Make your own panda softie! This easy sewing project for kids uses scrap felt, a needle and thread, and a little imagination. It’s a sweet, simple way to create a handmade stuffed animal. This post is part 4 of a 6-part sewing series for kids — we previously made a hippo, a corgi puppy, and a pig. In part 5 we’ll make a penguin, so come back and sew along!
If you want more sewing ideas for kids, check out the pig softie and the double-sided tissue pouch from this series.
Watch our step by step video!
For dozens more kid-friendly sewing projects, see the book SEW WITH ME for 60 additional patterns and step-by-step help.
Let’s Make a Softie Sewing Series for Kids
Items you’ll need for the felt softies
- felt scraps (black and white recommended for the panda)
- thread (embroidery floss works well)
- needle
- scissors
- pins
- hot glue or fabric glue*
- paper to print the panda template
Tips for sewing softies
- Work with what you already have. If you don’t have stuffing, use a clean sock or a few plastic grocery bags for a crinkly effect.
- If you don’t have felt, use other fabric scraps. Felt and fleece are ideal because they don’t fray; cotton will fray but still makes a charming softie — pinking shears help reduce fraying.
- You can sew the whole toy or glue it together. This project uses a mix of sewing and gluing so you get a stitched look without hand-sewing every detail.
- Be creative with colors and embellishments. Buttons, embroidery, or small fabric accents personalize your softie.
*Hot glue bonds quickly, but fabric glue is safer for children and may be easier to use; allow extra time for glue to dry when needed.
Panda Softie Sewing Pattern for Kids
How to make a panda softie
Panda Softie Sewing Pattern For Kids
Make a small panda softie with felt scraps and simple stitches — a perfect beginner sewing project for kids.
Equipment
- pins
- scissors
Materials
- printable panda softie template
- felt scraps
- stuffing (polyester fiber fill or substitute)
- hot glue or fabric glue
Instructions
- Cut out the panda template pieces from paper. Pin each paper piece to the felt and carefully cut out the required shapes.
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Position the black eye patches and feet onto one square of felt. Thread your needle — if using embroidery floss, separate it into two bundles and use one bundle (three strands). Tie a knot at the end and stitch around the eye patches and feet. Tie off and trim the thread for each sewn area.
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Glue the eye whites and the nose onto the face using hot glue or fabric glue.
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Set the decorated front piece aside. Lay the second square of felt on your work surface, place the ears on it, then place the front piece on top so the ears are sandwiched between the two squares.
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Use a few pins to hold all layers in place before stitching.
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Stitch around three sides of the square, leaving one side open for stuffing. Add a small handful of stuffing to give the panda shape.
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Stitch the remaining opening closed, knot the thread securely, and trim. Your panda softie is complete.
Video
See the step-by-step video demonstration for visual guidance while you sew.
Notes
You can either sew the entire project or use glue for most steps. This tutorial uses a combination: hot glue bonds felt quickly, but fabric glue is a safer option for kids. If using fabric glue, allow adequate drying time.
The animal softie designs were inspired by a simple kawaii-style clip art that inspired our friendly faces and basic shapes.