Sian Riley - Learn to Sew - Part 2 . Mini Make: Rabbit by Sian Riley Studio

Learn to Sew: Juniors Part 2 Mini Make: Rabbit

Hello!

Ready to boost your sewing skills with a mini make? Why not sew a mini make rabbit? The perfect me-made project this Spring. If you have a needle and thread, some fabric (this can be anything; leftover fabric, felt, any unused clothes or tablecloths...anything you have spare), you can practice your basic stitches and try making a mini stuffed rabbit. You can follow the step by step instructions in this booklet to make your own. The free pattern is available on the last but one page. Ideal for ages 7-11+, but can be for younger children with help from an adult; as well as anyone looking for a fun sewing project. Part 1 of the Learn to Sew: Juniors series, more instructions and things to make are available on my website: www.sianriley.blogspot.com, my Pinterest page (@sianrileytudio), and on the interactive platform, issuu.com. Happy Sewing!

Sian

Step 1: Using the pattern pieces at the back of this booklet, cut out the shapes by the amount noted. This can be any type of fabric; but if the fabric frays, try cutting the edges with pinking shears or neatening the edge with a slip stitch (*A stitches guide is available at the back on this booklet if you would like to see what this looks like).

Step 2: Pick one of the rabbit body shapes... Pin the feet shapes in place. Try and place them equally at the bottom of the body shape. Sew each one in place with a running stitch. Remember to tie a knot in the thread when you start and finish with all stitches when you‛re sewing this mini make. Step 3: Take the rabbit tummy shape... This can either, be pinned and sewn with a running stitch as a plain piece on to the rabbit body shape in the centre; or extra texture can be added first before sewing. *If you don‛t want to add extra texture, once the plain tummy shape is sewn to the rabbit body, move to step 5.

*Step 4: Adding texture to the tummy Before stitching the tummy shape in place, cut strips of fabric to stitch and overlap on top of it (*In the picture, there are approximately 12 strips of 1cm wide fabric, trimmed to just wider than the tummy oval shape). These strips are secured to the tummy shape underneath with a running stitch. The strips can look uneven and a little messy if needed. Once the texture is secure to the tummy shape, this can then be sewn to the rabbit body.

Step 5: Take 2 of the 4 rabbit ear shapes... Align the 2 shapes together and pin to secure. Sew a small running stitch just inside of the edges to secure together. Repeat for the other ear. Step 6: Take 1 of the rabbit inner ears, and one of the ear shapes that have just been sewn... Align the inner ear to the bottom of the ear shape and pin in place. Sew another small running stitch to secure the inner ear to the main ear shape. Repeat for the other ear.

Step 7: Take the rabbit mouth and nose shapes... Place the nose shape at the top of the rabbit mouth. Stitch this shape in place with a few small slip stitches. Step 8: Place the nose and mouth shape on the rabbit body shape (this should be on the same side where the feet and tummy are sewn). Pin and sew in place with a few slip stitches.

Step 9: Place the rabbit body shape (which has the tummy, feet and mouth already stitched to it) on top of the other rabbit body shape that has already been cut; pin in place. Starting at the bottom left of the body shape, sew a slip stitch along the edges, and pause when reaching the top of the body shape/ head...

Step 10: When reaching the top of the body shape/ head, insert the ear shapes between the 2 body layers; these can be pinned in place if needed. Once the ear shapes are positioned, continue sewing the slip stitch along the edges but making sure to sew through and catch the ear shapes when continuing. If this stitch isn‛t strong enough, the ears can be reinforced with small running stitches if needed. Continue sewing the slip stitches along the right side of the body until the bottom right of the body shapes. Secure the stitches with a knot. Step 11: Before sealing the opening, push toy stuffing or scrap pieces of fabric into the body to fill it. Fill until the body is a nice size. Close the opening at the bottom of the body shapes with slip stitches. Remember to knot the thread at the start and end.

Step 12: Sew decorative stitches for the eyes, and around the mouth shape; adding extra stitches for the mouth detail and whiskers. Detail can also be added on the feet. (*In the pictures, I used back stitches when adding the details).

Step 13: Take the rabbit tail shape... Tie a knot in the thread and sew a few small running stitches in a circle in the centre. Pull the stitches very gently to gather them before securing the thread with a knot.

Step 14: Sew the rabbit tail to the the back of the rabbit body, at the centre of the tail. This will give it the tail some texture.

The Mini Make Rabbit is now finished!

Basic Hand Stitches Always tie a knot in the end of your thread before starting.

This stitch is a running stitch. Step 1:

Step 2:

Step 3:

Repeat:

This stitch is a back stitch. Step 1:

Step 2:

Step 3:

Step 4:

Step 5:

Step 3:

Step 4:

Step 5:

Repeat:

This stitch is a chain stitch. Step 1:

Step 2:

Repeat:

This stitch is a cross stitch. The stitches below will mostly be used on the edges of the fabric to neaten the edges or join seams together. Step 1:

Step 2:

Repeat:

This stitch is a slip stitch. Step 1:

Step 2:

Step 3:

This stitch is blanket stitch.

Repeat:

Mini Make Rabbit Pattern

Rabbit Ear (Base) Cut 4

Rabbit Inner Ear Cut 2

Rabbit Mouth Cut 1

Rabbit Nose Cut 1

Rabbit Tummy Cut 1 *Extra texture can be added on top Rabbit Body Cut 2

Rabbit Tail Cut 1

Rabbit Foot Cut 2

Sian RILEY

BA (Hons) (LCF)., MA (BIAD)., PGCE (BCU)., HEA Fellow

Website: www.sianriley.blogspot.co.uk Email: studio@sianriley.co.uk Follow @sianrileystudio on