Chickens are such funny creatures! I really love how these guys turned out:)

I wanted for some time now to try making decorative pillows shaped like this, but this rainbow contest really gave me the kick to bring this idea to life:)

This was my first stuffing toys experiment!If you are curious to see my other creations you can check them out here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheCircusCottage

Enjoy my instructable and feel free to leave me some feedback!

Step 1: Inspiration

A couple of months ago, I helped my friends from Alandala Circus Project create some new juggling props for their social project(doing circus training with children)

Together we've created these most adorable chicken juggling pyramids. it was an idea inspired from the web :).

Juggling pyramids are these cute props usually stuffed with seeds(the same as juggling balls), small, they weight around 90 grams, they are very useful to trainers in games, body contact and balance exercises.

We totally fell in love with this minimalist chicken image!You can find many creative variations on the internet , but for me this one is the best! it is simple and goofy, perfect!

What do you think about them?

Step 2:

Materials required:

Sewing Machine

Polar fleece( colors of the rainbow, dimension: 30/60cm each+some leftovers for the features)

Sewing thread(a bunch of colors)

Scissors

Polyester fibers(1 kg for 7 chickens)

14 Small buttons + a small piece of black polar fleece

Pins

Sewing needle

3 sheets of A4 paper(letter paper)

masking tape

pencil + Fabric Marker

Step 3: Making the Pattern

To create my pattern I taped the 3 sheets of paper together.

My goal is to have a final rectangle with one side the same dimension with the large side of a normal letter paper, and the second side a double of that

So I folded the paper to create a square and then doubled that square and cut out the surplus.

Step 4: Designing the Features Pattern

You need to design the features based on the dimension of the main rectangle pattern.

Once you are happy with the final design, cut the patterns for the features.

Step 5: Marking and Cutting the Fabric

Place the pattern on the fabric, mark and cut.

The fabric for the features should be folded in 2.

Step 6: Preparing the Features:sewing, Cutting & Stuffing

Sew each feature on the sewing machine, cut the surplus fabric.

Turn all pieces on the right side and stuff them with a little bit of polyester fibers, just to be slightly stuffed.

Step 7: Fixing All the Pieces Together

Fold your rectangular piece of fabric in two. Arrange all the features as you can see in the photos, in the corner opposing the fold line. Fix these two sides with pins, and leave the third side loose.