How to make a giraffe rattle toy

We’re in love with this gorgeous giraffe toy created by Jessica Entwistle! It’s child-safe with no swallowing hazards, so it’s an ideal gift for a young child.

It’s a quick sewing project if you’re looking for a last minute gift to make in a hurry.

Read on to find out how to make a giraffe toy with our step-by-step tutorial.

If you’re new to sewing, check out our how to use a sewing machine guide, beginners guide to sewing and sewing patterns for beginners.

Fabrics used

The fabrics used are from the Les Petits collection by Amy Sinibaldi.

• Petits Strokes, Coral.
• Petits Strokes, Sun.

Notes

• Use a 1cm (³⁄₈in) seam allowance.
• Download the templates needed here.

You will need:

• Fabric (25x40cm (10x16in))
• Round rattle insert (25mm (1in))
• Stranded cotton (2cm (3/4in) width x 21cm (8 1/4in))
• Cotton tape
• Polyester fibrefill
• Matching sewing thread
• Basic sewing kit

Cutting out

Step 1

Cut the fabric in half widthways.

Step 2

Download the template and trace around it onto the wrong side (WS) of one piece of fabric, adding all the markings. Cut this out with a 1cm (³⁄₈in) seam allowance.

Step 3

Pin centrally right sides (RS) together on top of the other piece of fabric.

Assembling the body

Step 1

Fold the tape in half lengthways and topstitch down the length. Cut into three 7cm (2³⁄₄in) lengths.

Step 2

Fold the strips into loops and place them between the fabric sandwich with the raw ends facing the giraffe’s outer edge in the positions you’ve marked, then pin into place.

Step 3

Sew together all the way around, remembering to leave a turning gap.

Step 4

Cut off the excess fabric.

Finishing off

Step 1

Turn the giraffe RS out through the turning gap. Press and then stuff firmly.

Step 2

Insert the rattle into the giraffe’s main body, making sure it’s covered in stuffing.

Step 3

Ladder stitch the turning gap closed.

Step 4

Embroider eyes onto the giraffe into the marked positions using satin stitch.

A sweet finish for a handmade toy

This giraffe rattle toy is a lovely project to enjoy from start to finish, and the result is something truly special. Quick to sew and gentle enough for little hands, it makes a thoughtful handmade gift that will be treasured.

Start your next toy project

If you loved making the giraffe rattle, discover more toy sewing patterns for babies and children – perfect for cute, handmade gifts.

Jessica Entwistle

Jess is a fabric crafts designer who’s work is regularly published in Simply Sewing and Love Patchwork & Quilting magazines. She shares her work on her website http://www.jellybgood.com. She inherited her love of fabric, colour and sewing from her mother and specializes in creating easy-to-sew, accessible designs with a fresh modern style, making her projects popular with magazine readers and crafters online alike. She’s got a thing for neon threads and a serious love of fabric. She runs her own craft business creating everything from hair slides and brooches to bunting and quilts. She has previously appeared as a guest designer on Sewing Quarter TV and shares her work on Instagram @jessjelllybgood

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