Custom Plush Toy Design Workshop

This class will be teaching you how to create your own small plush toy through hand-sewing, optional thread sculpting, and lastly-- stuffing! There will be a small variety of beginner-friendly patterns created by me to choose from with predesignated colors and a single material. Class participants will learn how to sew plushies using a variation and combination of stitching techniques, including; a basic running stitch, ladder stitch, blanket stitch and whip stitch. Sewing experience is not needed, as I will coach those who are inexperienced!

For returning workshop participants for this class, I am willing to delve into how to create your own patterns which have the potential to reach into intermediacy.

Materials needed and provided will include thimbles (Since customer finger size varies, I suggest disclaiming this be optionally purchased by participants in the class to accommodate their sizes, the price is also very affordable and widely accessible.), various colors of minky fabric and felt, quilting thread (Quilting thread is thick enough to negate risk of thread snapping for beginners), sewing needles (a size 7-8 is ideal for beginners), scissors to cut thread with, and polyester fiber-fill stuffing (Polyfil).

The demographic for this workshop is all ages, however children under 10 should have parental guidance when handling the needle and thread to be safe.

Instructor Bio

Born and raised in San Jose, I am a 20-year-old Sacramento State University student currently pursuing a BFA in Studio Arts. I have a concentration in sculpting, and museum and gallery curation. I am also pursuing a degree in secondary and tertiary in art education. I am the head artist for my small graphic design business which creates custom works and costumes. I began this work after discovering my interest in sculpting. The myriad of techniques I employ for my work include sewing, patterning (done through digital art programs), 3-D printing, and textile work. In my personal time and while at school, I sculpt using both traditional and digital mediums. As well as this, I am a seamstress, an art educator, as well as an illustrator who employs both traditional and digital mediums.

Host or Publisher Jiaren Cafe