n

\"Squirrel-Tute-3-005\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 15
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Pin the tail seam of the TAIL PIECES<\/strong><\/span> to one of the BODY PIECES<\/strong><\/span> between J and K.<\/p>\n

\"Squirrel-Tute-3-007\"<\/p>\n

TIP:<\/strong> Start pinning on each end then ease the opposite curves to fit together. Take your time and use lots of pins.<\/p>\n

\"Squirrel-Tute-3-006\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 16
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Pin the other BODY PIECE<\/strong><\/span> to the first BODY PIECE<\/strong><\/span>, the TAIL PIECES<\/strong><\/span> in between, leaving the BODY PIECES<\/strong><\/span> open at the top between J and L.<\/p>\n

\"Squirrel-Tute-3-009\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 17
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Sew all 4 PIECES<\/strong><\/span> together from O – K, along the tail seam – J. Check that you have caught ALL 4 layers in the tail seam then secure the TAIL<\/strong><\/span> in place with a zig-zag stitch for extra strength.<\/p>\n

\"Squirrel-Tute-3-009b\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

SIDE SEAMS:<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n

STEP 18a
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Pin the ARMS<\/strong><\/span> to the TUMMY PIECE<\/strong><\/span> using the pattern markings to guide you.<\/p>\n

\"Squirrel-Tute-4-002\"<\/p>\n

STEP 18b
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Sew the ARMS<\/strong><\/span> to the TUMMY PIECE<\/strong><\/span> with a 3mm (\u215b inch) seam. You really don\u2019t want these pieces to slip as you sew these seams because they would be a pain to unpick!<\/p>\n

\"Squirrel-Tute-4-004\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 19
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Pin and sew the TUMMY PIECE<\/strong><\/span> to the BODY PIECES<\/strong><\/span> from F – M, with the ARMS<\/strong><\/span> in between, tucked \u2018inside the body\u2019. I find it is easier to sew one side at a time.<\/p>\n

\"Squirrel-Tute-4-014\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

SEW THE HEAD TO THE BODY:<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n

STEP 20
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Roll the top of the TAIL PIECES<\/strong><\/span> and tuck them \u2018inside the body\u2019 so the tail is out of your way.<\/p>\n

\"Squirrel-Tute-4-015b\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 21
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Pin the CHIN & FACE PIECES<\/strong><\/span> to the BODY & TUMMY PIECES<\/strong><\/span> at the neck seam, matching point N at the centre and L on each side. Sew the neck seam from L – F – N – F- L on the other side with the EARS<\/strong><\/span> in between, tucked \u2018inside the head\u2019.<\/p>\n

\"Squirrel-Tute-4-019\"<\/p>\n

TIP:<\/strong> This is a hard seam to pin. I find the best way to do this is to turn the head right sides out and position it \u2018inside the body\u2019 so you can pin the pieces together at the neck seam, with the fabric right sides together. Take your time and use lots of pins.<\/p>\n

\"Squirrel-Tute-4-016\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 22
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Pull the CHIN & FACE PIECES<\/strong><\/span> out of the body. Pin and sew the squirrel closed from J (on the BODY PIECES<\/strong><\/span> – L – D (on the FACE PIECES<\/strong>)<\/span>.<\/p>\n

\"Squirrel-Tute-4-024\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

FEET:<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n

STEP 23
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Fold one of the FOOT PIECES<\/strong><\/span> along fold 1<\/strong>, with the fabric right sides together. Pin and sew the edges together between M and B.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 24
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Fold the same FOOT PIECE<\/strong><\/span> along fold 2<\/strong> and pin point B and C together. Sew the FOOT PIECE<\/strong><\/span> closed along the front (between fold 2 on each side).<\/p>\n

\"Squirrel-Tute-3-011\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 25
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Stuff the FOOT<\/strong><\/span> with toy stuffing, leaving about 12mm (\u00bd inch) free of stuffing and pin the FOOT<\/strong><\/span> closed at the back. Repeat for the other FOOT PIECE<\/strong><\/span>.<\/p>\n

IMPORTANT NOTE<\/span>:
\n<\/span>The seam is on the top of the feet<\/span>.<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Squirrel-Tute-4-033\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 26
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Pin the FOOT PIECES<\/strong><\/span> to the TUMMY & BODY PIECES<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0matching the seams at M, using the pattern marking to guide you with their position. (I have outlined the FOOT PIECES<\/span> in blue in the photo below so it’s easy to see them.)<\/strong><\/p>\n

PLEASE CHECK<\/span>:
\n<\/span>The seam on the top of the\u00a0 FOOT PIECES<\/span>
\nat point M must be facing (touching)
\nthe TUMMY & BODY PIECES<\/span>.<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Squirrel-Tute-4-034\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

BASE:<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n

STEP 27
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Pin and sew the BASE PIECES<\/strong><\/span> right sides together from O – P, leaving the opening for stuffing and turning.<\/p>\n

