My adopted shelter pup, Olive, loooooves playing with toys that squeak. Therefore, I’ve long had it on my list to make her a custom squeaky plush! I know you might be thinking… “my dog is going to demolish that in seconds flat. So why would I spend the time to make my own?” Of course every dog has a unique “rate of destruction,” and I’m not saying these will last forever by any means, but by using durable material, polyester thread and reinforced stitches, your pup should enjoy some solid play time before this toy gives in. This project is quick to sew up, it should only take you about 15 minutes per plush!
(Note: Eco Canvas was retired in 2021 but you can recreate this project with Spoonflower’s Recycled Canvas. Learn more about Recycled Canvas, a woven canvas featuring REPREVE® recycled polyester suitable for seasonal outdoor use.)
You can really have fun customizing this project, and you know… your dog can definitely tell when you give them handmade stuff and they’ll love you more for it, trust me! It’s also more affordable to DIY, yes, even with custom-printed fabric. In this tutorial, we’re using a cut-and-sew kit from wanart that will get you nine plushies in just one fat quarter of Eco Canvas. You likely have all the other materials already, except maybe the squeaky inserts, which are also super affordable (see what we suggest below). These can of course be customized with whichever fabric you feel suits your pooch’s personality best. Follow along with our tutorial and prepare to make your doggie’s day!
Gather your materials:
- squeaky inserts. We used this pack of 20, but if you don’t plan to make very many, this pack of 6 is just $2.00.
- poly-fill (depending on how many toys you make, you won’t need much)
- Eco Canvas fabric. We used a fat quarter of “We Belong Together” plushies by Wanart. With this cut and sew kit, you’ll be able to make 9 plushies.
- scissors
- sewing machine
- needle and thread (Select a thread color that matches the edge of your fabric. Polyester thread will be more durable than cotton.)
Step 1: Cut out your shapes.
Step 2: Pin your pieces, right sides facing.
Step 3: Sew around the edge, leaving about 3 inches open. Don’t forget to backstitch!
Step 4: Turn your pieces right side out, insert your squeaker and poly-fill.
Step 4: Machine stitch your opening closed, or hand-stitch using a whip stitch or ladder stitch for an invisible seam.
You’re done!
Check out more of our favorite DIY pet projects here (if you really want to amuse yourself and your pet, make them a doppelganger pillow!)
Happy Making!
XO – Theresa & Olive
What kind of material would be best if I wanted to use the “cut and sew” things to make some plushies?
For this tutorial, we used durable Eco Canvas. If you want something soft and cozy, try Minky or Fleece!
I’m going to fill these up with catnip and make kitty toys out of it. 🙂 I don’t have a sewing machine but I was thinking maybe a blanket stitch would work?
That’s a fabulous idea!! A blanket stitch would work perfectly.
Wow, those would be so cute for a toddler’s play kitchen too!
They definitely would! The possibilities are endless
The last picture is usually what happens in my house. But gosh that fabric is so adorable!
Oh yes — mine too, and it doesn’t take long! Luckily Olive enjoys playing with the fabric and stuffing just as much as she does with the actual toy.
Great tutorial. Very cute
Thanks, Melissa! Glad you enjoyed it!
Love these dog toys, thanks for the fab idea! 🙂 My dog Betsy will love it if I sew her some toys!
Thanks, Magenta! You definitely make some stuffies for Betsy! She sounds like a sweetie.