There has been a sudden influx of newborns in my life! I'm trying to keep up and came up with this simple yet super effective idea for a toy having seen some examples on Pinterest...
1. I found an appropriate dinosaur silhouette shape to copy from an image on the computer. Once you've found the shape you want, draw and cut it out using suitable paper, being sure to add half an inch for seam allowance - this will be your pattern. I will do my best to upload my shape once I get it in the right format!
2. Cut 2 dinosaur shapes in desired fabric. I've chosen one plain and one patterned print. And yes, I did iron my fabric but it didn't seem to make much difference!
3. On opposite sides of your cut out dinosaurs use embroidery thread to stitch crosses for eyes. I prefer doing eyes like this rather than using buttons so that I'm not creating a choking hazard! Make sure the eyes aren't on the same sides on both pieces!
4. A little personalisation is always a nice touch too! An initial or a name on the tail looks sweet on these.
5. Take one shape and lay it right side up (ie with the eye facing upwards). Choose 8 ribbons and cut about 3 inches in length. Fold each piece of ribbon in half and pin alongside the dinosaur's back like in this picture:
6. Place your other dinosaur shape on top, right side down (so the eyes are touching). Pin in place.
7. Using a half inch seam allowance stitch around the outside of the pinned dinosaur shape, removing pins as you go. Leave a two inch gap at the top of the leg arch.
8. Trim corners and clip edges. This helps the fabric lie correctly when you turn it inside out, otherwise it'll pucker and pinch.
9. Turn the shape inside out by poking it all through the hole you left in your seam.
10. Stuff your toy with suitable toy stuffing. I also like to put a little bell inside to make it jingle!
11. I've forgotten to take a picture here, but neatly stitch up the hole in the seam by hand using a blind stitch.
12. Your dinosaur should be done. Here's one of mine prowling through the garden...
I hope you enjoy making yours!
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