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Snuggle Snake softie that kids can sew

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My son was so excited for this project; he requested a stuffed animal that he could help sew and then sleep with so I created the snuggle snake! This post was sponsored by Sulky; they sent me materials and compensated me for my time, but I’ve been posting about my love for their products for years. Keep reading to learn about the product, Stick n Stitch (also known as Fabri-Solvy, you can buy it on Amazon or on Sulky’s website*), they make that is perfect for teaching kids how to sew, it’s the easiest way to transfer a hand embroidery pattern or they can write right on it.

Check these related posts out while you’re at it:

After printing the pattern off, you stitch right through it, making it super easy to follow and see. The material stabilizes the fabric so it doesn’t wiggle or stretch while you’re stitching. Because of this, I skipped the hoop, although you could use one if you preferred.

I included two simple designs for the backs of the snake. You can tailor this pattern depending on your kid’s age and level of interest, letting them just stitch the back, just help you pick colors, or sew the entire thing from start to finish.

Check out the other projects my son and I have made with Stick n Stitch:

Aren’t they cute? They fit perfectly in a pocket. Please use common sense when working with buttons! Embroider the eyeballs if the snake is intended for anyone young enough to potentially chew the buttons off.

I think Sulky’s cotton petites (you can buy it on Amazon or on Sulky’s website) are great for kids to embroider with because it’s not as fussy. No pulling out three strands, no tangles, it is just a single thread. You can double it up for a thicker effect, but I used a single strand for this project and it is plenty visible.

Perfect for a squeeze! They would make an adorable cold pack, too, filled with rice.

The best part? They’re made from the kids’ old, unsalvageable tshirts! Super soft, upcycled, and fun to sew with kids. It doesn’t get much better than that!

Please pin this post for later, here:

See how easy it is to turn an old t-shirt into a snuggle snake! This fun upcycle sewing project is a perfect kid's sewing pattern and quick to make. A great project for kids learning to sew, your little ones will love tucking their snake softies into pockets and under pillows. This post is sponsored by Sulky, click through to see why two of their products are perfect for teaching kids to sew! #sewing #sewingwithkids #sewingpattern #softiepattern

Ready to make your own? Here’s how!

 

Snake softie sewing tutorial for kids

Supplies

  • Package of Stick n’ Stitch (you can buy it on Amazon or on Sulky’s website*)
  • Sulky Cotton Petites Thread (you can buy bulk packs on Amazon or on Sulky’s website – single spools are only sold on Sulky’s website)
  • Embroidery Needle – these are my favorite
  • Tshirt or other cotton knit fabric or felt (woven cotton would fray around the edges unless you use pinking shears)
  • Stuffing for a soft feel or poly-pellets for something slinkier
  • Hemostats are optional but make stuffing super easy
  • 2 button (optional, can also embroider)
  • Sharp scissors
  • Scrap of pink felt for the tongue
  • Pins
  • Pattern download –sign up for my newsletter and get the free download once you confirm your subscription! If you’re already a subscriber, you can access the pattern with the password in each newsletter, in the resource library.

Steps

Step 1- Print out your pattern on the Stick n’ Stitch, you want the ink on the bumpy side. Cut roughly around the design you’d like and stick it to the fabric. Sew or embroider the eyes on!

Step 2- Embroider the back! Use your Sulky Petite Cotton thread to experiment with different stitches or follow the provided designs. Younger kids could also color this part and have you sew it up for them to enjoy.

Step 3- Cut roughly around a tongue, stick it to the felt, cut out the tongue on the pattern lines, and peel the pattern layer off.

Step 4- Cut another chunk of fabric that will be the back of the snake. Center your tongue in between the layers and make sure it will go past the sewing outline. Use pins to hold the layers together.

Step 5- Starting at the dotted line, take a few stitches back and forth to secure and then slowly sew around, following the snake’s outline and stopping at the other dotted line. This will leave a small space.

Step 6- A better shot of the space leftover, this is so you can fill it with stuffing!

Step 7- Fill with stuffing or poly pellets gently pushing it up to the head and down to the tail. I recommend not packing it super tight, which will make sewing the opening shut harder. Once it is full of stuffing, you’ll go back and sew over the opening along the line to full enclose the stuffing.

Step 8- Next you’re going to trim around the edges, roughly 1/4″ away from the line you stitched. Be sure to trim super carefully around the tongue, cutting through one layer at a time to avoid cutting it off.

Step 9- Time to wash the pattern away! Use hot water and gently agitate the snake underneath, If it feels sticky or you see any dots of ink, keep rinsing. Let it dry and start playing!

What do you think, would your kids like the snuggle snakes?

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julie

Tuesday 21st of January 2020

So glad I found your website...my grandkids have shown a desire to learn to sew and I have been looking for beginner pattern ideas. You have so many cute ideas that I can't wait to try with them! I have never heard of Stick N Stitch but will be trying it very soon! Thank You for sharing all your knowledge with us! Julie

Stephanie - Swoodson Says

Thursday 30th of January 2020

Julie, I love to hear that! I hope it is loads of fun for you & them :)

Lisa // Cucicucicoo: Eco Sewing & Crafting

Friday 1st of June 2018

That is just an amazing idea! I love the idea to use wash away stabilizer with the pattern printed on it, not just for kids, but for me, too!! And what a wonderful way to get kids sewing. I am definitely trying this with my kiddos! Thanks, Stephanie! :) Lisa

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