Free Stuffed Dog Pattern and Jacket Pattern for a Collector’s Toy

Stuffed animals have a timeless charm, but a collector’s toy is truly special. It’s not just a plush—a work of art, infused with personality and craftsmanship. If you’ve ever wanted to create your high-quality stuffed dog, you’re in luck! This free stuffed dog pattern will guide you through the process, from choosing materials to adding the final finishing touches. It is perfect for advanced teddy bear makers.

Materials and Tools You’ll Need

Before diving into sewing, let’s make sure you have everything required to bring this collector’s plush dog to life:

• Fabric: viscose Steiff Schulte or Helmbold with a pile length of 6 mm.
• Stuffing and Weightening: Polyester fiberfill and metal or glass pellets.
• Needles & Thread: A strong hand-sewing thread, waxed thread.
• Joints: discs 20 mm in diameter – 6 pieces, 25 mm in diameter – 4 pieces, washers 10 pieces, cotter pins – 5 pieces.
• Eyes: Black glass eyes on a metal loop approximately 8-10 mm in diameter or your choice.
• Tools: Scissors, an awl, pliers.
• Other materials: Felt fabric or sheep wool, paints, glue, a small piece of thin fabric for the ears and feet, and wire. Cotton fabric (2 kinds), a piece of faux fur, and buttons for the jacket.

Download the Free Stuffed Dog Pattern

To download the pattern, follow the instructions below:

From a phone or a tablet (Android): There should be something similar for mobile devices with Android or iOS. Click on the image. Save it by holding your finger on the image and selecting the “Save Image” option. Then go to your photo gallery and print it (there is an option).

From a computer (Windows): Click on the photo of the pattern you see below. In the new tab that will open, you press the right mouse button and select the “Save image as …” option. Then, you choose where the image will be saved on your computer.

Step-by-Step Guide to Sewing Your Collector’s Plush Dog

1. Cutting and Preparing Fabric Pieces

Precision is key! Cut your fabric pieces carefully, leaving a small seam allowance (usually 5-7mm) around each piece.

2. Sewing the Head

Sew all the darts (highlighted in green).
Sew the dart from C-C1 to F, gathering the fabric.
Sew the two mirrored headpieces along the markings from C-C1 to D.
Sew in the head gusset along the markings from D-D1 to E-E1 and E-E2.
Sew in the chin, following the markings from B-B1 to A-A1, then sew while gathering from A-A1 to C-C1 and from C-C1 to A-A2. Finish sewing along the markings from A-A2 to B-B2.
Sew the ears and insert the wire inside.

3. Sewing the Body

Stitch together the belly part with the back part of the body, and then sew the two assembled parts together. Leave an opening for stuffing. Turn the fabric right-side out and use a tool like a chopstick to gently shape corners and curves.

4. Sewing the Limbs

Sew two mirror-image parts for the arms and legs of the dog. Then, attach the feet.

5. Stuffing and Weighting

Stuff the head and limbs with synthetic filler, insert discs with cotter pins and sew up the openings. Attach the head and limbs to the body, stuff it, add weight, and sew up the opening. Pull the fur out of the seams and comb the toy.

6. Attaching Features and Finishing Touches

• Eyes and Nose: Securely attach glass eyes, ensuring symmetry. Create the eyelids from felt fabric. Create a nose from felt fabric or using the needle felted method.
• Assemble all the parts of the dog and sew on the tail.
• Shade the dog, enhancing its features.
• Personalized Accessories: Sew a tiny bow tie or create a miniature jacket to give your stuffed dog an extra special touch. This jacket is sewn using a simplified method rather than traditional sewing measurements, making it easy for beginners to follow. The main principle of this technique involves just two steps: first, sewing all the pieces in pairs, and second, joining the assembled parts together using an invisible stitch. Follow a detailed step-by-step guide to create a jacket.

How to Care for Your Collector’s Plush Dog

A handmade stuffed toy deserves proper care to maintain its beauty for years to come. Here are a few tips:

• Avoid machine washing; instead, gently spot clean with a damp cloth.
• Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fabric fading.
• Store in a dust-free display case or a fabric bag when not in use.
• If your plush dog has delicate accessories like a bow tie or jacket, remove them before cleaning to avoid damage.
• For long-term storage, place silica gel packets in the storage container to prevent moisture buildup.
• Gently brush the fur or fabric with a soft toothbrush or lint roller to remove dust and keep the toy looking fresh.
• If the toy gets wrinkled, lightly steam it from a distance to restore its shape without damaging the fabric.

Creating a collector’s quality stuffed dog is an incredibly rewarding project. With this stuffed dog pattern, you can craft a unique, high-end plush that reflects your skill and creativity. Displayed on a shelf or cherished as a keepsake, your handmade plush will remain a one-of-a-kind treasure for years to come.

More Dog Patterns for Crafting

If you’re looking for new ideas to create adorable dogs, check out our unique patterns! We offer various templates suitable for both beginners and more experienced crafters. Learn how to sew a realistic terrier with the Westie terrier pattern, and create a primitive felt husky with our easy husky dog pattern.

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