Hi there I Heart Naptime readers!
My name is Jessica (but you can call me Jess), and I like lots of things. For one thing, I like to blog over on Craftiness is not Optional.
I also like to sew. That’s an understatement. If I don’t work on something every day-I start twitching. My favorite things to sew are clothes for my kiddos! I’m mostly self-taught and love to figure out how things are made. I have two adorable daughters, Sadie and Charlotte-and an awesome hubby who puts up with patiently supports my crafting/sewing impulses. I love to watch TV and movies-especially while sewing-two birds with one stone and all that. I love making tutorials. I love taking pictures and learning to use my camera. I loooove chocolate. and french fries. I love to sing-but only in the car, with only my kids present, thankyaverymuch. I love to pay bills. (not! just making sure you’re paying attention!) I love the color teal.
I also love softies. They were some of the first sewing projects I made for my daughter!
Here’s an easy whale softie tutorial-perfect for your little one, or a baby shower gift! Best of all, it’s really easy-and doesn’t use much fabric.
My daughter Sadie loves to make them “kiss”. lol!
So! Let’s get started!
You’ll need:
fat quarter of fabric (scraps work too!)
felt or buttons for eyes
thread
poly fil
sewing stuff (scissors, pins, etc)
my free pattern! (print at 100% scale)
First cut out two pieces of the pattern-make sure the wrong sides are together while cutting it out.
Cut out the eye pieces if you’re doing felt eyes and pin to the whale pieces, or sew on the buttons if you’re doing button eyes! I played with the placement-I did prefer them towards the front of the “nose” but it’s up to you!
You could also add a smile, or felt water coming out of the blowhole. hehe!
Sew around the edge of the felt with your machine.
Then, right sides together, pin the two pieces together.
Sew around the edge with 1/4″ seam, leaving a space for turning about 2-3″ wide on the bottom of the whale.
Iron the seams on the bottom where it’s open, then clip the curves around the whole whale. This may take a little while but will make it look a lot better!
Stuff with poly fil-tail first, then the body. When you think you’re done stuffing……stuff some more in there!
Then slip stitch the bottom shut and you’re done with your cute whale softie!
Thanks so much to Jamielyn for having me, I hope you enjoyed the tutorial! I had a whale of a time. (har har!)
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and managing editor of iheartnaptime.net. She is married to her best friend and together they have two beautiful children just under two years apart. Her days are filled with lots of snuggles, crafts, e-mails, avoiding the ever-growing pile of laundry, play dough, sneaking bites of chocolate and wondering, “Is it nap time yet?!” I Heart Nap Time is a creative site sharing DIY home projects on a budget, crafts, sewing tutorials, easy recipes, tips and techniques.
Chrissy @ Boerman Ramblings
such a fun idea..I have friends who are having babies…perfect gift idea. thanks!
Louisa
I love the felt eyes! I think I may just need to make a whale this week! Thanks for sharing the pattern.
Jayna Rae
Thanks for sharing! These are really cute. I love the fabrics too. we might be going to Sea World in the summer. If we do I will have to make these for the boys to play with in their stroller.
Jenna
I'm going to make this. I made some stuffed birds for Little Bean's nursery, and the whales would be too cute for her to play with!
Come check me out at:
copycatcorner.blogspot.com
Chris
Jess is one of my favorite people, and makes so many darling things. So glad you were able to feature her.
Jenn
So adorable. Thanks for sharing. I'm new to sewing and like to try new things. I've never learned the slip stictch and would LOVE a tutorial somewhere!
Allie
I love love love those! The fabrics are perfect! SO cute.
Jason and Danielle
I love these. They are so cute and look like they would be a cinch to make. Thanks for sharing and for the free pattern:>
Gwen @ Gwenny Penny
I love Jess, and I love these whales! They look so easy to make, too. Can't wait to whip some up for my girls:)
Kari
Cute!!! I love it, I am definitely going to make some of these!!! And, btw, 2 of my three girls are named Sadie and CHarlotte!!!
just jayma
Cute whales!@ I also LOVE the skirt your model is wearing ! Did you make it? Adorable.
Esther
Oh, this whale is just too adorable! I might just try it out to give as a present for my colleague who’s expecting a new baby soon.
Esther.
Esther recently posted..Patroon- gehaakte bloem
I♥naptime w/ Chocolate Sundaes
Oh she would love it! You’ll have to show me if you make one!
Esther
I actually made two!! :-) My colleague also has a little boy and hey, I couldn’t leave him without a pressie. I loved the pattern, it was very easy. Thanx so much for the tutorial.
Check out my whales!!
http://happyinred.blogspot.com/2011/05/i-speak-whale.html
Thanx again for the tuto!
Esther.
Esther recently posted..I speak whale
Ellen
Hi there,
I’m having some troubles downloading the pattern to make the whale. I would really love to make one. Could you sent me the pattern by mail?
Thanx, Ellen
Jamielyn
Hey! Click on the here and push the download button. Then you should be able to pull up the file and print out the pattern. Hope that works!
Misty Pagel
Thanks so much for the tutorial. I made a couple of them for my son today in just a short bit of time during my daughter’s nap! He requested whale softies and I was so happy to find your tutorial.
Jessica Winter
I’m pinning this, so cute! Thanks for sharing many will be blessed to receive the gifts we’ll all make using your idea.- Jess (at) OlyMomma
Jeremy
I clicked on the link, but it wants you to pay to download it. Does anybody have the pattern for free?
Rachel C
Where can I find the scalloped red, white, pink, blue fabric used in the step by step photos??? It is to-die-for-adorable! Thanks! ~Rach
Rachel C recently posted..Sephora Gift Bag Giveaway!
Jane Campbell
Hey! And, btw, 2 of my three girls are named Sadie and CHarlotte!!!
Jane Campbell recently posted..Arthritis Tips
Ann
I made this adorable softie for a baby to be born on Nantucket! Simple, quick and so appropriate. Thank you for sharing the pattern. I found your tutorial (and as an added bonus, your website) on Quality Sewing Tutorials.
Madona
Thats really sweet Jess. I made a jumbo one. Everyone loved it so much! Thank you so much!! :-D
punk punkartkaietsi
Great idea, I’m starting right now since I only have one month till birth;-) Is the poly-fil thing safe for newborns?