Softies for Foster Kids: Pattern links

Thanks for joining us in crafting comforting soft toys for foster kids in Skagit and Island Counties in Washington State. Our short list of free online patterns features knitting, crocheting, and sewing patterns that meet, or can be sized to meet, the project requirements. Some are extra simple, with video tutorials. Others are easy, and still others are more challenging. All are free, though some sites require log-in. Of course, feel free to use a different pattern or design your own so long as it meets the project specifications.

Super-easy with video instructions

• Sewn teddy bear
  • http://www.spreadawareness.info/simpleprojects.html Scroll down to find the video on how to make a teddy bear, then print the pattern at size or shrink slightly. Feel free to embroider or clothe the bear!
  • To add a patchwork quilt approach to the above pattern, see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7gGgOrRhxc 

Easy

• Sewn bunnies
  • http://chezbeeperbebe.blogspot.com/2010/03/tutorial-and-pattern-recycled-mooshy.html
  • http://allsorts.typepad.com/allsorts/2011/01/its-fluffy-its-stuffy-its-a-bunny.html For an even easier pattern, decorate the bunny with a necktie or ribbon rather than a dress.

• Knit animals
  • http://petitepurls.com/Fall09/fall2009_anything.html  Worsted weight yarn (4).
  • http://petitepurls.com/Summer11/summer2011_p_fruit.html Fingering or sock weight yarn (2).

• Crocheted bear
  • http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/80687AD.html  Amigurumi. Calls for worsted weight (4), but one way to trim it down to the desirable size for this project is to try it in DK weight (3).

More challenging

• Sewn lamb
  • http://www.patternbee.com/FREELAMBKIN.html

• Sewn dinosaur
  • http://littleblackteapot.blogspot.com/2011/05/stuffed-dinosaur-with-sewing-pattern.html At the size required for this project (pattern pieces printed without enlargement), the foot pads are hard to sew on, so just sew the legs together at the bottom instead and leave a space on the side belly for stuffing.

• Knit cow
  • http://www.canadianliving.com/crafts/knitting/learn_how_to_knit_a_cute_cow.php

• Knit football
  • http://knittybutton.wordpress.com/2011/08/12/plush-football/  Worsted weight yarn (4).

• Crocheted duck
  • http://www.innerchildcrochet.com/patterns/files/smaller_ugly_duckling.pdf

• Crocheted dinosaur
  • http://www.allaboutyou.com/craft/pattern-finder/crochet-patterns/toys-to-crochet/crochet-a-dinosaur-amigurumi-free-pattern-54124 Amigurumi.

And more…

Want some more options? Below are web sites with lists of free craft patterns. Be sure to read the project particulars before choosing a pattern for this project.

• http://www.angelfire.com/planet/mcshelpsite/sewingstuff/freepatterns.html/

• http://www.craftfreely.com/

• http://crochetpatterncentral.com/

• http://www.knittingpatterncentral.com/

• http://www.sewingsupport.com/sewing-how-to/free-patterns-and-projects/

What’s next?

Get crafting! And do check back with our blog for updates.