How to Make Fabric Birds

* Needle and Thread

* Fat Quarters (2x 5 inch fabric needed to make 1 bird) or fabric scraps

* Soft Toy Filling

* Black Round Beads (5mm)

* Narrow Ribbon or Twine

* Fabric Scissors

* Pins

* Sewing Machine (optional)

Download the PDF template here

Fold one fat quarter in half with right sides together. Place the body template onto the wrong side of the fabric and using an erasable pen, draw around the template.

Tip: Always check your erasable pen on a scrap of fabric first.

This line is your stitching line. Pin both sides of the fabric together and cut around your sewing line leaving at least a quarter of an inch seam allowance all the way round. Don't worry if your seam allowance isn't perfect, it will be trimmed.

Using the image below as a guide, mark the start and end point of the seam (shown in blue). The gap in the tummy will be used to insert the tummy panel later.

For the wings, fold the contrasting fabric in half and draw around the wing template twice to create four wing pieces. Pin each wing together and cut around the sewing line leaving a 1/4" seam allowance.

Mark a 1" gap along the top edge of each wing. This gap will be used to turn the wing out to the right side.

Draw around the tummy piece on the wrong side of the contrast fabric. Cut around the tummy piece leaving a 1/4" seam allowance.

Sew the bird body along the sewing line between the two points marked earlier. Starting just below the beak, sew around the head, tail and down towards the second mark on the tummy. Leave the remainder of the seam open to insert the tummy panel.

Tip: You may find it easier to reduce the stitch length on your machine to approximately 2.5mm (we used a 1mm stitch around the beak to make a lovely sharp point). If you have one, slide your speed control to slow.

Secure the beginning and end of the seam with a back stitch or lock stitch to prevent it from unravelling when the body is turned. Trim the seam and clip around the beak being careful not to cut into any stitches.

Take the tummy piece and pin or clip in place along one side of the body (ensuring the narrower end is at the beak and the wider end is at the tail). Pin or clip the second side of the tummy panel to the body ensuring the body is fully open.

Tack the tummy panel into place, easing the panel in as you go (the lack of pins or clips will make sewing with a machine much easier). Trim away any excess fabric around the edges of the tummy panel.

Tip: Tack around the whole tummy panel including the turning gap to ensure a good fit.

Sew along one side of the tummy panel with a 1/4" seam allowance. Repeat the process for the second side of the tummy making sure to leave a 2" gap near the tail for stuffing. If you prefer, this stage can be done by hand using back stitch. Remove the tacking stitches from the turning gap and gently turn the body out to the right side through the gap.

Tip: A point turner is useful for getting right into the beak and tail.

Stuff the bird firmly, making sure to gently push small amounts of stuffing into the beak and tail.

Thumb press the gap seam allowance towards the inside of the fabric. Use fabric clips or pins to secure the join and then sew the gap closed by hand using a ladder stitch.

Sew along the sewing line for each wing, leaving a 1" gap along the top of the wing for turning.

Trim the seam allowance and gently turn the wing out to the right side using a point turner. Thumb press the gap seam allowance inwards and then close the gap by hand using a ladder stitch.

Attach the wings on either side of the bird using a few small stitches or fabric glue. Using black thread, sew a small black bead on either side of the head.

Sew a length of twine or narrow ribbon to the back of the bird's neck and tie a knot in the top for hanging.

Your birds are now complete and ready to hang around your home!