My Advice for Starting Plush Making As A Hobby

This video is meant for absolute beginners. I talk through my personal advice for people wanting to start making plushies for the first time. The hobby can be overwhelming since there are many different materials and techniques involved. Hopefully beginners can find some of this advice helpful!
If you are new to plush making, check out some videos in my Plush Making 101 series which is meant for beginners! Subscribe to my KZbin page for more tutorials and plush making videos, or you can visit my website:
makeshiftwings.weebly.com/
If you like what you see, consider buying me a Ko-Fi! Thank you for your support!
ko-fi.com/makeshiftwings
Find me on other social media!
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My equipment:
Brother SE1900 Combination Sewing & Embroidery Machine
YEQIN Walking Foot
YEQIN Embroidery Machine Hoop Set
YsesoAi Fabric Marker Pens
Gingher 6 Inch Double-Curved Machine Embroidery Scissors
Fiskars 9 Inch Razor-edge Shears
Solvy Sulky water soluble stabilizer
World Weidner cut away stabilizer
I primarily use Shannon brand minky, specifically the smooth cuddle 3 type

[@amore9003]

I recently decided to try plush makeing. I drafted my own pattern, and hand sowed the whole thing. it worked. It looks like I intended. I'm so proud.

[@amore9003]

@@beatricegrant3853 Thank you

[@puppylove33806]

hi, do you have tips on making patterns or at least a youtube tutorial you used? ty!!

[@amore9003]

@@puppylove33806 the only tip I have is to study other people's patterns and see how all the pieces fit. I really just made a random pattern after studying how the pieces worked on a plush I had. Im kinda a "just go for it" person so I do minimal research.

[@puppylove33806]

@@amore9003 oh wow tysm!

[@RaccoonWithInternetConnection]

1 year later, i hope you manage to pursue your dream!

[@alienmiep4983]

A little tip for getting cheaper stuffing: IKEA pillows It washes well and clumps about as much as the craft store stuffing, but can be much cheaper :)

[@methdrinkerr]

Nice! I like to thrift plush toys and use their stuffing (I repurpose the outer parts by making clothing)

[@mistaecco]

Putting the "learn to run before you walk" comment regarding pattern making at the start of this video is the best advice I've gotten since starting this hobby. My "premade pattern" creations still look rough, but each one improves on the last. Looking forward to trying pattern making again once I'm a bit more experienced :)

[@makeshiftwingsplush]

the first pattern attempts i make are not pretty either, and i have over 10 years of experience!! it's a learning process, even for each individual plush. i know you said you avoid social media, i tend to post my ugly prototypes on twitter to share how bad some of mine are, vs the final product 😂

[@Tunanunaa]

If people are looking to get supplies at Joanns I recommend checking out the sew-lush fleece. It has a longer pile than the minky they stock and some more colors too. I used it for a bat plush and she turned out sooooo soft! It’s really not beginner friendly though since it’s very stretchy and the longer pile makes it slip around.

[@makeshiftwingsplush]

yeah i've used it before and it is super soft but very difficult to work with!

[@Oswald-no4mi]

Another sewing machine option without buying one is to check libraries around you! A lot of libraries carry machines to "borrow" like a book

[@Yipper64]

1:22 I started out by designing my own patterns, specifically by observing my own plush toys and reverse engineering the 2D shapes it must be made out of. And then I made the thing. Its not perfect, looks a little wonky, but I did it.

[@sklsdjf]

yep, I agree. I learn almost everything by reverse engineering. it's basically like using patterns for practice but instead of actually making them you're just making them in your mind lol (or demaking). it's like cutting out the middle man. may not work for everyone but definitely works, especially if you're the type of person who is going to get discouraged by being tied down creatively to only using premade patterns

[@kharmachaos667]

I have finished my first plushy and I am so happy. :3 Although I definitely wanted to make one from scratch, after watching this vid, I settled for a simple bunny pattern, and changing the fabric to a cheap walmart "plush fleece". thankfully i inherited what i needed (sewing machine, threads, a walking foot, etc) for the project, and I even added a pattern piece when I couldn't sew it like the instructions said. It came out nice and I am excited to continue to make them!

