MATERIALS YOU’LL NEED:

  • TurtleTemplate [PDF]
  • Wool felt: 2 colors (use the template to gauge dimensions)
  • Stuffing (polyester fiberfill, wool, bamboo, or cotton)
  • Embroidery floss: 2 colors (This thread is 6-ply and is easily separated; steps below will use 2 or 3 plies.)

TOOLS YOU’LL NEED:

  • Paper scissors
  • Fabric scissors
  • Sharp snips
  • Hand sewing needle (sharp and with a large enough eye to thread embroidery floss)

STITCHES YOU’LL USE:

  • Satin stitch
  • Double Running stitch
  • Whip stitch
  • Blanket stitch

Unfamiliar with these stitches or just need a refresher? Download Kata Golda’s Guide to Basic Stitches [PDF].

INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1

Print the template and cut out the template pieces with paper scissors. If you wish to make all three turtles, print one template at 100%, one at 75% and one at 125%. Then place the pieces on the felt and cut out the felt shapeswith fabric scissors. Note that you will cut out two of the body pieces and 1 shell piece for each turtle you make.

STEP 2

Stitch the eyes on one body piece using 3-ply black embroidery floss. Use a satin stitch and widely place the two eyes.

STEP 3

Using a blanket stitch and 2-ply black thread, stitch the two body pieces together.

STEP 4

Use a double running stitch to sew eight “U” shapes on the shell layer with 2-ply gold embroidery floss.

STEP 5

To attach shell to body, whip stitch shell piece to only the top layer of the body layer three quarters of the way around. Leave an opening and stuff. Continue your stitch and close the hole.

STEP 6

Repeat steps 1-5 for each additional turtle.

NOTES & TIPS:

  • I like to hand sew with a piece of thread that is about 18" long. (Longer lengths are frustrating to work with as they tangle easily.)
  • To separate the 6-ply floss, I start in the middle of the floss strand I’ve cut and gently, slowly pull off the strands needed (together at the same time).
  • Try to keep the stitch depth and length consistent. When whip stitching and blanket stitching, I make my stitch length and depth between 1/8" – 1/4".
  • Bundles of wool felt squares in various colors are also available fromKataGolda, and include ten sheets of 6.5" x 6.5" hand-dyed felt.