* NB * The BASE<\/span> is wider (fatter) at the BACK<\/em>!!!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Squirrel-Tute-4-035\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 28
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Tuck the FEET<\/strong><\/span> \u2018inside\u2019 the squirrel and pin the BASE PIECE<\/strong><\/span> to the TUMMY & BODY PIECES<\/strong><\/span>, making sure you match point P at the front and point O at the back.<\/p>\n

\"Squirrel-Tute-4-038\"<\/p>\n

TIP:<\/strong> Double check to make sure the BASE PIECE is pinned with the \u2018fatter\u2019 (wider) bit to the BACK<\/strong><\/span> – this helps the squirrel to balance so it\u2019s very important<\/strong><\/span>!<\/p>\n

\"Squirrel-Tute-4-032\"<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 29
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Sew the BASE PIECE<\/strong><\/span> in place, sewing right around without leaving a gap.<\/p>\n

\"Squirrel-Tute-4-043\"<\/p>\n

TIP:<\/strong> If the toy is for a small child go back and secure the FOOT PIECES<\/strong><\/span> in place with a zig-zag stitch for extra strength (like you did for the TAIL<\/strong>)<\/span>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n

ASSEMBLY:<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n

STEP 30
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Clip the seams well, especially at the curves, and turn the squirrel right sides out through the turning gap on the BASE PIECES<\/strong><\/span>.<\/p>\n

\"Squirrel-Tute-4-045\"<\/p>\n

TIP:<\/strong> It makes it easier to turn if you push the squirrel’s head and tail out through the turning gap first… then gently pull out the ARMS<\/strong><\/span> and FOOT PIECES<\/strong><\/span>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 31
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Stuff the nose and face area very firmly. This is important for when you sew the nose. Stuff the neck and tummy. Keep stuffing until the Squirrel is nice and fat without any wrinkles in the BODY<\/strong><\/span>. Stuff the TAIL<\/strong><\/span> making sure you start with small bits of stuffing to get right into the tip of the TAIL<\/strong><\/span>.<\/p>\n

\"thumbnail-2\"<\/p>\n

TIP:<\/strong> Make sure you stuff the squirrel evenly so it can stand on it\u2019s own and doesn\u2019t keep flopping over to one side!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 32
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Sew the stuffing gaps on the BASE PIECE<\/strong><\/span> and the TAIL PIECES<\/strong><\/span> closed using a ladder stitch.<\/p>\n

\"How<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

‘HANDS’:<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n

STEP 33
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Pin the ARMS<\/strong><\/span> arms together so the ‘hands’ are touching in the middle. (You can experiment with the placement of the ARMS<\/strong><\/span> – they can be crossed, one on top of the other or \u2018just touching\u2019.) Glue the squirrel\u2019s \u2018hands\u2019 together with strong, non-toxic fabric glue or sew them together securely.<\/p>\n

\"squirrel-tute-5-003\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

FACE:<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n

STEP 34
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

If you are embroidering the eyes, sew them now.<\/p>\n

TIP:<\/strong> When I make toys for a young child I use embroidery thread to sew a French knot instead of craft eyes. I have a post about toy safety<\/span> <\/strong><\/a>on my blog with more toy safety tips and guidelines.<\/p>\n

\"Toy<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

STEP 35
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Cut the NOSE PIECE<\/strong><\/span> from felt and pin it in position on the FACE PIECES<\/strong><\/span>. Sew the NOSE<\/strong><\/span> in place with embroidery thread and a blanket stitch.<\/p>\n

\"thumbnail-3\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Your Squirrel is ready to LOVE!<\/em><\/h1>\n

Come join the fun on Facebook!<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

\"Facebook
\n
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

I LOVE to see how your Funky Friends toys turn out! <\/strong>
\n
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

When you’ve made your own stuffed toy squirrel you can come show it off ~><\/strong><\/p>\n

Post a photo on my Funky Friends Factory Facebook page<\/span><\/a><\/strong> for me to see and YOU could win a FREE PATTERN!<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n


\"Pauline<\/p>\n

Till next time,<\/strong><\/p>\n

Happy Sewing, <\/strong><\/p>\n

Pauline<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Save<\/span><\/p>\n

Save<\/span><\/p>\n

Save<\/span><\/p>\n

Save<\/span><\/p>\n

Save<\/span><\/p>\n

Save<\/span><\/p>\n

Save<\/span><\/p>\n

Save<\/span><\/p>\n

Save<\/span><\/p>\n

Save<\/span><\/p>\n

Save<\/span><\/p>\n

Save<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I made this photo tutorial so you can see\u00a0how to sew my Squirrel\u00a0Sewing Pattern ~> scroll down for step-by-step photos! This sweet little squirrel is named after \u2018Sue\u2019 a.k.a Suraliyama – one of the lovely sewists I met in India when I visited Bluemango. This toy pattern has some small pieces so I wouldn\u2019t recommend […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-730","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/manage.funkyfriendsfactory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/730","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/manage.funkyfriendsfactory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/manage.funkyfriendsfactory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/manage.funkyfriendsfactory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/manage.funkyfriendsfactory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=730"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/manage.funkyfriendsfactory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/730\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22413,"href":"https:\/\/manage.funkyfriendsfactory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/730\/revisions\/22413"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/manage.funkyfriendsfactory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=730"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}