[@makeshiftwingsplush]

i'm so happy to hear that!!

[@gabrieleriva_bboykappside]

I personally only have interest as part of an audience, but I am intrigued by how various crafts work. Especially this one. I don't know why, sometimes I just get attached to things we did as children but are surprisingly fitting even at adult ages, in other forms. So it is really cool to me to be able to see stuff like yours. This remembered me I had a beige bear plush when I was a kid, I decided to keep it since I grew up with it. One day I lost it, but every time I see something made by you, I remember and I smile. Thank you for taking this to KZbin, you are very skilled. and also, I think gifting a personally handmade plush is something really wholesome to do.

[@makeshiftwingsplush]

thank you so much!

[@cupcakefox5026]

For stuffing, I keep fabric scraps to fill something stiff, but I've also searched for the cheapest pillow I could find at Walmart and used it. $10 pillow versus $50+ filling from the fabric store. I don't know what kind of consequences accompany this, just wanted to suggest it.

[@martithdurel3974]

My parents constantly remind me that I learned how to run before I could walk. So I found your analogy of learning to walk first to be particularly fun. I won't lie, I came to the video because I assumed you were going to discuss drafting patterns. But you never know when you'll learn a new bit of useful information so it's time to finish the video!

[@ModestNeko]

Thanks for the tips~ I've been hand sewing felt plushies xD but I wanted to start cheap to practice without feeling I'm wasting materials. I have a sewing machine from my grandma. I just hope it will be good enough being older.

[@urfavirani]

I was not expecting to see you here lol-

[@ModestNeko]

@@urfavirani LMAO I'm *everywhere* xD Been trying to sew South Park plushies and failing haha

[@urfavirani]

@@ModestNeko sameee although i havent started yet, but good luck!

[@sharkdoesstufff]

I'm a huge plush guy, I love making videos with them and I've always wanted to make my own plush toys for the longest time!

[@midnightstardustmoon]

Omg im so excited!!! I started making a plush of my main oc Stardust the fox/dog!!

[@sunshinecassette]

Sending you good vibes ^-^!!! Hope it goes/is going/ went well 💜

[@chickennuggetpaw]

Is your OC the one on your profile? If so, I bet your plush is gonna be adorable!

[@midnightstardustmoon]

@@chickennuggetpaw It is!! that makes me so happy to hear!!

[@chickennuggetpaw]

@@midnightstardustmoon :D

[@Inklownistired16]

Woah!! I kinda wanted to make a plushie out of azymondias. Thanks for the advice!

[@MasterAkiDraw]

SUCH an insightful video! thanks so much for this!!

[@Jessifizz]

oh! awesome! I got into sewing as a tween/young teen, but i'm super out of practice, and the SE 400 is the model I already own! good to know it has your approval, haha! I think I might make a little practice plush with some scrap fabric and poly fil i have laying around :0

[@makeshiftwingsplush]

good luck!!

[@testerwulf3357]

I just randomly got this in my recommendations and I will seriously take this to heart! I had no idea what to use for fabrics or even stuffing so the recommendations help a ton :] I'll probably have to get into using sewing machines, little scared/worried as I've never used one before but if I get one the recommendations on not going for the toy looking ones is helpful. Till then I'll probably have to look up more stitch types for my hand sewing as I only really know 1 way and idk what it's called ^^'

[@makeshiftwingsplush]

ladder stitch is the best hand sewing stitch!

