I made this photo tutorial so you can see how to sew my Crocodile Sewing Pattern
~> scroll down for step-by-step photos!
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*** 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 my Crocodile Steve Sewing Pattern can SEE how to sew my shark toy! (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 Crocodile Steve Sewing Pattern)
FIND SOME FABRIC
First you’ll need to choose some crocodile fabric – a crocodile toy doesn’t have to be green!
Start sewing the HEAD:
STEP 1
Fold the fabric (right sides together) and sew the darts in the SNOUT TOP PIECE as shown on the pattern markings.
STEP 2
Sew the SNOUT TOP PIECE to the FACE PIECE from A – B.
* I have shown this as a red line in the photo below.
TIP: Take it slow and use lots of pins.
STEP 3
Sew the TEETH PIECE to the SNOUT TOP PIECE, from A – C – B.
STEP 4
Pin the SNOUT BOTTOM PIECE to the TEETH PIECE from A – D – B. Pin the SNOUT BASE PIECE to the FACE PIECE at the sides, from A – G and B – H. Sew from H around the front to G.
* I have outlined the SNOUT BOTTOM PIECE in the photo below to make it easier to see it!
TIP: I find it’s easiest to sew these pieces together with the SNOUT BOTTOM PIECE down.
STEP 5
Sew the BACK HEAD PIECES together from E – F. Finger-press this seam open.
STEP 6
Sew the BACK HEAD PIECES to the FACE PIECE matching points G/H and E.
LEGS:
STEP 7
Fold, pin and sew the darts in the TOP BACK LEG PIECE as shown on the pattern markings. *Repeat for the other TOP BACK LEG PIECE – 4 darts altogether!).
STEP 8
Sew the FOOT PIECES to the TOP BACK LEG PIECES using the pattern markings to guide you.
* I have outlined the FOOT BOTTOM PIECE in red, in the photo below.
STEP 9
Sew the TOP BACK LEG PIECES to the SIDE PIECES from M – N, matching the single dot of the pattern markings.
STEP 10
Sew the dart in the TOP FRONT LEG PIECES as shown on the pattern markings.
STEP 11
Sew the TOP FRONT LEG PIECES to the SIDE PIECES from P – L, matching the double dots of the pattern markings.
* The dashed red line in the photo below is the sewing line. The solid red line is the seam, seen from the right side of the fabric.
STEP 12
Sew the LOWER FRONT LEG PIECES and LOWER BACK LEG PIECES to the TUMMY PIECE, matching the stars of the pattern markings.
BODY:
STEP 13
Sew the SIDE PIECES together along the base of the tail from J – K.
STEP 14
Sew the SPIKE PIECES together to form 2 spikes for the croc’s back. Trim the seam allowance to 3mm (1/8inch) so the seam will turn nicely.
TIP: If I am using a woven fabric like quilting cotton, I like to iron the spikes when they are turned, to make them nice and flat.
STEP 15a
Pin one of the SPIKES to one SIDE PIECE.
STEP 15b
Sew the BACK PIECE to this SIDE PIECE with the SPIKE in between.
STEP 16a
Pin the 2nd SPIKE to the other side of the BACK PIECE.
STEP 16b
Pin the other SIDE PIECE to the BACK PIECE with the 2nd SPIKE in between and sew them together.
TIP: Turn the pieces over and check – they should look like this!
STEP 17
Cut the slit in the TUMMY PIECE to point S, as shown on the pattern markings.
STEP 18
Pin the TUMMY & LOWER LEGS to the SIDE PIECE and TOP LEGS. Sew the crocodile closed at the sides. Sew from Q – P on one side, around the front leg, from L – M, around the back leg and then around the back from N – J – O. Next sew around the other back leg, REMEMBERING to leave the croc open on the other side between L -M for stuffing. Sew around the other front leg and finally from P – Q on the other side.
TIP: Take your time and use lots of pins. This will stop the pieces from slipping as you sew!
NECK SEAM:
STEP 19
Sew the head to the body at the neck seam matching point F.
TIP: I find the easiest way is to do this is to turn the head right sides out first, then push the head (top first) into the body so you can pin the pieces together at the neck seam, with the fabric right sides together.
CRAFT EYES:
STEP 20
I am making felt eyes for my crocodile so I will sew them on later BUT it is better to insert CRAFT EYES now if you are using them.
TIP: I have a tutorial to show you how to insert craft eyes HERE on my blog.
STEP 21
Once the head is attached, sew the crocodile closed underneath – sew from R on the SNOUT BASE PIECE to S on the TUMMY PIECE.
ASSEMBLY:
STEP 22
Before you turn your Crocodile right sides out, cut the extra fabric off at the tip of each ‘toe’ and snip the seams between each of the toes so that they will turn more easily.
STEP 23
Turn the crocodile right sides out and stuff the head well, especially the snout, cheeks and eye area. Don’t fill the toes with too much stuffing, they must still be flat. Fill the legs well, then finish stuffing the tail and rest of the body.
TIP: I like to use a child’s paintbrush to help me stuff. It helps to get the stuffing in the head and snout nice and firm.
STEP 24
Use a ladder stitch to close the opening on the crocodile’s tummy.
TEETH:
STEP 25
Use a disappearing OR erasable pen or pencil to draw teeth on the TEETH PIECE. (They don’t have to be even, a few uneven teeth will still look ok). Use thick black embroidery thread to sew over the lines to make the teeth.
TIP: I like to sew one side of each ‘tooth’ going one way, then turn around and sew the other side of each ‘tooth’ going one way!
FELT EYES:
STEP 26
Cut the EYE PIECES out of felt using the templates and pin them in place on your crocodile. Use non-toxic glue to stick the eyes on or sew them in place with embroidery thread. You can sew a French knot in the centre of the eye to create the pupil.
TIP: I like to trace my felt pieces with a fabric marker. If you don’t have one ~ go to my blog for other methods for cutting out felt pieces accurately.
Your Croc is ready to LOVE!
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 crocodile you can come show it off ~>
Post a photo on my Funky Friends Factory Facebook page for me to see and YOU could win a FREE PATTERN!
Till next time, happy sewing,
Pauline
