Do you have bits of fibre stuff hanging around? Some wool, yarn, old curtain material, some other fabrics? Nature is my constant inspiration and some living things just appeal to me! A fuzzy, woolly moth is hard to resist! I found all kinds of stuff to use in my stash of leftover-yarn-bag!

Supplies

Many of these supplies can be substituted with similar things that you can find. The amounts are quite small and will make your little creatures even more unique. The key is not be typical, and you will be amazed. I was really looking at making cute little fuzzy moths with big eyes and those amazing lash-like antennas.

Download the printable pattern here

loose fibre like Wool Roving or untwisted yarn
variety of Faux Fur (or eye lash) Yarn
Fabric scraps (small pieces for body & antenna)
Fibre fill stuffing or fabric scraps
Wire
Fabric Stiffener ('Stiffy')
Sheer fabric (like curtain organza)
Water Soluable Stabilizer or organza substitute
Sewing machine for Free-Motion Embroidery (with darning/free motion presser foot)
Pattern (download my design free here)

Step 1: Wing Designs

The wings are fibres (roving or other fuzzy fibres) sandwiched between either organza or water-soluable stabilizer and organza. The idea is to be able to make some nice swirls of what ever pattern you like; take some clues from nature.

I placed the pulled roving/fibres over the organza that is placed over the wing patterns. If you wan them stiffer add more or have them more transparent with less. The edge will be cut later so no need to worry about that.

In order to have some reference lines for the free-motion sewing or even handstitching (if you are so inclined) I race the stitch lines onto the water-soluable stabilizer with a marker (it will disappear later). If using organza you can use 'Frixion' pens as they disappear with heat setting.

Pin the pieces so the fibre stays in place

Step 2: Free-Motion Sewing

Set up your sewing machine for free-motion sewing. That means that the 'feed-dogs' are not guiding the fabric, your hands are. It's fun since you can just slide the fabric 'sandwich' around under the foot. It goes quickly and makes everything into one sewn sheet.Do not worry if it's all perfect, mine definitely was not!! The thread colour can accent or match, it's up to you...

Step 3: Stabilizing More...

After the sewing, cut out the wing pieces and then dissolve the stabilizer n warm water.... poof it's gone! I wanted the wings to stiffer so I painted a layer of 'Stiffy'. Once dry the wings are ready... The 2x organza layer version will not have stabilizer so it does not need the washing however it can still be stiffened.

Step 4: Body Making

For the six leggs I made 1 sections of the front and back legs out of a stiff wire (see pattern) and twist them in the middle well. The middle legs are another piece that is them twisted aroud the centre section - then they are all stable together.

The inside body is made with whatever scraps you have available, hand-sewn or machine sewn it's easy. Stuff with what ever you have on hand (pillow stuffing, old sock, odd yarn...)

The eyes are about 1" circles cut from organza and hand-gathered around the edges to be filled with a bit of yarn. Hot glue those bulgy eyes to the side of the front of the head. A curly wire piece is pushed through the nose end and glued with a touch of hot glue...

Step 5: 'Lil Fuzz-ball

I find that the fuzzy moths are so sweet so I wrapped some the the faux fur (or even eye lash yarn) yarn around his body, adding a touch of hot glue at some points. You could make them very stripey if you use a variety. It's really an easy way to make a furry body!

The legs are wrapped a bit in the centre with the furry yarn and then hot-glued to the underside.

Step 6: Attaching the Wings

To give the wings a bit of support I added a loop of fine wire and glued carefully between some of the lines of wrapped furry yarn. The fur is parted across the back so that the wings can be glued in the 'ditch' and then the fur can be brushed over... tada, the wings seem to be sprouting from the back! Working with fur is great if you part it like parting hair.

Step 7: The Cute Antennas

When I made my fabric birds (with movable wings) I figured out how to make feathers! These guys have the same but with 2 layers to make sure they stick to the wire. Use a fabric with a large weave and pull the threads off in one direction. The wire is slid under the furry wrapped yarn and glued.

Amazing how easy it is! I used a canvas and also an old wool blanket, both worked; one fuzzier than the other.

Step 8: Enjoy Them!

There's really no limit to how your look... Any colour, fibre, even size (feel free to enlarge the pattern) and they are so sweet. You could even add printed fabric or some stitchery... Be creative! So satisfying to make something unique. I personally like the more natural colours.

The eyes seem quite realistic too since the organza fabric shines and looks like the multi-faceted eyes...

Anyways, I hope you'll try it and if you want more super-unique projects find them on my site: https://www.madebybarb.com/