[@kindadeadinside1872]

I’ve been wanting to make plush cats for some reason so thanks for this lol

[@amusingkiwi9586]

Im planning on making a custom edgy cow plushy thats also a bag cant wait fr. I drew up my own pattern and everything

[@silverstorm_studios1547]

Patterning is a definite trial and error for plush making! It is really all going to come down to the ability of what you can do. I prefer pattern making all things myself including a plush project I’m working on ^-^ and if you really want to do it go for it! However i definently understand why beginners do better with patterns premade as your taking a 2d object and trying to create a 3d object. Which is not easy to do. So at the end of the day coming from personal experience as someone who is patterning their own plush(I have made patterns similar to plush in the past). I highly reccomend the premade patterns

[@beccaturner8834]

Thank you so much ❤

[@A_WeirdShipper]

My mother has a sewing machine! And she has sew dresses before, so I plan to get the materials to sew plushies on my birthday and have my mom help me use the sewing machine and help me use other sewing materials!

[@Iceike04]

Question, would you also recommend learning sewing in general? Would that help?

[@makeshiftwingsplush]

Yes, it'd be helpful to know at the very least the basics of your machine and sewing like a straight stitch and back stitching!

[@reggyyy126]

thank you for this

[@attackfrogs]

well dang now i feel proud of myself for making my first plush from my own original pattern! tho before i made that plush, i did get a bit of practice first by altering an already made plush

[@canidae995]

Looking for a New Years hobby and I’m so excited to try it out JDJJ I’ve been spending wayyyy too much on Pokémon plushies, my only concern is that I don’t have an embroidery machine but I’m still excited to try 💪💪

[@lunawolfheart336]

I use tailors chalk for drawing patterns as the fleece I use doesn't like fabric marker.

[@-sapphire-3381]

This was really helpful I have been working on navigating my great grandmothers machine it's a Sears kenmore model 1601 and I've been trying to sew this piece of mink I got from Joanns but the needle kept bending so I looked at the manual and I'm thinking I need a size 18.

[@makeshiftwingsplush]

Great to hear!

[@Mintyeon470]

I spy Leafeon! 💚 Leafeon is my favorite pokemon! Great video! Really good advice for people who are just getting started! Good luck every one! I have a brother SE425 machine that I got for Christmas a few years ago, I've been using it for sewing linings for my crochet purses and some other small repairs and adjustments to clothing. I've yet to use the embroidery function due to a lack of stabilizer! 😂

[@unicorndonut466]

Yay!

[@muckstickysoviet]

Very informative. I’m going to try to make A replica of the Neptune plushy room item from megadimention neptunia VIIR. Wish me luck! Btw I love the dog with the vest, it looks like an animal crossing character so cool

[@makeshiftwingsplush]

good luck!! it is, it's kyle from AC 😊

[@bipsahoy8064]

I embroider as a hobby, but when i saw a stapling sewing machine i immediately got inspired to try and make plushies thinking it shouldn't be too hard (i was wrong!) I just wanted to ask is it worth getting that stapling hand sewing machine? Im used to working with bigger threads and im im really intimidated by sewing machine threads

[@TheBuggyGal]

I have everything down pat except for hand embroidering on minky for plush eyes/mouths. I don't have the money or longterm need for an embroidery machine, so how should I prepare the fabric for a good ol hoop setup? It's incredibly stretchy and I worry about the pile showing through/causing unevenness in the final product.

[@makeshiftwingsplush]

I've never done hand embroidery before so i can't provide advice. I know I've seen it discussed in this group though, so you might want to join and look for the posts m.facebook.com/groups/PlushArtistsUnited/

[@moongazell1430]

So I’m wondering- can you use the exact same techniques and stuff for making a really big plushie? I’m talking the main body being about 3 and a half feet long. Also- how do you make a pattern, when you want to use different types of fabrics? Because of the stretch and stuff- (sorry for asking so much, I’m just really excited for this huge dragon plush I want to make as my first not hand sewn plush, and I’m really anxious that the face and legs won’t have the shape I intended, but I’m not sure how to make a pattern for it all to look how I want it to)

[@makeshiftwingsplush]

It should scale fine except you need to scale the pattern without seam allowance and then add it after because the seam allowance would expand too. You need to pattern with preferably the same type and brand of fabric you plan on using (diff brands of minky stretch differently, and minky stretches differently from fleece) but a lot of people don't do this since it's more expensive. But it's the safest way.

