The Owls Of Heathlandia

Pincushions designed by me and made by my Textiles group

Posted by Delicate Stitches

About

I work with adults with disabilities and one of the things I teach is textiles.
I designed this project as a fun introduction to basic sewing techniques. It is basically an envelope with eyes but when they're made into little characters they work so well. They came up with some fantastic results!

Share

You Will Need (3 things)

  • scraps Fabric
  • scraps Felt
  • Sewing Kit

Steps (6 steps, 120 minutes)

  1. 1

    First off you need a template, piece one is a rectangle (about 8x10cm, the exact measurements don't matter) and piece two is a rectangle the same as piece one with a triangle on top. The base of the triangle should be slightly narrower than the top of the rectangle and about half as high (so, in this case about 7cm at the base and 5cm tall.) Use these templates to cut your owl pieces, piece one from fabric and piece two from felt.

  2. 2

    Next fold over a small hem at the top of your fabric rectangle then pin, tack and sew the felt and fabric pieces together along three sides with right sides together to make a 'pocket.' Clip the corners before turning right sides out.

  3. 3

    Stuff firmly with toy stuffing and hand sew the top edge of the fabric to the felt along the base of the triangle. This should be nearly invisible from the right side if you just pick up a few fibres from the felt with each stitch.

  4. 4

    Fold the triangle over to make the owls head and beak. Secure with a few small stitches.

  5. 5

    Cut out four felt circles, two big and two small ones for the eyes. Use embroidery thread to sew them on, making sure to catch up some of the belly fabric as you sew to make the owl a bit more solid.

  6. 6

    Admire your owl and then stick pins in it. You cruel person.