Cutting out
Step 1
Download the templates and cut each of them out.
Step 2
To make the toy, cut out each of the following pieces:
Main fabric:
- Toy body – cut 2.
- Toy ears – cut 2.
Contrast fabric:
Step 3
To make the bag, cut out each of the following pieces:
Main fabric:
- Bag front and back – cut 2.
- Bag ears – cut 2.
- Bag sides – cut 1 on the fold.
- Bag handle – cut 1 on the fold.
Contrast fabric:
- Bag front and back lining – cut 2.
- Bag ears lining – cut 2.
- Bag sides lining – cut 1 on the fold.
- Bag handle lining – cut 1 on the fold.
Bunny toy: Making the ears
Step 1
Start making the bunny toy. Pin one main fabric and one contrast fabric ear right sides (RS) facing and stitch together all the way around, leaving the straight bottom edge open for turning.
Step 2
Turn RS out, easing out all the curves using a chopstick or similar and press flat.
Step 3
Fold the bottom of the ear to meet in at the centre point, pin and then sew to hold within the seam allowance.
Step 4
Repeat to make the other ear in the same way.
Bunny toy: Making the face
Step 1
Trace the face onto the RS of one of the toy body pieces, using the template for positioning. You can use carbon paper for this or tape the template and fabric to a window so the light shines through and you can see the lines to trace over.
Step 2
Using three strands of stranded cotton, back stitch the eyes, mouth and whiskers into place. Stitch the nose in satin stitch using three strands.
Bunny toy: Assembling the body
Step 1
Place the ears on top of the embroidered body piece so the contrast fabric is RS together with the body and matching both raw edges.
Step 2
Place the other body piece RS facing on top and pin together all the way around.
Step 3
Stitch together, starting at point A and finishing at point B on the bottom edge to make a turning gap.
Step 4
Trim the corners for ease of turning.
Step 5
Turn RS out, then turn the edges of the turning gap to the inside and press.
Bunny toy: Finishing off
Step 1
To create the feet, press the bottom seams up towards the side seams and pin, forming a triangle shape, either side at the base of the bunny body.
Step 2
Stitch along both pinned ‘feet’.
Step 3
Stuff the bunny and ladder stitch the bottom closed.
Bunny bag: Making the face, ears and handle
Step 1
Make the ears in the same way as for the toy.
Step 2
Stitch the face onto the RS of the main fabric bag front piece in the same way as for the toy using stranded cotton.
Step 3
Place the main fabric handle and the contrast fabric handle RS facing and stitch together down both long sides, leaving the short ends open.
Step 4
Turn RS out and press.
Bunny bag: Attaching the sides
Step 1
Pin one long edge of the main fabric bag sides piece RS together around the sides and bottom of the bag front and then stitch together, pivoting at the corners.
Step 2
Stitch the other long edge of the sides piece RS together to the back of the bag.
Step 3
Repeat this with the lining pieces but leave a turning gap unsewn as marked on the pattern piece.
Step 4
Turn the main bag RS out and position the ears with the contrast fabric side down on top, matching top raw edges.
Step 5
Stitch into place within the seam allowance just to secure. This stitching won’t be seen once the bag is assembled.
Bunny bag: Attaching the handle
Step 1
Pin the handle to the centre of the top of each bag side with main fabric facing.
Step 2
Stitch into place within the seam allowance as before.
Bunny bag: Assembling the bag
Step 1
Place the main fabric bag inside the lining bag so they are RS facing.
Step 2
Pin together all the way around the top edges, matching seams.
Step 3
Stitch together around the top of the bag, making sure the ends of the ears and handle are laying flat and straight so they don’t get caught in the seams as you are stitching.
Step 4
Turn the bag RS out through the turning gap.
Step 5
Slipstitch the turning gap in the lining closed neatly by hand.
Step 6
Push the lining inside the bag and press flat along the top edge.
Step 7
Topstitch around the top edge to neaten and hold the lining inside.