[@funnygelatin3184]

I’m trying to make a leafy plush from bfb/bfdi

[@suppertimesims]

Thank you for this informative video :) do you know if making a plush with shaggy hair fur fabric would be difficult? And if so would you ever be willing to make a tutorial on that? Great work just subbed 👍

[@makeshiftwingsplush]

thanks! if you're asking about making a plush entirely out of faux fur, then you just have to keep in mind some patterns are made for stretchy fabrics and won't translate. there's not really much to make a tutorial on that topic.

[@breck4381]

“Go easy” *Me trying oc plushies human chibi * Damn

[@MontanaSlime]

I just wanted to say that I under beginner sewing machine thought it was a machine with controllable speed. I tried one from my step mom but it was a more professional one because it went really fast with light weight on the pedal. My final question is: do you recommend any type of sewing machine?

[@Western.Werewolf.Studios]

Hi! I have a question! I've made some patterns for "plush fursuit" paws before, do you think that be enough experience to make a more detailed plush pattern? Your work is so cute btw!!!

[@jaydenramirez4422]

Hi! Sorry you never got a reply from anyone and Idk if you’re still wondering but I would say that can possibly be a good enough of experience!

[@greenapple9477]

WORK WITH ONLY FELT AND FLEECE AT FIRST. DO. NOT. BUY. MINKY. UNTIL. LATER. That shit was too slippery for me to use and not get frustrated with.

[@fartmagus]

oh wow they look so adorable!!!! thank you sm🩵

[@kwingle]

What’s the point in the bobbins? (Or clips, ive seen others use clips. Is one better than the other?)

[@tabbycat2944]

I have a Singer sewing machine and I always wondered can you use a sewing machine to embroider? You mentioned you used yours to embroider idk if I misheard, but yeah I wanted a faster way to embroider since I have the embroidery floss but I lack the hoop and not sure of the process to make those pretty faces.

[@makeshiftwingsplush]

only certain machines come with attachments to convert it to an embroidery machine, and i'm sure you would know about it if yours was capable (it's a huge attachment). the only thing you can really do is applique for faces with a normal machine to speed up the process.

[@tabbycat2944]

​@@makeshiftwingsplush Thank you! I found out that my machine has a free motion embroidery foot to buy separately. I have a few more questions, like when doing machine embroidery should I use embroidery floss or just regular thread? And do you fold your fabric when cutting to make two of the same shape? And how do you make your cutting more stable, mines doesn't come out too clean but I believe Im using scissors that work with fabric.

[@makeshiftwingsplush]

@@tabbycat2944 a free motion embroidery foot isn't the same thing. if you check out my "tools of the trade" video you will see how my machine works. free motion foot lets you do it yourself but a machine that can do both normal sewing and computerized embroidery lets you input embroidery files in it for the machine to stitch out automatically.

[@tabbycat2944]

@@makeshiftwingsplush Ohhhhhh. Also that's super neat!

[@chocomokab0mb]

Hey, I watched your video before I got a sewing machine. I got a Brother LX3817, I'm not too sure if it's good for plush making, but it's okay for regular sewing.

[@makeshiftwingsplush]

any regular sewing machine is fine! embroidery is great for plush making but not a requirement :)

[@vini_the_human]

is it ok to try to modify a already made pattern as a beginner? The plush I want to try and make is fairly simple

[@makeshiftwingsplush]

you can try, but it might be difficult to understand what the pattern is doing before you actually put it together. so you might want to try making a test one without modifications to understand how the pattern works, then make a 2nd with your modifications.

[@vini_the_human]

@@makeshiftwingsplush ahh, thanks for the advise!

