I made this photo tutorial so you can see how to sew my Orca Sewing Pattern ~> scroll down for step-by-step photos!
This sewing pattern is nice and easy for beginners and children to sew as a first sewing project.
*** PLEASE NOTE – this is ONLY a PHOTO TUTORIAL ***
The FULL PATTERN IS NOT included here. It is NOT A FREE PATTERN.I have made this photo tutorial so people who have purchased the pattern can SEE how to sew this stuffed toy orca! (I wanted to explain this so you are not disappointed if you have found this page via a search engine and not from the link in my Orca sewing pattern!)
The pattern is available to purchase here – Oreo ORCA Stuffed Animal Toy Pattern
First choose some orca fabric.
Oreo looks great in solid black and white but you can have lots of fun with patterned fabrics and different colours too. A toy orca can be all sorts of colours…
even PINK!!!
We start with the TUMMY:
STEP 1
Sew the TUMMY PIECES together along the middle seam from A – B, leaving the gap open for turning.
* The purple arrow in the photo below is where you leave the gap.
BASE TAIL:
STEP 2
Sew the BASE TAIL PIECE to the TUMMY PIECES.
PATCHES:
STEP 3
Cut the EYE PATCHES and BODY PATCHES from white felt.
TIP: I traced the pieces with a fabric marker. If you don’t have one, you can go to my blog to find out about other methods for cutting out felt – https://www.funkyfriendsfactory.com/blog/how-to-cut-out-felt/
STEP 4a
Pin the PATCH PIECES in position on the BODY PIECES.
TIP: It can be hard to know where to place your white felt pieces on the black fabric as you cannot trace the pattern markings through a black fabric. Cut the shape of the EYE PATCH and the BODY PATCH, out of the BODY PIECE template. Lay this on the right side of the BODY PIECE. Place the white FELT PATCHES in place of the bits you cut out and pin them in position. When you remove the BODY PIECE template the felt pieces will be pinned in place PERFECTLY!
STEP 4b
Sew the PATCH PIECES in place by machine or hand sew them, if you prefer.
FIN:
STEP 5
*When you start sewing the black pieces, it is best to change to black thread. I have used white thread the whole way through this tutorial so it is easier for you to see where to sew!
Pin and sew the FIN PIECES to the BODY PIECES matching point C and D.
TIP: It’s very easy to sew the FIN PIECES on back to front so STOP and check the the tip (top) of the FIN PIECES points to the back before you sew! (See the purple arrow in the photo above.)
STEP 6
Sew one TOP TAIL PIECE to one BODY PIECE from E – F. (Remember to sew fabric right side together!) Repeat for the other TOP TAIL PIECE and BODY PIECE.
SEW the top of the ORCA:
STEP 7
These 4 points are sewn in one go!
1. Sew the BODY PIECES together at the front (along the middle seam) from G – D.
2. Continue sewing the FIN PIECES together, sew around the FINS from D to C.
3. Finish sewing the BODY PIECES together at the back (along the middle seam) from C – E.
4. Lastly sew the TOP TAIL PIECES together from E – H.
STEP 8
Sew the MOUTH PIECE to the BODY PIECES matching point G.
TIP: Sew this seam with the MOUTH PIECE upwards so that you can smooth out any wrinkles (puckers) that might form as you sew.
STEP 9
Sew the FLIPPER PIECES together in pairs, leaving the straight edge open. Trim the seam allowance to 3mm so the seams will turn nicely.
STEP 10a
DON’T STUFF the flippers NOW!
First pin the FLIPPERS around the curved edge so that the seam lies flat.
STEP 10b
Stitch around the curved edge, using a 5mm (¼inch) seam allowance, to create a flat seam around the FLIPPERS.
TIP: I actually like the look of the white thread on the black fabric in this photo, but you have to sew really neatly if you are using white thread as it really stands out!
STEP 11
Stuff the FLIPPERS with little pieces of toy-stuffing. Don’t over stuff them, they should be flat. Pin them closed along the straight edge to hold the stuffing in place.
STEP 12
Pin the FLIPPERS to the BODY PIECES, using the pattern markings to guide you. Sew across the open edge of the FLIPPERS to hold them in place. (Use a 3mm seam allowance)
SEW the sides:
STEP 13
Pin the MOUTH, BODY&TOP TAIL PIECES to the TUMMY&BASE TAIL PIECES. Sew the Orca together along the sides.
TIP: Take your time and use LOTS of pins so the pieces won’t slip as you sew.
ASSEMBLY:
STEP 14
Clip the seams well especially around the FIN PIECES. Trim the seam allowance around the TAIL PIECES to 3mm (1/8 inch).
STEP 15
Turn the Orca right sides out through the turning gap.
TIP: Use a wooden chopstick or similar turning tool to make sure the seams are turned really well, especially the tips of the TAIL.
STEP 16a
DON’T stuff your Orca NOW!
BEFORE you begin stuffing, pin the edge of the TAIL PIECES so that the edge seam lies flat.
STEP 16b
Sew a line of stitching around the edge of the tail using a 5mm/¼inch seam allowance to create a flat seam around the edge of the tail. This is the same way you did the flippers.
*I used white thread so you can see where to sew, BUT I suggest changing the bobbin thread to white and use black for the top thread to hide your stitching.
STEP 17
If you are using craft eyes insert them now using the pattern markings to guide you with their position. (If you are embroidering the eyes or using felt, you will sew them after the toy is stuffed.)
TIP: I have a tutorial to show you how to insert craft eyes on my blog. Click the picture below to check it out!
STEP 18
Stuff the TAIL firmly with toy-stuffing, use small bits of stuffing to get right into the tips of the TAIL. Fill the MOUTH and ‘head area’ next, making sure the nose mouth is firmly stuffed, then fill the rest of the BODY with toy-stuffing.
STEP 18
Sew the gap on the TUMMY PIECES closed using a ladder stitch.
STEP 19
Cut the CHEEK PIECES from pink felt. Glue or sew the CHEEK PIECES onto your orca using the pattern markings to help you with their position.
Your Orca softie is ready to LOVE!
I can’t wait to see YOUR Orca!!!
Come join the fun on Facebook!
I LOVE to see how your Funky Friends toys turn out!
When you’ve made your own stuffed toy orca you can come show them off ~>
Post a photo on my Funky Friends Factory Facebook page for me to see and YOU could win a FREE PATTERN!
I can’t wait to see your orcas!!!
. .
Till next time…
Happy Sewing,
Pauline
xxx 
