How to Sew a Horse Stuffed Animal (Nutty Nag Plush Horse Doll) with Pattern & Video Tutorial

Sure, it’s easy to open up your laptop or head to the store to buy a stuffed animal for the little one in your life — but where’s the fun in that?

Sewing plush toys and stuffed animals at home has made a resurgence in recent years, mostly fueled by sewists’ desires to make high-quality “projects” that are designed to last more than one season. Many of these make-at-home creations are cherished by kids and adults alike — passed down from sibling to sibling, and even generation to generation.

You’re likely already familiar with Rustic Horseshoe, an Arizona-based company known for their easy and cute sewing patterns for a wide range of plush toys (if you haven’t checked out our must-see stick horse and plush toy sewing patterns blog post, click here), and this week, our National Educator Teresa Coates dives into one of our favorites — Nutty Nag.

As part of our Sew Together Tuesday educational video tutorial series, Teresa shares all her expert tips on how to sew the Nutty Nag horse doll by Rustic Horseshoe, including her recommended Shannon Fabrics fabrics, step-by-step instructions and all the little techniques that make a world of difference.

Rustic Horseshoe is graciously offering Shannon Fabrics fans 30% off the PDF Nutty Nag Horse Doll Sewing Pattern and Tutorial on RusticHorseshoe.com, now through June 30, 2020 with code "SHANNON30".

Fabrics and notions you’ll need to sew a horse stuffed animal

Here are the fabrics, notions and supplies Teresa recommends (and used in her video) when sewing a horse stuffed animal with Cuddle® minky fabric. Please note these are just suggestions and can be swapped out for whatever you have at home or whatever your local shop or online retailer has in stock:

Nutty Nag horse doll sewing pattern
1/2 yd. Cuddle® print or Luxe Cuddle® for body
1/4 yd. Cuddle® 3 for hooves
1/4 yd Cuddle® 3 for markings and muzzle
Yarn or Cuddle® 3 scraps for mane
Fiber fill (20 oz) (we recommend Fairfield Royal Silk)
1 pair of safety eyes (20, 24 or 30mm) or scrap fabric for eyes
Flower head pins (we recommend Clover)
Snips (we recommend Famore)
Felt tip marker to trace pattern
OLFA SAC-1 blade
Polyester thread (we recommend Mettler or Superior Threads)
90/14 stretch needle (we recommend SCHMETZ)
Walking foot
Stiletto (we recommend ByAnnie)

nutty nag

Things to keep in mind when sewing a horse stuffed animal

Trace your patterns on the back of the Cuddle® and cut out using scissors or the blade. Make sure you transfer all markings.
Double check on every seam to make sure that you caught both sides; with quarter-inch seams it’s easy to miss a little.
Use a polyester thread (we recommend Superior Threads or Mettler brands) for added strength in your seams.
To make him sit up better, add a muslin packet of Poly Pellets to his bum.
You can use chenille stems in his neck to keep it upright without over-stuffing.
For very young children, an appliqued or embroidered eye is best. For older children, use a 20 to 30mm safety eye.

How to Sew a Horse Stuffed Animal (Nutty Nag Plush Horse Doll)

Part 1: How to Sew a Horse Stuffed Animal

Part 2: How to Sew a Horse Stuffed Animal

If you have any questions about Cuddle® minky plush fabrics or any of our Cuddle® Kits, feel free to contact our friendly, no-pressure customer service team at 866-624-5252.

Ready to start sewing? Use our store locator to find a selection of Cuddle® minky fabric online or near you.