[@nixy1244]

Did you make the plushies in the back ground or did you buy them? 😮 Also, would fabric that you use to make fuzzy blankets with work? Also, what if you took stuffed animals around your house that you had as a kid, opened a small part of it, and turned it inside out to make a pattern from it. While you at it, you can put new stuffing in when your done getting the pattern 😮

[@makeshiftwingsplush]

i buy a lot of plushies, but a lot of them i make too! yes, you can use fuzzy blanket material, but it will be harder to work with. taking apart a plush for its pattern is pretty common too.

[@Wingedwolfstar67]

I’m having the hardest time finding patterns for realistic bunnies/rabbits. All of them I’ve found online either look like teddy bears or humanoid cylinder legs and arms type styles (not a fan). I find plenty or realistic crochet and felt, how do I get a bunny shaped bunny pattern? 🥲

[@makeshiftwingsplush]

like this? www.etsy.com/uk/listing/754935495/sew-a-baby-rabbit-sewing-pattern-instant

[@FlackoWeasel]

NazFx has on the gumroad a hare pattern what looks more realistic shaped :)

[@pupuhiroehvidah]

Hmmmm... so, i want to make a bat plushie (the Bee Zee Art one) and... i never stitched in my life or anything, but i'm a crafter... and idk if i will have trouble with the instructions, or with the stitching but yeah, i will try! I will try to do this little boi and when i finish, i will edit this comment (Wish me luck please 😅)

[@salembunny2255]

I was wondering where are some good places to buy plush fabric or fur.

[@makeshiftwingsplush]

for shannon minky in the US, fabric.com or if you have amazon prime they sell there and you can get free shipping. otherwise, www.missouriquiltco.com/ and caliquiltco on etsy. howl's fabric will also start carrying shannon minky soon, and they also sell good faux fur. big z fabric has their own line of minky, but it's not as high quality, but they also have faux furs which are really nice!

[@L3ONwithaZ]

What specific stitch types do you recommend learning first? I know the blanket and ladder stitch from other tutorials but that's about it ^^" Also can you ever leave too much seam allowance? Will it affect the plushie at all? And what can you do do make the plushie more durable?

[@makeshiftwingsplush]

straight stitch is most important. zigzag stitch you'll use for things like applique, but not necessary for beginners. ladder stitch for closing seams! if you have over 1/8-1/4" seam allowance, you can trim it down. if you don't, the shapes won't come out right, because the fabric won't stretch the way it should. you can make it more durable by machine sewing the entire plush and going over the seams twice.

[@DragonRiderShiru]

I'm a little surprised you didn't mention using cotton as a fabric. Is it because it isn't as soft?

[@makeshiftwingsplush]

it's not very common to use non-stretch materials in plush making!

[@kamenkuma05]

How do you do an invisible stitch on a sewing machine?

[@X_Paper_Dino_X]

Hey i wana start plush making but idk what fabrics to use. Whod a non-fuzzy non-elastic fleece work for plushies? I dont want something very soft. I want something more solid if it makes sense?

[@makeshiftwingsplush]

you can use anything it will just affect how the plush comes out. most plush are patterned using stretch materials so if you use a non-stretch, it'll look way different than intended.

[@Lonely_dumas]

What if I'm a beginner and wanted to make a costome squishmallow TwT they're pretty simple so I didn't think it'd be that hard but idk how to measure it out

[@Lonely_dumas]

I really want my own costome squishmallows lol

[@Lonely_dumas]

Tho I'm most worried about not sewing it well and it falling apart /don't care as much if it ends up a little uneven/lopsided lol

[@makeshiftwingsplush]

You could probably use this pattern by cholyknight, it looks kind of similar to squishmallows. but working with mochi minky is not easy, and its hard to find. so you might just want to use fleece or normal minky. cholyknight.com/2017/05/05/unicorn-kitty-pillow-plush/

