the softest stuffed puppy in the universe

I'll admit, my son has a lot of toys, so I didn't expect much from this little stuffed puppy. But this little guy is one of his current favorites! He's so soft and snuggly, easy for him to grab and stuff into his mouth. Thankfully my sister still had the pattern for this pup and he was surprisingly easy to make!

I made mine out of my favorite soft cotton t-shirt that I wore when I was pregnant with him. I also made a puppy to look like the Blue's Clues pup out of old receiving blankets!

All you'll need is your pattern, scissors, pins, buttons for the eyes, and some fabric. *The link to the pattern is in the wrong format so I'll have it uploaded ASAP!* I recommend using a contrast fabric for the ears but it's not necessary.

First, lay out your pattern and cut. Each piece should say how many cuts you need of it. Just keep in mind when cutting you need one cut of a patterned side and one of the underside.

First sew the bottom pieces together. Just stitch along the top flat side.

Next, pin the bottom to the sides. So really think about how you're pinning here... it took me a little bit to make sure I had it right! Make sure patterned sides are together! Pin the back up toward the tail and the front at the neck as far as they'll go and stitch. Do the same on the other side.

Pin the sides together and stitch from the tail up to the back of the neck. Make sure to leave the neck open to attach the head.

Prepare your head. I like to cut the slits in the ears by folding over the pattern and lining up the scissors. Keep in mind that the slits are going to be a little thinner than the ears to create a little fold.

Make your ears. Patterned sides together again, then flip them inside out.

I like to attach my ears before stitching the head, but you can always do it after attaching the middle piece. Double stitch along the whole seam.

Pin the head together and stitch. I usually add my eyes and nose at this point as well. Button eyes are cute, you can also use felt or beads. Just hand stitch Now all you need to do is attach the head to the body and stitch leaving a small opening at the neck to stuff. I like Poly Fil because it's super smooshy.

So stuff, stitch, and let the joy ensue.