I am so excited to share this DIY kids pouf tutorial with you! I worked with Birch Fabrics to show off the re-release of their Circa 52 collection. I was envisioning a cuter version of the carpet squares our library uses for ‘sitting spots’ during story time and my son picked up on it right away, grabbing a book and plopping down.
[Birch Fabrics provided the fabrics and paid me for my time; all opinions are my own]
I used 4 Birch fabrics: Birch Organics Mod Basics in Solid Orange, Birch Organics Mod Basics in Shroom, Birch Organics Circa 52 in Tree Stripes Shroom, & Birch Organics Mod Basics in Woodland Friends. You can find them all on Etsy*! A pouf was the first thing that I sewed and felt proud of (you can see it here), so I’m excited to make one again, they’re such a fun project.
If you’re new to hand sewing, you can check out this post of great beginner embroidery supplies.
I made two poufs, one with a squirrel applique and one with hand-stitched “tree rings”. They are sewn on with super simple hand sewing stitches (videos showing how in that post), this is an easy beginner sewing project! You could also skip the fusible fleece & fabric scrap filling to make these throw pillows instead.
Doesn’t he fit on there just perfectly? For reference, he is an average sized 2 year old. We use these in our big basement playroom, adding a simple rug transforms a boring corner into an inviting reading nook. If you need reading inspiration, check out these two different posts where I matched up free sewing patterns with beloved children’s books – round 1 and round 2.
Do your kids love poufs and pillows as much as mine do? Let me know what your favorite pattern is and go see the full tutorial for this project at Birch Fabrics.
Pin this diy kid’s pouf tutorial for later, here:
DIY Kids Pouf Tutorial
Simple Drawstring Bag with Vinyl Window - So Sew Easy
Tuesday 19th of January 2021
[…] I put the drawstring on the outside so it is a little more durable, enclosed all the seams so it's neat and pretty, and added a loop on the back so it can be hung up. The animal fabric I used goes perfectly with his log slice pouf – you can see more pictures of that project here. […]
Sherree
Sunday 29th of November 2020
Hello! The pouf is adorable, and now that I have a grandson, I wanted to make one. However, I can't find the Pouf Tutorial. Is there a link for it? No longer available?
Thank you!
Stephanie - Swoodson Says
Sunday 29th of November 2020
Hi Sherree! It is linked in the post - http://birchfabrics.blogspot.com/2015/02/free-pdf-pattern-log-slice-pouf-by.html :)
Linda Mattsson
Tuesday 23rd of February 2016
First, thank you so much for posting this tutorial! The poufs will look fabulous in my daughter's room and I can't wait to get started. I also wanted to ask, where did you get the rug that's in the pictures? I'm on the hunt for a new rug to her room and I really love the green/blue color as well as the pattern.
Thanks a lot!!! Linda
Stephanie - Swoodson Says
Tuesday 23rd of February 2016
Hi Linda! Awesome, I'd love to see them if you make some. I wish I could be of help, but the rug is from Urban Outfitters a few years back and they definitely don't have it any more :(
Debra Sherman
Friday 22nd of January 2016
Thanks so much for sharing your pattern and tutorial. I had so much fun making these for a future nursery/playroom for my grandchildren. I will send you a picture of the ones I made if that is ok, I could not figure out how to attach to this message. Thanks Again, Debbie Sherman/ Oregon
April
Saturday 26th of September 2015
I have one more question.... I see under my picks you have the brother 1034D serger. I have had my eye on this for a while - however my high end sewing machine detailer basically said not to expect much except hassles of thread mot feeding correctly - then proceeded to show me their "entry level" brother seerger that was over $1000 bucks, NOT HAPPENING. I was sewing and embroidering with a phenomenal brother from walmart that I got for $350, I only upgraded for a larger hoop. 2 years later I can across a singer Futura witha bundle including software and all the extras ( under 1000 bucks) It has a 6x10 hoop and an 8x16 with repeating pattern option ( Ideal for a Large name on a towel or Robe - anything) as well as adding a beautiful pattern to table linens, bed sheets, curtains, I could keep going. I don't believe you have to spend an insane amount of money to do what you need to do. Could you tell me a bit about the serger? and in curiosity what is the machine you personally prefer, I imagine you use softwear too for your digital embridery files, mongramming and appliqué ? Just curious what setup you have? Sorry for bombarding your page. I want that serger - I need it, just need to go ahead that from someone who has used it that its legit. Thanks so very very much, XX April:)
Stephanie - Swoodson Says
Saturday 26th of September 2015
So, I LOVE the serger. Love it. I bought one when I had no idea what I was doing even sewing really, and used the crap out of it for over two years, and then accidentally serged over a too thick layer of PUL & FOE and a pin and busted it. I bought another one the same day and have been using it heavily ever since. They are super super popular online & there are a TON of great tutorials and youtube videos because of that. There is a Brother 1034d serger group on Facebook too. I highly recommend them - and agree with you on expensive machines! Mine all work fine and they're all low or mid level. I don't have an embroidery machine! My Mom has a super fancy Viking one, and she embroiders things for me/the kids. Let me know if you get & like the Brother! Camelcamelcamel.com can show you price history, if you haven't used that before, but it tends to hover around 199.