Introduction: Meet Ferdinand the Frog, the perfect cuddly companion for Valentine’s Day or any day! With his Velcro hands and feet, Ferdinand can hold onto a plush heart or any other gift you have in mind. Plus, with his golden crown, he’s a true frog prince! Follow this step-by-step tutorial to create your own Ferdinand plush frog.
Materials Needed:
- 1/2 yard of bright green fleece
- 6 inch x 12 inch piece of red fleece
- Scraps of wool-blend felt in dark yellow and white
- A pair of 12mm black safety eyes
- Black and white embroidery floss or Perle cotton, 18 inches of each
- 3/4 inch Velcro, 4 inches
- Fiberfill stuffing
- Coordinating all-purpose thread
Step 1: Prepare the Pattern and Cut Out Fabric
- Download and print the Ferdinand the Frog templates.
- Cut out the pattern pieces from the bright green fleece, red fleece, yellow felt, and white felt according to the instructions on the templates.
Step 2: Attach Velcro to Limbs
- Cut the Velcro into four 1-inch pieces.
- Pin and sew a piece of Velcro to the palm of four arm/leg pieces.
Step 3: Assemble Limbs
- Pair up a Velcro limb with a plain one and stitch around, leaving the straight edge at the top open.
- Clip the curves, turn the limbs right side out, and stuff the fingers and palms.
Step 4: Stitch Body Pieces Together
- Pair up the body pieces, right sides together, and stitch around, leaving gaps for the crown, arms, legs, and the stuffing opening.
Step 5: Attach Limbs and Crown
- Slide each arm and leg through the stuffing opening and out at each arm and leg opening.
- Slide the crown through the stuffing opening and up to the crown opening, aligning the straight edge with the edge of the head. Pin.
- Stitch the arm, leg, and crown openings closed.
Step 6: Add Eyes and Mouth
- Poke eye holes in the frog as marked and insert the safety eyes.
- Embroider the mouth using black embroidery floss or Perle cotton.
Step 7: Stuff and Close Frog
- Stuff the frog firmly, beginning with the eyes, and close the opening with ladder stitch.
Step 8: Make the Plush Heart
- Stitch around the heart pieces, leaving an opening as marked.
- Turn the heart right side out, stuff firmly, and close the opening with ladder stitch.
- Optionally, enlarge the heart template and create a larger plush heart for Ferdinand.
Step 9: Final Touches
- Wrap Ferdinand’s arms around the plush heart or another treat.
- Give Ferdinand to someone you love for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day!
Conclusion: With this simple tutorial, you can create your own Ferdinand the Frog plush toy, complete with Velcro hands and feet for holding onto special gifts. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or any other occasion, Ferdinand is sure to bring joy to whoever receives him.