[@Lonely_dumas]

@@makeshiftwingsplush ty :D

[@JakePlayzAdoptME8]

I'm making a merch line

[@cheeseboii197]

I’m making my own plushies I think I’m ready

[@ningguang007]

3:39 I have him on my animal crossing island lol

[@SeaSerpentLevi]

I just wanna make kirby and i feel like im stufying a nee science but maybe im just too dumb lol Obs: Lovely video your plushies and drawings are so cute

[@urfavirani]

Theres this plushie i want but its from 2001 and also very expensive on ebay (nearly 200 dollars) so i wanna make it myself lol

[@makeshiftwingsplush]

be careful, material costs can add up quickly!

[@peanutfries3217]

Totally relate to this, the plushie I want doesn't even exist, because the only one made is ugly😂I'm learning to make some, start with sock plushies, these are easier to make

[@anonymgirl1899]

@@peanutfries3217 omgg same! For me it’s a Popee the performer plush..-

[@ravenclawrm6992]

I want to be able to make my own twitch emotes but I am really really slow at learning how to use new things

[@Squeakwee]

no offense what does this have to do w sewing

[@ravenclawrm6992]

@@Squeakwee Because I want to make my own plushy‘s I figured that was simplistic enough

[@Squeakwee]

ohh sorry I misunderstood I thought you meant like referring to digital art for some reason lol

[@ravenclawrm6992]

@@Squeakwee you’re good

[@shallowwater]

THE GREAT SERPENT! Squee~

[@birdify3020]

wooper plush?

[@yogurtcat.9607]

As a furry I'm really getting interested in making plushies, I love the idea of surprising my friends with plushies of thier sonas! Buuuut I'm also quite hesitant as I'll probably be ridiculed irl for making plushies as a 34 years old dude 🥲

[@makeshiftwingsplush]

as a 33 year old chick, you'll be fine :)

[@Rat-zf2wh]

I really want to start sewing plushies, but I have no idea how to sew.

[@makeshiftwingsplush]

You can look up videos on KZbin for sewing basics for similar machines to yours :)

[@Rat-zf2wh]

@@makeshiftwingsplush I found out my grandma has a sewing machine,but its over 20 years old so I dont think i’ll be @boe to find a tutorial on that machine and itgonna be kinda hard to convince my parents to get me a machine because my grandma already has “a perfectly good” sewing machine.

[@makeshiftwingsplush]

@@Rat-zf2wh you'd be surprised at what you can find. Even so, if you look up sewing machine basics for older machines (ones that arent computerized I'm guessing) you could apply that to your own machine. The basics of all machines are very similar to each other

[@Rat-zf2wh]

@@makeshiftwingsplush thanks i’ll try to look.

[@swiftzi6954]

Has anyone made a pocchita plush from chainsawman I really want to make one

[@jurachi1180]

Lol I see them everywhere now on Etsy

[@shaggytacobell7407]

Zoinks yoay

[@stash249]

0 o0

[@-._shuriken_.-]

can an 8 year old do that?like im 8???

[@hearts.22]

ask your parents for help! they might be super encouraging and might have knowledge of it from beforehand!

[@_TheSilliestSilly]

Who knows where to buy fluffy socks for plushies?

[@chaparra6488]

I started today triyng to find where to get the right good quality fabrics for plush making since The plushies from the anime Attack on titan released on Japan are now 100-400 dollars and made with fleece that can easily get little pieces off, I want to make a Erwin Smith with good quality fabrics because I’m gonna snuggle that thing every night😊 and with a sowed face I do appreciate.

[@makeshiftwingsplush]

i have a guide on my website on places where i like to buy minky: www.plushbymakeshiftwings.com/plush-making-resources.html hope it helps!

[@MC_Cynator]

A tip is to put the video at 1.25 speed

[@flynnmorrow6945]

Oh, thank you!

[@mariaduran4357]

Hllllllo