Felt Elephants - Boy and Girl : 13 Steps (with Pictures)

My daughter is a big time elephant lover and her favorite colors are pink and blue. Although she has many elephant stuffed animal, I couldn't quite find one with her favorite colors. So I made these for her. This is a felt elephant whose legs and tails can be moved! My tutorials include lots of illustrations start to finish. It is easier than you think! Finished height of the doll is 7.75". The boy elephant wears a necktie simply made of ribbon, and the girl elephant wears a ribbon and a tutu. I included an instruction on how to make this adorable tutu. Would you make them for nursery decor or for gift for any elephant fan?

~ Aki

Step 1: Materials / Cutting Felt Pieces

Materials to make one elephant:

Felt sheet: two 9" x 12" of your favorite color and scrap of white
Embroidery floss
Stuffing like poly-fill
9 mm safety eyes
1 pipe cleaner
4 buttons (about 10 mm)
Red pencil or pastel
Ribbons for necktie or bow
Elastic (1/4" x 6") for tutu
Tulle for tutu
Scissors
Embroidery needle and pins
Disappearing ink marker or pencil
Awl

Cutting felt pieces:

Print out patterns on a standard US letter size paper (8.5" x 11"). 8" x 10" paper may also work. Cut out the pattern pieces. Trace the cut out patterns onto felt with pencil or marker. Carefully cut along the marked line. Key is to use sharp scissors and a steady hand! If pieces are too small to handle, try taping the pattern piece onto your felt. Then cut along the line.

Step 2: Embroidery Stitches

Stitches used in this project are applique stitch, whip stitch, blanket stitch, and ladder stitch. Refer to these pictures to see how they are done. One strand of embroidery floss is all you need for each stitching.

Step 3: Sewing the Trunk and Attaching It Onto the Face

Fold the trunk piece in half and whip stitch one side as shown. Leave the thread still attached.

Open and squash. Sew couple of small stitches at the top. Fold and twist a pipe cleaner. Insert in the trunk and stuff the trunk with poly-fill.

Pin the trunk on the head piece. (Use the pattern as a guide.) Attach the trunk using applique stitch.

Step 4: Attaching Safety Eyes

Make two small holes using an awl and insert safety eyes. Secure the eyes.

Step 5: Sewing the Darts and Embroider the Face

Whip stitch the darts on the wrong side of the head pieces.

Straight stitch eye blows and eye lashes.

Step 6: Attaching the Ears

Sandwich ears between the head pieces. Stitch around the head. Attach the ears by stitching trough all layers of felt. Fill with stuffing tightly and stitch all the way.