Looking for a crafty way to reduce waste while creating something adorable? Make your own DIY stuffed animal from recycled materials! This is a budget-friendly project that’s also a great way to support sustainability. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, a parent looking for an eco-conscious activity, or simply someone who loves handmade gifts, this project is for you!
Fairfield World’s Commitment to Sustainability
Like you, Fairfield World values sustainability! The Poly-Fil Fiber Fill you use in your plush projects is made from recycled single-use PET water bottles. Every pound of Poly-Fil keeps 45 PET water bottles from winding up in a landfill. You can learn more about Fairfield’s environmentally friendly practices in our blog post about sewing sustainably.
DIY Stuffed Animal Supplies Needed:
- T-shirts, jeans, curtains, sheets, or fabric scraps
- Scissors
- Needle & thread or a sewing machine
- Poly-FIl Fiber Fill (made with recycled water bottles)
- Buttons or felt for eyes and decorations
- Chalk or fabric marker
- Recycled Paper and pencil (for designing your pattern)
- Pins or safety pins
- Optional: Embroidery thread, ribbons, or lace for embellishments
Step-by-Step Recycled Plush DIY Instructions:
1. Design Your Animal
Sketch your stuffed animal on a piece of paper. Keep it simple—think bears, bunnies, or even quirky creatures with your own twist. Cut out the shape to create your pattern.
2. Choose & Cut Your Fabric
Lay your fabric flat, fold it in half (right sides facing in), and pin your pattern on top. Cut around the pattern, leaving about 1/4 inch seam allowance.
3. Sew the Pieces Together
With right sides still facing, sew around the edge of your fabric using a straight stitch, leaving a small opening (about 2 inches) for turning and stuffing.
4. Turn Inside Out
Carefully turn your fabric right-side out through the opening. Use a pencil or chopstick to push out the corners.
5. Stuff Your Animal
Fill your stuffed animal with Poly-Fil Fiber Fill.
6. Close the Opening
Use a ladder stitch (or simple hand stitch) to neatly close the opening. You now have the basic shape of your stuffed animal!
7. Add the Face and Features
Sew on buttons, felt pieces, or embroider eyes, nose, and mouth. Let your creativity shine—add ears, tails, wings, or even a superhero cape made from scrap fabric!
Project Inspiration
If you’re not sure how to start making your own pattern, or maybe you want some creative inspiration, here are some project ideas to help you get started. These makers share their patterns and process for crafting a cute plush with recycled materials.
Photo by Shiny Happy World
Sweater Bear by Shiny Happy World
Make a sweet plush toy from an old sweater! For a soft textile like this you might want to consider using interfacing to make sewing easier.
Photo by Sew in Love
Stuffed Gremlin by Sew in Love
Sew in Love used vintage bed sheets to create a quirky little stuffed friend. In addition to clothing, old sheets and other household linens can be perfect for recycling sewing projects like this one.
Photo by Growing Up Gabel
No Sew Denim Owls by Growing Up Gabel
Sadly, our favorite jeans don’t last forever, but this project helps prolong the denim’s life! Growing Up Gabel turns old denim into cute owls. The project is no sew thanks to fabric glue, but Stick Double Sided Fusible Interfacing is another alternative to consider.
Photo by Yarnspirations
Denim Blue Bunny by Yarnspirations
This adorable bunny pattern has a raw edge, making it perfect for beginners. The free pattern is simple enough for novice sewists, and the front pocket is just the right size for holding tiny treats!
Photo by Toya
This DIY stuffed animal is a great way to upcycle a variety of denim jeans, using light and dark jeans. Create a realistic looking whale plush in colors that match the sea!
Photo by The Yellow Pteradactly
Memory Bear made by The Yellow Pterodactyl
Memory bears have long been a cherished way to recycle the shirts of a loved one. This sweet short video shows the process of turning a button down shirt into a cute memory bear that will be treasured by the recipient.
Photo by Barley and Birch
DIY Crab Plush by Barley and Birch
This adorable crab stuffed toy is made from a variety of repurposed textiles! An old t-shirt and a stained tea towel find a new life with this cute DIY stuffed animal project.
Creating a DIY stuffed animal from recycled materials is a rewarding way to practice sustainability, spark creativity, and reduce waste. This would be a fun activity to make with kids or as a group this summer. You’ll have sew much fun upcycling and crafting your own DIY stuffed animal!