Did you know October is “Adopt a Shelter Dog Month”? My very own adopted shelter pup, Olive, loooooves playing with absolutely anything that squeaks, and I’ve long had it on my list to make her a custom squeaky plush. I figured this was the perfect reason to quit pro-crafter-nating (totally a word) and finally make it happen! Now, I know what 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 Eco Canvas material, polyester thread, and reinforced stitches, your pup should enjoy some solid play time before this toy gives in (and uh, is my dog the only one out there who gets just as much enjoyment out of playing with the plain poly-fill and deflated fabric far after she’s already destroyed the toy?). This project is quick to sew up, it should only take you about 15 minutes per plush! I think your pup will agree that’s some time well spent (besides, don’t you have some Project Runway episodes to catch up on while you sew!?).
*Le sigh…* ennui has set in. Bored of her once beloved tennis ball, Olive is ready for a squeaky upgrade
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 9 plushies in just one fat quarter of Eco Canvas. That’s just $1.80 per plush (I dare you to find a cheaper, cuter store-bought option!). 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. At $17 / fat quarter, that’s less than $2.00 per plush!
- scissors
- sewing machine
- needle and thread
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!
Use a short stitch length, and you can even double stitch over the first seam for added durability
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! *Tip: Select a thread color that matches the edge of your fabric. Polyester thread will be more durable than cotton.
Hey! Be gentle, please… that’s handmade!
pup tested, pup approved
“Thanks maaaaaahm.” (Despite being born and raised in North Carolina, Olive has a Boston accent. No one knows why.)
Inevitably, open heart surgery on the plush toy begins…
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
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.
Great tutorial. Very cute
Thanks, Melissa! Glad you enjoyed it!
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.
Wow, those would be so cute for a toddler’s play kitchen too!
They definitely would! The possibilities are endless
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.
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!