How to make a turtle toy

I once needed a small turtle prop for a story.

Here is how I made it.

First, I cut out two turtle shapes, and 6 (judge as you go- you may only need 5 plates) turtle plates.

Blanket stitch around the edge of the two turtle shapes to join them together. 

Leave a small gap (about 3cm) wide so you can stuff it with fleece before sewing it up.

Add two bead eyes, nice and firmly sewn on so little ones can't accidentally pull them off.

Then for the shell.  Take two plates and hold them together.

Starting at the top, push your needle and thread in between the two plates.

This is so you can hide the excess end of thread.

Jump back into the same spot again but go through both pieces of material this time.

Loop the cotton around the needle.  This is your first blanket stitch.

Continue blanket stitching until you reach the bottom.

To finish, do two stitches on the same spot to make a knot.

For each next piece of shell, start at the bottom and work up to the centre, then add another piece and work back down towards the base.

Do this twice.

  Check for size.  (5 may be enough)

If not, sew on the 6th piece.

Blanket stitch the shell onto the body.

Remember to stuff it with fleece just before you finish sewing it up!

You can be as decorative as you like, or simple like my Mr Turtle!